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New Message Board Archives >> Jan-Mar 2004 >> My first injection...
(Message started by: SoSoViolet on Mar 24th, 2004, 4:54pm)

Title: My first injection...
Post by SoSoViolet on Mar 24th, 2004, 4:54pm
Hello everyone!!

Long time no post...  :-[

Have been keeping an eye from afar though and have enjoyed reading the wonderful and varied messages!!

I've come out of hiding because I have a question.

I decided to try the Imigran jabs (I have 19 piercings so thought I'd take control of the needle for a change!!)

Anyway - demon laughing - needle out - breath held...
Finally press the damn thing and within five minutes suffer every side-effect listed on the instruction sheet as "uncommon".

Tingling (which worsened to trembling) warmth and hot flushing, heaviness, tightness of chest & shortening of breath, dizziness, fealing weak, nausea, and plain scared.
I rang my boyfriend for reasurrance, but was unable to have a coherent conversation with him.

Eventually I felt so exhausted that I fell asleep on my sofa and woke up feeling very drained.

Glad to report that it aborted the demon very well, but jeez, at a bit of a scary price.    :-/

Will this happen everytime I inject Imigran or will this lessen the next time?
I would really value some good advice because right now, because I'm not sure if I want to go through that again, and may just stick to oxygen, which seems to be 'my fave' at the mo!!

Looking forward to hearing about your experiences and sending big purple hugs to you all......!!


SoSo           :)







Title: Re: My first injection...
Post by aprilbee on Mar 24th, 2004, 5:00pm
some CH meds have horrible side effects, but I look at it like, which is worse?  But if they are "uncommon" obviously discuss with your doctor...on the other hand, Relpax is really good for me, the side effects are minimal, but that may not be the case for all....its all trial and error until you find your "coctail" so to speak.

hang in there and use what works!!  hope you get the answer you're looking for!  PFDAN to ya!

Title: Re: My first injection...
Post by Giovanni on Mar 24th, 2004, 5:20pm
Hi SoSo,

I never experienced what you are describing other than feeling really tired for about 30 minutes or so.  You might want to consult with your physician about those symptoms before doing it again.  Also, maybe you need a smaller dose that the full stat dose?

In the past, imitrex has been a wonderful abortive for me.

Good luck,

John

Title: Re: My first injection...
Post by Melissa on Mar 24th, 2004, 5:20pm
SoSo, do you have any underlying heart problems?  People who have any heart problems are not supposed to take imigran (imitrex).  Please speak with your doctor and tell him/her what you experienced after taking the injection, before the next ch attack hits, and let us know what he/she says.


:)mel

Title: Re: My first injection...
Post by suzy617 on Mar 24th, 2004, 5:52pm
Hi SoSo,
You might want to try taking only one half or one third the dose.  It works just as well for most and you will probably see less or no side effects from it.  

Suzy

Title: Re: My first injection...
Post by ckelly181 on Mar 24th, 2004, 6:50pm
Hey so-so,

I kind of had a similar feeling the first year I jabbed myself. I remember being close to barfing the first few times.

I can't remember how many years ago that was (it was back when they had those really big injectors). This year, I was much more comfortable giving myself shots, and the side-effects, though still there, were less "barf-inducing". I still get nauseous and light-headed, but, since the stuff works, I don't care.

Not saying it's not worth a doctor's opinion, but I do think the side effects lessen after a bit.

PF times to ya!

Chris

Title: Re: My first injection...
Post by t_h_b on Mar 24th, 2004, 7:01pm
Definitely use the Imitrex Tip to the left if you have the auto-injectors or reduce your dose to 2-3 mg if you have vials.  Might work just as well and drastically reduce the side effects, plus it's cheaper.  (I get five doses out of two vials.)

Title: Re: My first injection...
Post by Roxy on Mar 24th, 2004, 7:25pm
I didn't realize until I got off the trex altogether, how bad the stuff was making me feel.  I used sooooo much for so long, that when I was forcefully taken off of it, I began to realize that I felt a hundred percent better.

My head still hurt like a SOB, but the rest of me felt so much better.  Even if I get cardiac clearance to use triptans again.....I don't know if I will.  I kind of like the way I feel now.....except for my head and my heart...LOL..... ::).

Title: Re: My first injection...
Post by fubar on Mar 24th, 2004, 10:48pm
Tracey,

You are sooooo right.  When I was doing a lot of Imitrex I suspected it was a wash, pain wise.  Sure, it would give you the relief you so desperately need, but it seemed to make the times between headaches shorter and shorter.  I'm not talking about rebound headaches, those are more like migraine to me.  When I stopped Imitrex completely, even before my CH stopped, I felt worse for a while, especially since I had no abortive other than O2, but the overall condition seemed to improve.

Strange.

Title: Re: My first injection...
Post by SoSoViolet on Mar 25th, 2004, 2:58pm
Thanks so much for the replies guys...

Made an appointment to see my G.P. but he can't see me until later next week...  :-/

Reading your replies had me confused about the injections prescribed in the US compared with what I have here in the UK.

I have a plastic pen (injection system) which comes with a double cartridge pack. Seems that I'm unable to tamper with the little tube that the liquid is held in  [smiley=huh.gif]

Is what I have a 'auto-injector' and (please excuse my ignorance) but what is/ how big is a vial    [smiley=huh.gif]

I feel really stupid now, but I'll get over it!!    :-[

Hope this all makes sence....


Soso

ps  I don't have any other health complications so to do with heart  or breathing so I can tick that off the list of concerns!!


Title: Re: My first injection...
Post by Rock_Lobster on Mar 25th, 2004, 4:16pm
I get the .5ml vials and the syringes.  Not sure why everyone gets the autoinjectors.    I typically do .15-.20ml per dose.

It is so lovey dovey.

Rock

Title: Re: My first injection...
Post by LadyLuv on Mar 31st, 2004, 10:51am
I've been using the injections for approximately 2 years and all I can say is, WHAT A GOD SEND! Prior to  being put on the Trex Injections I found my self going to the ER during each cycle.  I've experienced no scare tactic side effects with the injection. With-in 5-10 minutes of taking an injections I usually feel a warm tingleing, slight exhaustion and than I'm able to return to sleep. My only problem is getting my insurance company to pay for enough medication to get me through a cycle. The pills also works for me if I catch the headache just as it starts, but the nasal spray seems to have no effect at all.

For any one that have not tried imitrex and would like to see if if works for you, go to imitrex.com and you can get a free prescriptions (9 pills).

Peace & Blessing
LadyLuv :)



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