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My child was diagnosed with Crohn's almost two years ago.  He is 15 and currently taking 6mp and Apriso.  A recent colonoscopy and biopsies showed that his meds are not working.  His growth and height are on the small side and his GI is concerned.  My son has a very real needle phobia.  Having to get frequent blood work done has been extremely difficult.  Now his dr wants to switch his meds to Humira or Remicade.  Both invlove a needle!  Yikes.  I have read that Humira burns going in and that worries me.  My son is very stressed about switching to Humira or Remicade and frustrated with his disease.  My mom gut just wonders if there is something else out there.  I may take my son to a new dr just for a second opinion.  I am very torn.  Anyone else dealing with this?

Reply posted for kelly121.

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Reply posted for kelly121.

I have the BIGGEST fear of needles...THE BIGGEST. But I've been on Humira for almost two years now. I've never messed up a dose or missed a dose (I was on Remicade prior because the thought of giving myself needles was not one I could handle) and it has truly saved me. No more pills and I have experienced complete remission.

My parents started doing them for me, and I was in my mid-20s when I started Humira, so there is no shame in having someone do your injections for you at any age (I have done many myself, but if my boyfriend is home, he always does them for me). I think that a family member being able to do them really calmed me down and that might be the case in your scenario as well.

Humira offers a better quality of life. You can do it at home. It takes much less time. The side effects for me (Crohn's Disease) were remarkably less and I didn't have to track pills and medications and spent much less time in the pharmacy because Humira came right to my door. 

The injection itself is 10 seconds max. The medicine burns, as most subcutaneous injection medications would, but it doesn't linger once the injection is over and it is nowhere near as terrifying as some on the Internet make it out to be. There are many tricks that can make the injection easier. For me, it's letting Humira sit out until it's room temperature, icing my leg until it's numb, and laying down (if someone else is giving me the injection). And I reward myself with a treat or a drink afterwards (again, I'm in my mid-20s, there's no shame here), so that helps me to relax and not have to think about it again for another 2 weeks.

I've had no side effects on Humira. Barely even an injection site reaction. I haven't done the syringes, but the pens are idiot-proof I think and you never have to see the needle that way. It's completely covered before and after the injection and I throw it away first thing. I never thought I would get the courage to do it, especially to myself, but it's a part of my routine and honestly, not that bad compared to the price of health.

Reply posted for kelly121.

Thank you for the replies and suggestions!

Reply posted for jessimarie3.

Hello! I've been on Humira since November and I do weekly shots. One thing that helps me not get antsy about it (which does make it hurt more, in my opinion) is making it apart of my routine. Fridays when I get home from work I ice the injection site for 15-20 minutes (I use my thigh) while watching some show to keep my mind off of it before I inject. Icing does help numb some of the burning I feel. I also use the auto-injector pen. I don't see the needle, I just have to press the button. My husband has tried to encourage me and be with me while I take my shot, but it makes me more nervous. I prefer shutting the door and being by myself. After I take the shot I like to treat myself (I have a crazy sweet tooth). 

Something your son may be concerned with is the loading dose. The adult is 4 doses on the first day, 2 on the 14th day, (I could be mis-rembering) and then every other week. I'm unsure what the pediatric dose is. 

Good luck!

Reply posted for kelly121.

I was a teen, afraid of needles, when I was diagnosed as well.  It's not easy to overcome.  However, being a crohn's patient, having been on various meds (including remicade and starting humira soon) it's usually the least of your pain --the fear of needles.  Advice for your child - focus on something else and find what works for you.  For me, I had to focus on breathing and the most recent pain I had to ensure I would not move or feel the needles.  Remember that, for the most part, whatever the reason for the needle - it's either bringing you much needed medicine OR it's measuring something to ensure you are doing well.
As a mom - I can tell you - my mother is a nurse so she always wanted to be in the room with me.  I can tell you as a child - I didn't want her in the room with me and it was easier when she wasn't there.

I'm willing to chat with him if you would like - everybody's different so if it helps - I'd be happy to.

suesue_dolphin@msn.com

Reply posted for akr008.

Thank you for your reply.  Hearing from others and getting suggestions helps so much.  Having a fear of needles adds an extra bit of stress and anxiety to everything. 

Reply posted for kelly121.

I was terrified of needles at that age... Eventually I've gotten used to it. (Pretty sure my mom loves to tell the story of when her 13 year old ran away from the nurse trying to give a shot...) 

I've been on Remicade, Humira and Entyvio. I also regularly inject 2 other non-Crohn's medications. I "enjoy" the infusions better because I don't have to do it myself and it's less frequent, every 8 weeks as opposed to 2. However, Humira will send you a training pen (or from your dr) to have your son practice with. It makes the same noises as the real pen and walks you through it. I've done the auto injectors which are louder and more painful, however they are also easier. I've also done the plain needle and syringe which I find worse when you're scared of needles. 

There are other options out there which your doctor may be able to help with but if the next step is a biologic, the mode of delivery is limited. It will get better with time. Best of luck.