Spondylitis Association of America Forums General Discussion General Message Board for Ankylosing Spondylitis and Related Diseases First Enbrel SureClick today yabadabadoo!!!

My first Enbrel shot today at my rheumy's office. It was very easy to do on my thigh. However, it definitely stung a little. She told me to ice it 2 minutes, alcohol pad then do the shot next time.

Hope it works!!! :p

Shots are fun aren't they? I ice for 15 to 20 minutes after I shoot myself and that really helps. I sometimes I have to use the ice the next day too. Good Luck to you!

I love the Sureclick, but it really does sting sometimes and sometimes it feels like that 15 seconds lasts forever! Make sure you let the medicine get up to room temp - it usually took mine about 30 min out of the fridge. And make sure the alcohol on your leg is really dry. I've made that mistake - OUCH! And, if the leg stings too much, try your stomach. It sounds horrible and I was completely set against it at first, but it was great when I finally got up the nerve. No stinging and no site reactions...

I hear ya on the stinging! I told my husband the dogs think I am nuts as I always hit a "high C note" when I do it. It seems to help. LOL. Well, maybe not the dogs ears, but it helps me!
Gail

Personally, I think the stomach is less painful that the leg. You wouldn't think so, but for me it is.

It really stings going in. Not the needle stick, but the actual medicine going in. And on my thigh, I noticed the medicine pools right under the skin and stings even if you touch the skin right after.

So after all the experiences I read here, I did it in my stomach Monday night. And it really wasn't that bad. It still stung a bit, but nothing major. And I noticed it didn't pool up right under my skin. Seemed to spread itself out and go. And NO reaction site!

I loved it. Just had to share that I'm with you all that have found out the stomach is better.

And I also leave mine out for a while. But I don't have time to ice and all that, I found it really doesn't help the sting of the medicine going in.

Isn't that funny?! I do that too. Sort of a high pitched hum until it's over. LOL

I get a reaction to the shot...a bright red spot at the injection site that lasts for 4-5 days. Does the ice also help minimize that reaction?

Yes the ice does help me. I also use hydrocortizone cream.

Thanks. I will try what y'all suggested tomorrow for my second injection.