Health Boards
Sat-15-08-2015, 19:48 PM
Hello Angie, good to hear you are getting Stelara and please do keep this thread updated as you go on your journey.
Yes the nurse will train you and they won't leave you to it unless they are happy, so don't hesitate to tell your nurse if you feel you are not ready to go it alone.
Yes it's best to get it out of the fridge before injecting, I would aim for about half an hour before the nurse is do to visit. The reason for getting it out is to stop the possibility off it stinging, because it is cold it may sting a little as it goes under your skin which is obviously body temperature but to be honest it's no big deal if it is still cold.
It's a simple process and once you get used to it you can perform the injection in a couple of minutes easy, as for tips I would say the following.
#1 Don't worry about it, it's a simple small needle that only goes under the skin.
#2 Shove the needle in quick, just pinch an inch of skin and go for it. (It will sting a little more if you try to push it in slowly)
#3 Inject it slowly, don't try and rush it.
#4 Being in a quiet place by yourself and deep breathing can help if you are feeling nervous.
#5 Just take your time, wash your hands, swab the area with alcohol solution, pinch an inch, take a deep breath, shove the needle in quick, slowly push the syringe till it's all in, withdraw the needle and let go of your inch of skin, wipe with the alcohol swab, dispose of needle properly, job done.
As for your dermatologist saying "don't expect it to work quickly" I think you may be surprised, the 12 week thing is when it's recommended to stop if there is no improvement.
Oh almost forgot #6 I would recommend the Drambuie after the shot and not before.
Yes the nurse will train you and they won't leave you to it unless they are happy, so don't hesitate to tell your nurse if you feel you are not ready to go it alone.
Yes it's best to get it out of the fridge before injecting, I would aim for about half an hour before the nurse is do to visit. The reason for getting it out is to stop the possibility off it stinging, because it is cold it may sting a little as it goes under your skin which is obviously body temperature but to be honest it's no big deal if it is still cold.
It's a simple process and once you get used to it you can perform the injection in a couple of minutes easy, as for tips I would say the following.
#1 Don't worry about it, it's a simple small needle that only goes under the skin.
#2 Shove the needle in quick, just pinch an inch of skin and go for it. (It will sting a little more if you try to push it in slowly)
#3 Inject it slowly, don't try and rush it.
#4 Being in a quiet place by yourself and deep breathing can help if you are feeling nervous.
#5 Just take your time, wash your hands, swab the area with alcohol solution, pinch an inch, take a deep breath, shove the needle in quick, slowly push the syringe till it's all in, withdraw the needle and let go of your inch of skin, wipe with the alcohol swab, dispose of needle properly, job done.
As for your dermatologist saying "don't expect it to work quickly" I think you may be surprised, the 12 week thing is when it's recommended to stop if there is no improvement.
Oh almost forgot #6 I would recommend the Drambuie after the shot and not before.