New Here Starting MTX injections

RitaW

Hi Everyone,I have just joined.I have R.A and Fibro (diagnosed 1996) The R.A is also affecting my skin (very rare)Interstitial granulomatous dermatitis.Also just been tested for Coeliac Disease and get results monday.I start on MTX injections in a couple of weeks,low dose to begin with(7.5) as I am very sensitive to meds.I wondered how others have fared on the injections.Will be great to talk to others and find out their experiences.
I look forward to 'chatting' with you all here.

stickywicket

Hello RitaW and welcome to the forum. I don't have fibro but I do have RA and OA. I've been on tablet meth for over ten years with good results so I've never done the injected stuff though many on here do. I'm sure some of them will be along tomorrow. Nice to 'meet' you.

RitaW

Hi Stickywicket,Thankyou for your reply.I tried the Meth tablets about 12 years ago and they made me feel really unwell,so I had to stop them but am hoping I can tolerate the injections.(dreading injecting myself though) :shock: I cannot even watch someone having a jab on the TV
If the Meth doesn't work,then it's on to Anti Tnf's.x

stickywicket

We have quite a lot on anti-tnfs too :roll: It's a problem for many - getting the meds that (a)work and (B)they can tolerate. I hope the meth jabs do it for you. I think stabbing yourself is, in some ways, not as scary as having someone else stab you. I hope so, anyway

DebraKelly

I made the switch from Meth tablets to Meth injections back in January and I have to say that the difference was amazing.

All the side effects disappeared and even though I was terrifed of needles actually doing the injections yourself is much easier.

Unfortunately the Meth has now stopped working for me and I am visiting the hospital in Oct to change my medication.

I also get steriod injections every 4 months.

dreamdaisy

Hello, I'm on the injected version (15ml or mg or whatever it is) and it's a doddle. I rarely have any side effects from it and after an intial problem with the concept I merrily stab away now without thingking about it. I have PsA and OA, the meth/humira combo I take is doing something for the PsA but nowhere near as much as I would like but hey-ho, that matters not. I long ago realised that the ideal world of no more arthritis because of lovely, gentle meds doesn't exist. I hope it works for you and that you find some relief from the RA. I wish you well. DD

LignumVitae

Hello and welcome to the forum

I'm on 30 mg injections. It took me a bit of time to get used to the injection - take your time, do it when you aren't in a rush and you get the hang of it pretty quick. Also record which side you did it in each week to avoid getting worried you get the sequence wrong (I alternate left and right) and thus causing a panic. I do mine after I dry myself getting out of the shower so I am warm and as relaxed as I can be. It's a doddle very quickly. I had to up my folic acid intake as my body had stopped absorbing methotrexate via tablets so once I went to injections I got more side effects.

Another random tip - I tend to hum as I am doing it so I feel more relaxed and focus on the tune rather than the jab and the psychology of sticking needles into my tummy! That might just be my weird ways though

Good luck, you can do it! Love LV xx

RitaW

Thankyou for all your replies. and for sharing your experiences.I feel a bit more confident after reading your replies. So,injections go in your tummy,I will have to dodge all the bumps from the skin condition but am sure I will find a space to insert them. and will try humming a tune as suggested.
I have just been put on Folic Acid daily as blood tests have shown it to be very low (hence the suspected Coeliac Disease).I really appreciate all your replies,many many thanks.x

dreamdaisy

It doesn't have to be the stomach, the top of the thigh is OK too. I prefer the tummy as there are fewer nerve endings there but don't inject too close to your navel (I don't know why, that's what the hospital told me). If you prefer the thigh then sit on your bed with your legs out as straight as you can get them - this relaxes the thigh muscles and it makes injecting easier. It is quite normal to get a sting after the jab but that doesn't last for ever. Good luck! DD

RitaW

Thankyou DD I think when I have done it for the first time I will get even more confident.I don't mind injections being given to me,just the thought of stabbing myself

dreamdaisy

It is honestly not that bad. I used to go to the hospital once a week to have my meth injected, then they changed their thinking and I was trusted to do it for myself (I'd done the enbrel jabs). There was a nurse who had RA (well-controlled by injected meth) and she would merrily ram needles into her patients but to herself? It used to take her two hours or so to psych herself up! It will be OK, it is a very small needle, you can control the rate of flow (assuming you have syringes) and you soon get used to it. I'll be there 'holding your hand' through the medium of cyber space. DD

RitaW

Thankyou DD. I'm pleased you said a small needle I think Enbrel was mentioned last week if the Meth doesn't work or Humira (sp) I will sit back and think of England,hum a tune and hope everyone doesn't think I've lost the plot as I inject. I had an ultrasound scan on my left shoulder this morning (had a fall a year ago) It was so painful,yet they found nothing wrong :? although he said it could be inflammation or water on the tendon,never heard of that before.But I was sitting there curling my toes with the pain as he moved the probe over the shoulder.The injections should be a doddle compared to that pain I was in. x