Blood Tests ??

SheilaD
SheilaD Member Posts: 201
edited 30. Nov 2011, 09:15 in Living with Arthritis archive
Hi Everyone

Just a quick question really Last Thursday I attended my Rheumy appointment and was diagnosed with RA. The question I would like to ask is they started me on Methotrexate that day and they told me i needed a further blood tests regarding my liver function. Trouble is I have forgotten when they said I had to have one :roll: Does anyone know if i need a blood test before i see the nurse specialists 1st appt or in 3 months time before i see the consultant. Everything seemed to go out the window. I have rung the hospital and the consultants secretary is not answering her phone and the nurse is on annual leave till 14/12/11. I am due my 2nd dose of meth on thursday and know i have to have a blood test the day before i take it. But can't remember when I should have the blood test :roll:

Love n hugs
SheilaD xx

Comments

  • dreamdaisy
    dreamdaisy Member Posts: 31,520
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    When I began meth it was fortnightly bloods and come the New Year when the meth is being increased I will be again on fortnightly bloods. You should be issued a meth booklet too, in which your test results can be recorded: I carry mine round with me in case of accident, together with a list of other medications, so those who come to my rescue (if any!) know what I'm on. DD
    Have you got the despatches? No, I always walk like this. Eddie Braben
  • DebraKelly
    DebraKelly Member Posts: 398
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    When you first start on Meth fortnightly blood checks before you take your next dose is the normal process.

    I am on monthly check ups now having been on Meth for 2 years.

    Hope this helps, blood checks will just become part of your normal routine.
  • salamander
    salamander Member Posts: 1,906
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    I had fortnightly tests for first 6 weeks and then monthly. My rheumy nurse pre-wrote all the test requests with the dates on them.
  • prefabkid47
    prefabkid47 Member Posts: 1,316
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    Have been on MTX for about 10 years.Have blood tests every 4-5 weeks,arrange them so have the last one about a week before I see the reumy nurse.She then gives me another batch of blood forms to see me through to the next visit.
    Like DD have a metho book,makes interesting reading over the years.Fortunately my results have been amazingly consistent.
    Ron
    ''Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy''. Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790)
  • SheilaD
    SheilaD Member Posts: 201
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    Thank you everyone for your advice, Judging on everybodies comments on being monitored regular I have booked an appointment at my GP for next weds (day before i take the 3rd dose of MTX) for my blood tests to be done which consultant gave me the forms , this would work out 2 weeks into taking the MTX. I did remember that bit but I have to wait for appointment to come through for the Rheumy Nurse . Just hoping I get to see her before I need my 5th dose. I have to take my 2nd dose tomorrow Thursday :roll: which i am not looking forward to.

    Once again Thank you for your advice. Will let you know how I get on.

    Love n hugs
    SheilaD xx

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