05-15-2011, 07:41 PM
The pain is related to the product being injected, how it is distributed (beneath the skin, into the muscle, into a vein or artery, etc.), as well as the skill of the person who injects it. Others have given you good suggestions, especially about taking a Tylenol - but do that before you walk in, so it has a little time to start getting into your system even before they inject you.
If it is an intramuscular (IM) injection, ask the nurse ahead of time, and ask if they should massage it. Sometimes this helps to move it through the muscle fibers rather than have it sit where it was injected. It will eventually move through but I was told that was part of why some injections are sore and others don't seem to be much more than the initial prick soreness). Sometimes the nurses are busy and don't want to take the time but if you bring it up they will realize you know a little and will take the time. It does not take that long, only a few seconds.
The other suggestions about relaxing and not watching also are very good.
Sometimes an area of injection will get a little red and hot to touch (I've had that with some of the older flu shots), and when that happens you can rub a little ice on the surface just to take the heat down a little. It is just your very health immune system response kicking in but can still be uncomfortable.
Just chalk this up to another step in the process toward moving forward in pursuing your future.
If it is an intramuscular (IM) injection, ask the nurse ahead of time, and ask if they should massage it. Sometimes this helps to move it through the muscle fibers rather than have it sit where it was injected. It will eventually move through but I was told that was part of why some injections are sore and others don't seem to be much more than the initial prick soreness). Sometimes the nurses are busy and don't want to take the time but if you bring it up they will realize you know a little and will take the time. It does not take that long, only a few seconds.
The other suggestions about relaxing and not watching also are very good.
Sometimes an area of injection will get a little red and hot to touch (I've had that with some of the older flu shots), and when that happens you can rub a little ice on the surface just to take the heat down a little. It is just your very health immune system response kicking in but can still be uncomfortable.
Just chalk this up to another step in the process toward moving forward in pursuing your future.
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