For many of us who use the multiple sclerosis disease-modifying drugs known as the CRAB drugs (Copaxone, Rebif, Avonex and Betaseron), the injection process stands out as the worst part of our day. If you had someone describe his “injection ritual” step-by-step, he may say that the first step is to spend a couple minutes dreading the injection, step two is to give the injection, step three is to end the sequence by hating the injection process and MS altogether. Developing a ritual around your injection that is more pleasant than the one just described may make the process go more smoothly.
A ritual is a pattern or sequence of behaviors. Rituals are important, as they allow us to feel a sense of control, to know what is coming next. By developing a ritual around your injection, especially if you are giving it to yourself, you can set the kind of mood that you find helpful (whether this is a calm atmosphere or an “empowering” one with more energy). You also enter into a state of familiarity, which helps you focus on what you have to do and reminds you that you have done it before (successfully given your injection). By linking your injections to rituals that you have developed, you also decrease your risk of forgetting to give yourself your shot altogether, as you are much less likely to forget a series of events that you enjoy than to forget one thing that you may dread.
I am including ideas for rituals around injections. You may only need to use them the first couple of months, until you get used to giving yourself the shots. However, you may also find them a pleasant part of the day that you actually look forward to.
Some of you inject in the morning, and others at nighttime (especially if you are trying to time your injections so that you sleep through some of the interferon-related flu-like symptoms). Design your ritual to best complement the part of the day during which it will happen –- the morning ritual might involve opening the drapes to let the sun in, enjoying part of the newspaper and having a cup of coffee before your injection. An evening ritual may be the time to turn down the lights, put on your robe and savor a cup of tea to relax you and get you in the right frame of mind for your shot.
Here are some ideas that you can use as components of your custom injecting ritual:
Take a Bath or Shower. This is actually a great part of a ritual, as the heat will make the injection easier. However, don’t let the water get too hot, as this could bring on Uthoff’s sign.
Sip Some Tea. Camomile tea has soothing properties. You could have a cup of coffee instead if you are a morning injector. A cup of hot chocolate or chai is also a motivating and fun part of a ritual, regardless of time of day.
Play a Favorite Song. You could choose relaxing, spa-like music, like Enya, to calm and soothe you and to create a “loving and gentle” atmosphere. On the other hand, some kick-butt music, like “Flight of the Vakyries” by Wagner played at a high volume may give you a needed dose of courage and the feeling that you are fighting back against your MS, and your medicine is one of your weapons.
Light a Candle. Energizing scents, appropriate for morning injecting, include eucalyptus, rosemary and peppermint. More calming scents for an evening ritual include lavender, vanilla, ginger, sandalwood, bergamot and ylang ylang.
Note Your Accomplishment. Check “give myself my injection” off of your to-do list (or mark a calendar or injecting log) with a flourish.
Of course, this is just a short list of ideas for “ritual components.” If you are high energy, exercise could be a part of your ritual. If you have the time and enjoy it, you could have a long, complex ritual. Since I have been injecting for quite some time now, my ritual has been reduced to: 1) take my morning shower; 2) prepare my syringe; 3) do a couple rounds of the Relaxing Breath breathing exercise; 4) inject; 5) curse and feel sorry for myself for about 15 seconds. In looking this over, I have decided it is time to add some more fun into my ritual… Injection
