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My injections

This resource has been written by rheumatology patients at Sheffield Children’s Hospital and is designed to help you manage having regular injections.

What is an injection?

An injection is putting medicine under the skin using a small needle.

🗨 “I give my injections names so they are less scary… methotrexate is ‘Monkey’ and anakinra is ‘Alligator’ “

Why do I have to have injections?

Some medicines are given by injection because they are only made as injections or because they work best that way. If you have to have injections it is because the doctors think it is the best way to make you better.

🗨 “I always try and remember that my injection is important and I need it to get better – this helps me to put up with having it every week”

Who will give my injection?

Your injections can be given by a nurse in hospital or you or your parents/carers could learn to give them.

🗨 “Both of my parents have been taught to give my injections so I like to choose who gives it, my parents like that too!”

Will my injection hurt?

There are ways to help stop your injection from hurting, your nurses and doctors will be able to tell you more about them.

🗨 “I use the buzzy bee and the cold spray at the same time – that way I know it’s not going to hurt!”
🗨”I don’t use the magic cream because then you have to wait for it to work and that makes me worry”

What choices can I make about my injection?

By making some decisions about your injections yourself you will feel more in control and comfortable about having them.

🗨 “I was allowed to choose whether I have the injection before or after school – I like it before school so I don’t worry about it all day”
🗨 “I decide which room I have the injection in and who else is there”
🗨 “Sometimes I like to watch and sometimes I don’t but it’s my choice and no-one tries to tell me what to do”

What happens when it’s time for my injection?

Whoever is going to give your injection will get everything ready and let you know when it is time to have it, sometimes a 20 minute and 10 minute warning can help to prepare you for the injection.

🗨 “I used to make excuses to delay having my injeciton but it’s much easier to just get on with it”
🗨”I like everything to be kept out of sight until it’s time for my injection”

What can I do during the injection to make it feel better?

Distraction is a great way to take your mind off having your injection.

🗨”I play a computer game”
🗨 “I count to 10… it’s always over before I get to 10!”
🗨 “I squeeze my mum’s hand – she says that hurts more than the injection!”
🗨 “I do something funny or tell a joke”
🗨 “I cuddle my teddy bear as hard as I can”
🗨 “I sit as still as I can”
🗨 “Read a magazine or watch TV”

What can my parents do to make my injection better?

Parents don’t like giving you injections! There are some things that your parents can do which will help to make the injections better for all of you.

🗨 “Mum sets a time limit – I have to have my injections within 2 minutes of her telling me it’s ready (it used to be 10 minutes but it’s much quicker now!)”
🗨”I want my parents to be honest with me and tell me when I’m going to have my injection – it’s not a nice surprise to get!”
🗨”I like my dad to be quick but I know some people prefer it slowly – I don’t think it matters as long as it’s done the way I want it”

Do I get a reward after my injection?

Having regular injections is a very brave thing to do and if you have them within the time limit you’ve been set you definitely deserve a reward!

🗨”I watch whatever I want on TV”
🗨”Mum says she can’t afford to take me to Disneyland after every injection so I get a princess picture to colour instead!”
🗨”I have a big cuddle”
🗨 “I get a high five from everyone in the house!”
🗨 “Chocolate!!!!”
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Disclaimer

Please note: this is a generic information sheet relating to care at Sheffield Children’s NHS FT. These details may not reflect treatment at other hospitals. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professionals’ instructions. If this resource relates to medicines, please read it alongside the medicine manufacturer’s patient information leaflet. If this information has been translated into another language from English, efforts have been made to maintain accuracy, but there may still be some translation errors. If you are unsure about any of the guidance in this resource or have specific questions about how it relates to your child, always ask your healthcare professional for further advice.

Resource number: RHM1

Resource Type: Article

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Rheumatology Team

Tel: 0114 2717786

e-mail: rheumatology.nurses@nhs.net

NHS

Western Bank
Sheffield
S10 2TH

United Kingdom

Switchboard: 0114 271 7000

Interesting Facts


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