The Shot heard around the world!!!!!.......

Beta-Nurse Lisa

With great anticipation I read all of the starter kit literature and learned about Betaseron an its side affects. I thought It was a good fit for my particular form of MS called relapsing remitting, the most common type. However, the thought of being a human pin cushion was not very appealing to me. Reading that I needed shots every 2 days I felt faint. There was no way I can do this.

Inserting the DVD into the player I began to see how the injections are done with the instructional video provided. They had actual people with MS that give themselves shots so you can see proper technique. So I watched over and over until I thought I had it down pat. The manufacturer provides you with your own personal nurse called a Beta-nurse to come to you and train you via hands on for your first shot.

My appointment is made for my Beta-nurse to come to my sisters for my training the next week. After being in NY since January 7, I finally have answers, diagnosis, and am ready to start my treatment. Yea, my mental state of mind has leveled off and I can see clearly what needs to be done. "Take charge of my life again!!!" Is all I can think about now.

First step in gaining it back overcome the fear of needles and giving myself shots. I see other people do it, so can I. Or so I think.

The day finally comes for my nurse to show up for my training. The doorbell rings, with my heart pounding I answer expecting to see a hulking old lady with a white hat and uniform. But no, there was this small very nice younger women with a winter coat that smiled and said "Hi I'm Lisa your Beta-nurse are you Derek?" I reply "why yes, yes I am are you here to make me cry?" We both laughed as we sat down and started to discuss what I learned from the DVD and if I had any other questions.

With the cordials out of the way it was time to get down to business. The medicine comes pre-packaged with the needle and everything you need. All that's required is for you to do is mix it. She shows me how to draw it into the syringe making sure there is no bubbles. Once that is prepped it's shot time. "Hold on!" I told her "I don't like needles, I can't stand them". "No problem" she says and tells me to use the new betaject lite self administering tool that hides the needle. All you do is load it place the end on you skin and press the button.

With two practice loads and pretend shots with the Betajector done its my turn for real. My Sister, nieces, and other family members are in the room watching to cheer me on, its go time. All eyes were fixed on me as I stood and raised my shirt to give my first shot in my abdomen. I prep the area and hold the betaject with my sweaty hands and take a deep breath..... One, two, three press the button and "CLICK" it administers the shot. Counting to 15 to make sure the medicine is injected all the way I pull the needle out and it's done. The nieces cheered and sister clapped for me.

I did it!!! In that one moment I realized that this was real. I have MS and that I was in control of my life again! I know that it is not going to be easy in the long run but it sure is great having family and friends that care about you as much as you all do.

I read a great quote“ Make it a habit to tell people thank you. To express your appreciation, sincerely and without the expectation of anything in return. Truly appreciate those around you, and you'll soon find many others around you. Truly appreciate life, and you'll find that you have more of it.” Thanks to all for being so thoughtful and hopeful during this time for me and Roxanne.

Especially you Sister all my love from your "Big Brother" Derek Lee......

Stay tuned for my trip home friday March 27th.........