As you work toward mastering SCIg, keep in mind that many people have had the same feelings and struggles — you are not alone in this, says Nance. Working through the process will help you gain confidence and manage your emotions.
Start With Strong Training and Support
Good training is one of the most effective ways to reduce infusion anxiety. Learning the steps in a supervised setting and knowing who to contact if questions arise can make the process feel safer and more manageable.
“It may be ideal for the first injection to be given in a provider’s office, so patients and caregivers can experience the injection with onsite help,” says Megan Ehret, PharmD, a professor in the department of practice, sciences, and health outcomes research at the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy in Baltimore.
In many cases, the training nurse will assist you with the first few injections, which will continue to get easier over time, she says. In addition to helping you get familiar with the process, nurses can help address any questions and common issues with SCIg, says Ehret.
Patient surveys show that confidence tends to increase over time as routines become more established and patients feel more supported by training and follow-up care.
Knowing who to call — whether that’s a nurse, pharmacist, specialty pharmacy, or physician — can also reduce anxiety if something doesn’t go as planned, says Rekha Raveendran, MD, an allergist-immunologist at the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center.
Use Breathing and Grounding Techniques
Simple relaxation techniques can help calm nerves before and during infusions.
“Taking a few slow, deep breaths before starting can steady anxiety and help you feel more in control,” says Nance. Visualization or other calming routines may also help some patients settle into the process.
Consider Numbing Creams
For people who are anxious about pain, numbing creams can be helpful, says Ehret.
“Lidocaine-based creams are commonly used and can reduce discomfort. Apply to clean skin 30 to 60 minutes before needle insertion, then wipe off before starting,” says Ehret.
Use Positive Self-Talk and Perspective
Reframing the experience can also help. Nance encourages patients to remind themselves that practice makes the process easier and that everyone progresses at their own pace. “Everyone moves at their own pace when getting comfortable with infusions,” she says.
Some patients also find it reassuring to focus on the long-term benefits of treatment.
“There can be many benefits that make the effort worth it — fewer infections, fewer days lost from school or work, better energy levels, and more time with friends and family,” says Nance.
Ultimately, the people who master home self-infusion describe a sense of relief, she says. “They have an ability to improve their health and choose the time and place where the infusions can be done.”
Lean on Distraction
Distraction is one of the most effective anxiety-reducing strategies during infusions.
“Having a book to read or listen to, a movie to watch, or a drink available can help take your mind off the injection,” says Ehret.
If distraction doesn’t work for you, try creating a calm environment with soothing music, comfortable seating, or familiar surroundings, says Nance.
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