Hi everyone, I just finished my first month with Avonex(I'm pretty proud of my self)!! I just had my 5th shot and that was my first time with the auto injector. I just need to let people know my experience..... The syringe was brutal, I don't know if that was if it's just in my head or what but I didn't like it. I found it very stressing and couldn't even inject myself or look at it (my fiancé had to do it). The training nurse that came to my house gave me the smaller 1" 25G needles that helped a great deal but it was still uncomfortable. The 1/4 shot was okay it had a little bit of stinging and the 1/2 shot was horrible, I don't know if I hit a nerve or something but it burned so bad I was almost in tears. The 3/4 shot was okay but I was so nervous from the 1/2 shot, I almost cried at just the thought(That was a tough one). The full shot was good(little stinging) and was not bad at all....and yesterday was the auto inject. The auto inject is way better mentally...just put the smaller needle(5/8" 25G) on the injector and push the button, I never seen the needle go in and I did it all by myself. I could look at it with no issues and felt better about it the whole time. Not to mention quick!!! The only issue I am finding with the pen is it leaves and bigger more noticeable puncture mark(a little more blood) and it does seem a little swollen and bruise(just a little). Needless to say I have been really impressed with how mild the flu like symptoms have been, keeping in mind I have been taking Advil/Motrin before and after the injection. The worse thing is the feverish feeling(kind of sweat for a day LOL) and the mild muscle ache. When I started looking into Avonex there were a few fears and some reviews sound horrible...like you were close to death from the flu like symptoms(scared me actually) but I am not finding it at all horrible its very manageable. Plus this website and it users were super helpful. Lets be honest I love this site LOL Anyways I hope everyone has a great weekend and hopefully my experience helps anyone that's going to start Avonex anytime soon. REMEMBER YOU CAN DO IT AND IT GET EASIER!!! :D