Hi folks,
I’m due to have my first Kesimpta treatment tomorrow. The nurse is coming to the house to show me (and hubby) what to do.
I’m feeling quite nervous on two counts - injecting myself, and the side effects.
I used to be needle phobic, but that got better when I got pregnant with my first child as they take blood so often from you when you’re pregnant that I got desensitised to it.
I know I won’t see the needle in the pen thing that contains the treatment, but I’m still nervous. It’s quite the thing to inject yourself!
I have heard the needle is tiny and even smaller than the ones they use on babies, so I am hanging on to that thought!
I am also anxious about the side effects. I have just got over flu and it was bloody horrendous, so I’m not looking forward to feeling like that again!
I am guessing that after a few months this will all be my new normal. But I’m anxious at the moment.
And I wonder if starting treatment will really bring it home to me that actually this MS is real and happening to me.
I am glad I have access to this very effective treatment and wouldn’t dream of not having it. I am grateful for it.
Any comforting words and virtual hugs gratefully received 
Thanks
Alison
2 Likes
Wishing you all the best on Kesimpta when you start it, Alison. And you can have a virtual 
too.
A different kind of injection but, my youngest sister has had type one diabetes since she was 5 years old. Put another 5 next to that and that’s how long she’s been injecting herself. Twice daily for 5 decades now. Originally it was our mum who did it until she could manage it herself. As a family we were all shown how to do it. My other sister and our dad too. We had to practice inserting a needle into an orange because apparently that’s the closest thing to skin.
I’m sure that you will soon get the hang of it and just think about all the benefits that DMD could give you, with many years of relatively stable ms. I wish you well, Alison.
1 Like
Thank you Freshairman, I really appreciate your kind words and your virtual hug
I’m sorry to hear about your sister’s diabetes. I hope she is keeping well
1 Like
Good luck with it, Alison! I was also very nervous as I mentioned on another thread. Like with other injections that you’ve done, I’m sure you’ll find a way to get used to it and it’s super helpful to have someone to talk you through the first one - a great service.
I’ve got my next dose on Friday and it’s become very routine now - I still have to psych myself up a bit, but truly don’t worry too much anymore and it’s just become one of those things for me personally!
I’d recommend having a nice treat for yourself afterwards - a cute xmassy film, nice drinks or little treat of some kind. You’ve got this!!! Will be thinking of you and hope it all goes as well as possible 
1 Like
Thanks @mackenzieblackman I really appreciate you replying and hearing your experience.
I reckon the idea of a little treat afterwards is a good one! Unfortunately Morrisons will be delivering the food shop once the nurse has been, but maybe hubby can deal with that 
I think a film and a mince pie would be good. Thank you
1 Like
I wish you well with your first kesimpta injection.
I was on this DMT for 11 months before I had to change due to some unwanted side affects. But it’s an easy DMT, you can’t see the needle, it’s quick and convenient. I use to take paracetamol injection and sleep it off. I hope you get on fine with your injection.
1 Like
Oh I do hope that it has gone OK. I remember my home visit from the Avonex nurse in 2000. I think she had me stick a needle in an orange to practice, or is memory deceiving me? Anyway, I did also stick the needle in my leg and remember feeling terribly pleased with myself for having done so. When you think about it, it’s a pretty outrageous thing to have to do, isn’t it? But there we are, and isn’t it amazing what we can do when we have to? 
I hope the the treatment goes really well for you.
2 Likes
Thank you folks
It’s gone pretty well, phew! The nurse was really lovely and explained everything very well, plus there’s written information and an app with videos etc and a support phone line if I need it.
I practiced with a practice injection pen then did the real one. It was very straightforward and not even a button to press - it works by pressing it against your skin (just for those that don’t know and might be about to start it themselves).
I took some paracetamol about half an hour after taking it. I’ve felt a bit off and a bit heavy legs but not too bad. It’s been about 5 hours now and I haven’t gone to bed yet.
Thanks again for your kind words and thoughts, I really appreciate your support.
Alison x
1 Like
Hi Alison, so glad to hear it went well in the end! Yes, I also found it so much easier to inject than expected - hope give yourself a big pat on the back. Big well done and hope the heavy legs feeling has eased up for you.
1 Like
@mackenzieblackman thank you It was easier to do than I expected too, though I admit I did get a bit anxious sweaty in the lead up to actually doing the real injection!
The heavy legs stopped overnight and I felt a bit off this morning and tired this afternoon, but I’m ok and it wasn’t half as bad as it could have been, phew!
I feel pretty confident about doing future doses, though I will no doubt be a bit anxious before the next few. I wonder if doing three weekly doses is helpful to get a person used to doing it. I think it will be for me - a kind of desensitising process! (Though I understand that’s not the reason for having the three loading doses).
I hope you’re doing ok.
Alison x
2 Likes
Hi Alison,
Glad you’ve got through the starting dose. Kesimpta is great in that it lets you just jab and go, so to speak - no need to attend hospital for infusions.
If it gives you hope, I’ve been on Kesimpta now for just under 2 years. This week I had my most recent MRI results back and it’s been stable throughout, plus zero relapses.
I hope you are onto a good thing.
2 Likes
Thanks Leonora, that’s really encouraging to hear It sounds like you’re doing really well on Kesimpta.
I remember reading some of your comments on posts about taking it before I started and I found them very comforting x
Well I’ve done my second dose just now. There’s a bit of an adrenaline rush that makes me feel a little shaky, but I don’t think it’s anything to do with the medication, just my mild anxiety at doing the self injection!
It was fine, and a couple of chocolates perked me up afterwards
2 Likes
The question is irrelevant, the answer is always…chocolate.. preferably two!
I’m sure that you will be doing it without a seconds thought soon enough Alison. Wishing you all the best and the Kesimpta does what it’s supposed to do and keep you as symptom free, for as long as possible.
1 Like
Thanks @Freshairman
I felt a bit off last night and took a while to get to sleep but all fine this morning. I think in a month or two it will be ‘business as usual’ and I won’t think twice about it, as you say.
I hope you have a lovely Christmas x
1 Like
Thanks Alison. Wishing you and your family a lovely Christmas day, too 
1 Like
Hi Alison!
I hope everything went well. I’m a complete needle phobic too! I’ve been on Kesimpta since August 2022 and have had no issues with it at all. I take an antihistamine before I administer the injection - if I don’t I have a raised red mark on thw injection site for a day or two, but no other side effects! I really hope it works for you
Jacqui x
Thanks @jacquimartin75. I’m glad it’s going well for you, apart from the red mark. I haven’t had anything like that. I’ve mostly had heavy legs and a bit of a headache / felt tired but it seems to wear off by morning.
The heavy legs wore off for me pretty quickly. Hope it does for you too 
1 Like
Yes it did thank you Jacqui - less than 24 hours after each dose