My FH Treatment: Embracing an Injection

When I was diagnosed with familial hypercholesterolemia (FH), it was a lot to take in. Knowing I had a genetic condition that put me at high risk for heart disease felt like carrying an invisible burden.

The knowledge that managing my cholesterol would be a lifelong commitment was overwhelming. Diet and exercise only went so far, and I had some intolerance to statins. Eventually, my doctor suggested that I start taking Repatha, a cholesterol-lowering medication that comes in the form of a biweekly injection.¹

Realizing injectable medication was the best option

At first, the idea of giving myself an injection every 2 weeks was daunting. Needles have never been my favorite, and the thought of voluntarily sticking myself felt like a mountain I wasn’t ready to climb. It took me about a year to warm up to the idea, and honestly, I was terrified at the beginning.

My doctor explained how important Repatha could be in lowering my LDL cholesterol and protecting my heart from the risks that come with FH. The science made sense, but my fear of self-injecting was a major mental hurdle. I kept putting off the decision, thinking maybe I could manage my condition with other medications or lifestyle changes. But as time went on, I realized that Repatha was the best option to keep my cholesterol under control and lower my risk of heart disease. I had to face the fact that I couldn’t ignore the issue any longer.

Receiving support from loved ones

When the time finally came for my first injection, I knew I couldn’t do it alone. The idea of pressing the injector against my skin and waiting for the needle to pierce through was paralyzing. Luckily, my husband was by my side. He’s always been my rock, and on that day, he was there to encourage and support me through something I was really afraid of.

Not only was my husband physically present, but my sisters were, too — virtually, at least. We set up a video call, and they live-streamed in to offer moral support. They kept me laughing and chatting and talked me through the whole process. Having their voices in my ear, distracting me from my fears, made a world of difference.

Finding strength in facing my fear

When the moment came, I could’ve asked my husband to give me the injection or even had a nurse do it for me. But, deep down, I knew this was something I needed to do for myself. I wanted to face my fear head-on and prove to myself that I could do this. With my husband holding my hand and my sisters cheering me on through the screen, I pressed the injector and waited. And to my surprise, it wasn’t nearly as bad as I had imagined. The moment passed, the injection was done, and I felt a huge sense of relief — and strength.

After that first injection, something shifted in me. I realized that by facing my fear, I had tapped into a strength I didn’t know I had. The very thing I had been dreading for over a year had become a moment of empowerment. Each time I gave myself the injection, it felt like a reminder that I was in control of my health, that I could face something difficult and come out on the other side stronger.

Celebrating how far I've come

Over time, my attitude toward injection days started to change. Instead of dreading them, I began to look forward to them. Each injection became a little victory, a chance to remind myself of my resiliency. There’s something empowering about taking your health into your own hands — literally. I started seeing my biweekly injections as a way to celebrate how far I’ve come, both physically and mentally.

I’ve learned a lot since starting Repatha, not just about managing FH, but about myself. This journey has taught me that it’s okay to be scared, but it’s also okay to lean on the people you love for support. I’ve realized that the things that scare us the most can also become the things that empower us when we face them.

I've come to appreciate my injection days

FH is a lifelong journey, and I know there will always be challenges along the way. But I’ve also learned that I’m stronger than I thought I was. Each injection is a reminder that I’m not just managing my cholesterol — I’m taking control of my life and my health. And with the support of my husband, my sisters, and my healthcare team, I know I’m not alone in this journey.

So, if you’re hesitant about taking that next step in managing your FH, know that it’s okay to be nervous. But also know that facing your fears can be incredibly empowering. I never imagined I’d say this, but I’ve come to appreciate my injection days. They’ve become a symbol of my strength, resiliency, and commitment to living a healthy life.