Injectible MTX Questions | Arthritis Information
Saw the RD today and he's switching me to injectible MTX .8. I had asked him if that was a good option for me instead of moving up to a stronger drug. I had read here that it's more effective and he agreed--20-25% more effective that way. Even before I asked I was kind of hoping he'd say no because I hate to give up the easy pills for a needle.
I know that many of you have said the injection is easy and the nurse gave me a run down on how to do it. My shot is due Sunday and I'm afraid I'll forget what to do by then, even though I wrote it down. My neighbor is a nurse so I guess I could call her if I have a problem, but did any of you have to have assistance the first time? And do you find a certain area of your body feels the pinch less? The nurse said to inject the stomach or thigh. Any other tricks or hints I should know about? I know these are redundant questions, but I can't remember what everyone said before other than it's not a big deal and it's "easy peasy" as someone once said. LOL
Oh, forgot to tell you: He thought my suggestion of the injectible was a great idea and said "Thanks for thinking of it." He was tickled pink that I suggested it and jumped right on board. I guess I should be thanking my board buddies here for the great information.
Jesse882008-03-03 17:23:46I wonder if the shot contains dairy. I know the pills do which is why they made me sick, but i wonder if the actual liquid does.Hey Jesse,
I go for the tummy as it's the easiest place to get a good grasp of fat and skin. I've never had help and think its pretty straight forward. My favourite thing ever to do? Nope, but neither is cleaning the kitty litter box. :)
You'll be fine. :)
- J.
Joy, when I told my husband I had to pinch the skin first, he said, "Aren't you afraid you're going to stick your other hand with the needle since the two hands will be working closely together?" I hadn't thought of that but I've never heard anyone here say they've stuck themselves in the hand that was "pinching the inch."
Jesse882008-03-03 17:38:40bubbagump, I didn't know the pills contained dairy. I wonder why they do that? I love dairy which may be why I never had any stomach issues with the MTX pills.Well now, I guess if it ends up in the back of your hand just consider that a learning experience and not admit it to anyone.
I hope not. Ouch!!! I was also thinking, when I couldn't sleep last night, do you have to make any special arrangements for air travel? The airport security is so strict these days and rightfully so, but I would think sharps are something you might need some sort of documentation for to carry on. I never put any meds in my suitcase, always on the carry on. I had that same question about a year ago. Katie asked her dad for me (he works in a job that is in the know on this stuff) and the answer was that you can take needles and meds in your carry-on. It makes sense especially when you consider diabetics and anaphlaxics who need immediate access to their needles.
Good luck, Jesse, I'm sure you will be fine! I'd ask my neighbor if she would help/watch the first time. I think that will be reassuring to you and you are lucky to have that resource.Hi Jesse
Suzanne, I'm thinking very hard about bringing my nurse neighbor over that first time. Especially since the drug store gave me needles that don't have the .8 on it. The pharmacist didn't want me messing with a needle I have to guess about for the dosage so she's trying to order a different size. But if she can't get it, you can be sure I'll be calling on my neighbor.
Linncn, no pinch even? Terrific! I'm not real sqeamish about this whole thing, especially since I've read here before that it's pretty easy, but your post was very comforting nonetheless. I'll only be using my left thigh since my right thigh is very painful to the touch because of nerve pain which was the result of my two pregnancies. Those little babies just squished my nerves until they screamed. LOL. Since I can also use my stomach, maybe I'll alternate that way, although I would think that would be a bit more uncomfortable and not as easy to access. Not that I don't have plenty of flesh there to work with.
unfortunately, almost every pill i find has dairy as an ingredient. It is a preservative that helps keep the pills fresh.I would doubt the injectable form would have dairy but I would ask the pharmacist for sure.Jesse, I am not kidding, their is no pinch. I'd say a slight pic, but even that seems like overkill. You might feel it, but it isn't pain. I can't wait to hear what you think about it when you're done.
I know a lot of people prefer the belly. I just don't think I could do that.
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