Me too. I had fears when I had to draw injection from a vial but once I changed to auto injector it is easy peasy.
June 11
Hi Roxann! I am 70 and absolutely abhor needles! That being said, I started having Fatty Liver so I changed from pills to an auto injector for both my RA and Type 2 Diabetes. I can do them easily and I actually don't mind it. However, I could never do a needle injection with a syringe. As long as my meds come prefilled in an auto injector I can do them. Ask if your medicine can be administered with an auto injector. Piece of cake my friend!! You can do it!
June 11
Hi Roxanne..my name is Carolann..and your not alone. I am 69 years old and the thought makes me quiver.My daughter gives me the shot of Enbrel..but know I have to do it someday..I guess compared to the pain of Ra..we will do what we have to..but your definitely not alone..
June 11
Fear of self-injection is incredibly common among people with RA — so know that you're definitely not alone in feeling this way! Many myRAteam members have shared the same anxiety, especially before their very first injection.
The good news? Most people find it much easier than expected once they actually try it. As one Show Full Answer
Fear of self-injection is incredibly common among people with RA — so know that you're definitely not alone in feeling this way! Many myRAteam members have shared the same anxiety, especially before their very first injection.
The good news? Most people find it much easier than expected once they actually try it. As one myRAteam member put it, "Self-injection was scary at first, but it was much easier than I thought — a little pinch and done." Here are some practical tips that have helped others cope:
- Let the medication warm up — take it out of the fridge an hour or two before injecting, as cold medication can sting more
- Ice the injection site before and after to numb the area and reduce swelling
- Rotate injection sites — thighs, abdomen, and arms are common spots; many find the outer thigh easiest
- Jab quickly — a fast, confident motion tends to hurt less than a slow one
- Let the alcohol wipe dry completely before injecting
- Bring someone with you for your first few injections for moral support
- Ask your doctor about doing your first injection in the office under supervision
One myRAteam member even suggested counting down out loud and rewarding yourself with a favorite snack afterward — small victories deserve celebrating! 🎉 It's also worth asking your doctor about auto-injectors (injection pens), which have a hidden needle and may feel less intimidating than a traditional syringe. Training with your healthcare provider has been shown to build confidence, especially for those with limited hand dexterity.
Always check in with your doctor if you notice anything unusual at the injection site, like prolonged redness, warmth, or swelling lasting more than two weeks.
June 11
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