Blood Tests & Methotrexate

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issymknight
issymknight Non-active member Posts: 99
edited 29. Jan 2010, 18:00 in Living with Arthritis archive
Does anyone else have this problem. Due to no longer being allowed to get methotrexate on repeat prescription blood test results need to be seen first. I have blood tests every 4 weeks one copy goes to my rheumy and the other to my doctors surgery so they can prescribe tablets for me. Why is it that the surgery never seems to get the results and they are always having to chase them up. heres an example of what I mean. I went for my blood test on 13th January it was the worst test I have ever had in the 4 years I have been having them the nurse left me bruised right down my arm (aint letting her do it again) Rang the surgery Friday no results will chase up. Rang again today still no results. When I got my Methotrexate on repeat the results were quicker. I now have to for the 3rd month running go to the emergency surgery just to get my tablets. Surely their must be an easier way than this.

Comments

  • lindalegs
    lindalegs Member Posts: 5,399
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    Hi Issy,

    I don't think your surgery is typical and am assuming that you've had some problem with Mtx and that's why you have to have bloods before they'll prescribe them. If this isn't the reason I think you need to make an appointment and have a chat with your doc and explain the difficulties you're having.

    As regards the bruising on your arm, it isn't always the nurses fault because after she's taken the blood if you don't put enough pressure on the vein when she takes the needle out then blood seeps under the skin causing the bruise. In my case, as my thumbs are weak I tell the nurse and she puts the pressure on for me to stop the bleed.

    Hope you get things sorted as it must be very wearing for you.

    Luv Legs :D
    Love, Legs x
    'Make a life out of what you have, not what you're missing'
  • issymknight
    issymknight Non-active member Posts: 99
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    As far as I know I have no problem with Methotrexate Just always had to have blood test since started on them. My doctor said it was a change in repeat prescriptions and methotrexate was taken off repeat because of type of medication. This was definatley the nurses fault, this blood test was different to any one I have ever had. Normally they put band round top of arm and tell me to make a fist and then its done. This one she put band round arm and told me to relax my hand,then she started patting the arm trying to get the vien up. After 2 minutes of patting needle in then needle out missed the vien. Then had same on other arm only this time needle went in and blood test was taken. I know that sometimes I get small bruises where the needle has gone in but this bruise was from elbow joint to about 2inches down my arm, trust me I have had blood test done every 4 weeks for the last 4 years and this was the first time that a nurse has patted my arm to get vien up.
  • Wonkylegs
    Wonkylegs Non-active member Posts: 3,504
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    HI Issy,

    I'm sorry that you are having trouble getting the results for your bloods and that this is making getting your meds difficult.

    I get my bloods done regularly at my GP surgery and I know that although the written results do take nearly a week to arrive at the surgery, the Gp has computer access to them as soon as they are completed - usually by the next day in my case. Because I seee the nurse every week she usually writes the results in for me from the previous week.

    If I need the results written up more urgently I usually go into the surgery two days after the bloods were taken and as long as the GP has viewed the results the receptionist is able to write my book up for me.

    I would suggest that you write a letter to the Practice Manager at the GP surgery explaining the facts, and asking if there is something they can do to make the process more patient friendly. I did this wehn there was a misunderstanding, and it meant that both sides knew what had been agreed and there has never been a problem like that again.

    hope that helps a bit
  • salamander
    salamander Non-active member Posts: 1,906
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    hi Issy,
    Think I might have same probs as you coming up. Have only just started on Mtx and the hosp gave me my first month's supply and does my bloods. I asked for a repeat prescription from the surgery and my GP gave it to me this time but said, normally, whoever does the bloods does the prescription and I should sort it out. Might be a problem as they are prescribing but have no idea what my blood results are - can see where the conflict lies.

    Sally
  • issymknight
    issymknight Non-active member Posts: 99
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    [Thanks for that wonky legs will try that. My Surgery does blood test but they are for OAP only but will speak to practice supervisor and explain my situation maybe she might make an exception.

    I can assure all that my blood tests have been normal and I had Methotrexate on repeat untill 6 months ago. My blood test results are written in the book and there have been no problems. Like I said it had been changed due to medication not my results but I will ask doctor again tomorrow and see if they can give me an answer as to why it is no longer available on repeat.

    Sally I hope you dont have the same problems, my problems only started when they stopped them on repeat.

    Issy
  • issymknight
    issymknight Non-active member Posts: 99
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    Went surgery today to get results and my Methotrexate. Suprise suprise only 2 results sent not the important ones that the doctor needed. He gave me my tablets and said he would chase up results and let me know if anything shows up on results.

    I asked him why this kept happening and he did not know. What he has advised is that I only use the surgery blood form as the Rhuemy consultant can access them through the NHS computer system. He said it was their neck on the line if they give me tablets and results are not good so more impotant for surgery to get results as they are giving me the tablets.

    I also asked why I could no longer get my tablets on repeat and he told me it was to do with restrictions on these tablets as these are restricted medication.

    So got my next blood test due 10th Feb lets see if things are different this time. (Fingers crossed )

    Issy :? :?
  • salamander
    salamander Non-active member Posts: 1,906
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    issymknight wrote:
    Went surgery today to get results and my Methotrexate. Suprise suprise only 2 results sent not the important ones that the doctor needed. He gave me my tablets and said he would chase up results and let me know if anything shows up on results.

    I asked him why this kept happening and he did not know. What he has advised is that I only use the surgery blood form as the Rhuemy consultant can access them through the NHS computer system. He said it was their neck on the line if they give me tablets and results are not good so more impotant for surgery to get results as they are giving me the tablets.

    I also asked why I could no longer get my tablets on repeat and he told me it was to do with restrictions on these tablets as these are restricted medication.

    So got my next blood test due 10th Feb lets see if things are different this time. (Fingers crossed )

    Issy :? :?

    Issy, thought that might be the case. I've got to sort this one out myself too, as I am getting bloods at hosp and meds from GP. She is not happy about this.
    xx
  • issymknight
    issymknight Non-active member Posts: 99
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    Sally Hope you manage to work it out better than I have so far. I just hope with only doctors form that rheumatologist dont get hump if he dont recieve results as he very old fashion type of consultant.

    Issy
  • lindalegs
    lindalegs Member Posts: 5,399
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    Hi Issy,

    I get my Mtx on repeat with no problem and I can't understand why yours is restricted. When I've been to see my Rheumy he writes a report to my GP of how he finds me and also with any alteration in doseage so that my repeat prescription can be adjusted.....I know this because he sends me a copy of the letter.

    Do other peeps have problems getting Mtx on repeat, I'd be really interested to know.

    Luv Nosey Legs :?
    Love, Legs x
    'Make a life out of what you have, not what you're missing'
  • salamander
    salamander Non-active member Posts: 1,906
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    hi Issy, I hope I do too. Can see the gp's point of view though, am going to suggest they look at my Patient held monitoring record and then they can see what my bloods are. Mind you, that pesky rheumy nurse said she would send me a print out and she hasn't! So haven't
    got any results for them to look at!

    What happens with other peeps? When do they write in your book? If they only do it at appointments, then it's not going to be up to date, is it?

    Sally
  • jackie1955
    jackie1955 Non-active member Posts: 632
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    Hi all,

    Well Linda, my first one months prescription for MTX was given to me at the Rheumy Clinic, and they wrote to my GP advising him of my treatment. Thereafter I just ordered it from him every month.

    At xmas the rheumy consultant prescribed Sulpha and Hydroxy too, and gave me a prescription for one months supply. Again, my GP has now added them to my Repeat Prescription List, and I have just ordered my next months supply from him.

    My blood tests are done at the Rheumy Clinic, and when my GP wanted to re-test me for diabetes and cholesterol he just gave me a note to give the rheumy nurse, so the test could be done at the same time - hence no need to go elsewhere for seperate GP tests!

    I thought that was considerate of him :)

    Jackie x
  • page35
    page35 Non-active member Posts: 1,081
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    Hi
    I have my blood done at hospital and also have to get my prescristion from hospital and have to take prescristion to hos pharmacy and wait about an hour for them to do it. doctor will not give me mxt or do my bloods for it :roll: , i get folic acid and hydroxy from doctor. would be much easier if i could do it all at docs.
  • dorcas
    dorcas Member Posts: 3,516
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    Hi all!

    I'm on metoject which I collect from the hospital pharmacy; I phone them usually a few days in advance and the jabs are ready for collection when I go there, so there's no waiting involved. I get enough Mtx injections to do me for 10weeks at a time.

    My Gp does my bloods monthly and I phone in for the results and write them in the 'shared care monitoring card'. If there's any problems with my bloods then I phone and speak to the Gp or rheumy if necessary.
    I also have to phone the rheumy sister at hospital every three months with an update of bloods for her records (or she phones me if I forget).

    The hospital pharmacy check with me if I've had my bloods done each time I call in.

    Makes no difference if/ when I see my consultant, the process just repeats and works well ........for me at least.
    Irisx
  • issymknight
    issymknight Non-active member Posts: 99
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    Went on National Patient Safety Agency and typed in Methotrexate to see if it shed any light.
    From what I have read their have been some incidents regarding methotrexate. It seems it is a very unusual drug as it is taken weekly and not daily so they have reccommended safe practice to doctors and pharmacist.
    I have also noticed on my medicine bottle the pharmacist has highlighted the the dose how many tablets to take and the word weekly, has anybody else noticed that.
    I think it could be as all ready said someone has not done the proper checks and someone has taken ill.
    On the good side though at least I know my docs are making sure they check me properly.

    Issy
  • joyful164
    joyful164 Non-active member Posts: 2,401
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    Hello Issy
    Really does sound a stressful business getting blood tests and mtx from your own surgery and GP.
    At first, when I was on tablets, these were on repeat from my GP, but when it was found that my system was not dispersing the tablets through my body properly, my consultant started me on injections from the hospital and now I have my MTX delivered to me every 10 weeks from a pharmaceutical company (Willow)
    I still go every 4 weeks to the hospital for my blood test. This last one was a bad one, we don't know why, but it wouldn't stop bleeding. Eventually it stopped but I was left with the largest blood blister you can imagine and a messy arm. It's healing now and was just one of those things. If you don't unclench your hand at the right time, could have been the prob.
    I don't usually go to my surgery for blood tests because it is easier for me to go to the hospital. I just leave it to my Rheumy Nurse to ring me if there are any problems. Saves a lot of stress.
    Joy
  • issymknight
    issymknight Non-active member Posts: 99
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    HI lynn

    I'm the same as you I dont touch the tablets put them in the lid. Dont know why maybe I was told 4 yrs ago when I first went on them dont really know, but at least I can tell my husband I' not the only one who wont touch them Ha Ha. Like you say powerfull stuff, never really thought that much till the recent changes. Like you say either my surgery has had a scare or they are up to date with the new reccomendations either way they got their eye on me

    Issy
  • postal12
    postal12 Non-active member Posts: 20
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    issymknight wrote:
    HI lynn

    I'm the same as you I dont touch the tablets put them in the lid. Dont know why maybe I was told 4 yrs ago when I first went on them dont really know, but at least I can tell my husband I' not the only one who wont touch them Ha Ha. Like you say powerfull stuff, never really thought that much till the recent changes. Like you say either my surgery has had a scare or they are up to date with the new reccomendations either way they got their eye on me

    Issy
    Hi everyone
    I have been on MTX since November and was told by my Pharmacist not to handle the tablets. He is on MTX as well. He advised me to shake them into a small measure (which he gave me) and take them mixed in with some food. I make sure they are covered in some porridge, drink some milk and then quickly swallow them down followed by more milk or water.
    I am only on a small dose at the moment but not much problem with side effects. Hope this helps.
    Love Angie
  • jackie1955
    jackie1955 Non-active member Posts: 632
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    mmmm..... I used to take my MTX one pill at a time, popping them into my mouth quickly so I didn't handle them much. But I too wonder why we shouldn't be handling them? After all, they are actually going INSIDE us!

    I now tip 4 pills into a medicine dispenser or the bottle cap, and swallow them (do this twice cos I'm now on 8 pills). Wonder if I'll ever dare trying to swallow 8 at one time :shock: lol

    Jackie x
  • issymknight
    issymknight Non-active member Posts: 99
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    I have enough trouble doing it with 4 let alone 8 poor you. I wonder why they dont give us the 10mg ones then I would only have one tab a week and you would only have 2 make life a lot easier. Ha Ha

    Issy
  • Wonkylegs
    Wonkylegs Non-active member Posts: 3,504
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    issymknight wrote:
    I have enough trouble doing it with 4 let alone 8 poor you. I wonder why they dont give us the 10mg ones then I would only have one tab a week and you would only have 2 make life a lot easier. Ha Ha

    Issy

    they don't give out the 10mg ones because they look so similar and can be confused very easily.

    imagine if the pharmacy gave out 10mg instead of 2.5 mg ones :shock: :shock: :shock: :shock:

    Imagine someone on 15mg who should take 1 x 10mg & 2 x 2.5mg getting them confused and taking 2 x 10mg & 1 x 2.5 that cold leave them seriously ill after a while :shock: :shock: :shock: :shock:

    I think that with them only being taken ONCE A WEEK as well, there were problems in the past and this way they avoid any possible confusion. I always used to get hubby to double-check the number of pills I'd counted out just in case too :wink:
  • issymknight
    issymknight Non-active member Posts: 99
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    Sorry never thought about the 15mg dose. Now understand why given 2.5mg tabs.

    Issy
  • ladydi
    ladydi Non-active member Posts: 10
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    i dont have the problem at my doctors they just dont prescribe it at all i have to get mine from the hospital methotrexate and sulfazalazine.

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