MTX injections. Do they sting?

Chelle123
Chelle123 Member Posts: 23
edited 20. Jul 2012, 12:16 in Living with Arthritis archive
Hi,
My Son has been on MTX injections for the past 7 weeks. Initially the hospital prescribed numbing cream to apply two hours before the injection so that it would not sting.
Now our GP is prescribing the MTX she seems to think that the cream has little effect.
Could anyone who has actually experienced the injections let me know how uncomfortable it is to have without numbing cream? My son would prefer not to bother with the cream but I don't want to give him a bad experience so early on in his treatment.

Thank you
Chelle

Comments

  • dreamdaisy
    dreamdaisy Member Posts: 31,520
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Chelle, I do my injections in my stomach as there are fewer nerves there. You shouldn't inject too close to the navel but, probably unlike your son, I have a wonderfully wobbly tummy! Another site that can be used is the upper thigh. The 'patient' should sit on a bed with their legs out in front, muscles relaxed, and the injection should be done quite high up and to the outside of the thigh. (That's what my hospital told me.) Indeed the stuff can sting, espeically if you are close to a nerve, but it doesn't last long. An ice cube placed on the site before injection can also help to numb the skin. And a treat after is always a good idea. :wink: DD
    Have you got the despatches? No, I always walk like this. Eddie Braben
  • DebraKelly
    DebraKelly Member Posts: 398
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    I find doing them in my tummy doesn't sting, but in my leg does. Think it just depends.

    It doesn't sting for long though, just for a few minutes.
  • Chelle123
    Chelle123 Member Posts: 23
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Thank you for your advice. I prefer to tell my son exactly what to expect so there are no surprises. I like the ice cube idea and will try that. I have been doing his injection in his thigh because the hospital told us to do this.

    Unlike me, there is nothing to pinch on his belly so it might be difficult to give there. I think it would be less painful in his belly but he does not fancy this idea!

    Great advice, I will let you know how we get on.

    :D
  • page35
    page35 Member Posts: 1,081
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    my other half does my injections in my thigh as like your son i dont fancy having it in my belly(although i have enough fat there) and i hate injections and cant even watch let alone do it myself. it never hurts in my left leg but sometimes does in my right i also sometimes get a bruse in the right leg. when it does hurt like others have said it is only for a minute.
    all the best

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