I Want to Stop Methotrexate

[Kat]

You probably would do fine after you get the hang of it. It's a good idea to get the nurse to show you. Let us know how it goes!

Good luck and happy thoughts!

[Forest Walker]

Thanks for the support with this.  The nurse was enthusiastically helpful and encouraging like a cheer leader.  She didn't like the syringe the pharmacy gave me and checked with the dermatologist for a prescription for the kind she prefers, along with this useful "SmartSite Needle-Free Access Pin" that will stay on the bottle.  The syringe has a "luar lock" and twists onto this access pin before the needle is applied to the syringe.  She showed me how much air to push into the little vial and techniques for drawing the liquid into the syringe.  She had me practice this and also practice flicking my finger against syringe to dislodge a practice air bubble.  She showed me how to put the needle on the syringe after it's filled.

We practiced on a vial of saline.  She didn't want me to bring the methotrexate in because there are pregnant women in the office.  

At home, I used the techniques she taught me and drew the Methotrexate without a single air bubble, affixed the needle to the syringe, and injected under the skin as I do for Humira.  So easy.  No pain while injecting.  The familiar sting of the Humira is not part of the MTX experience.  Vitamin B-12 injections go into the muscle, a whole different approach and painful.  I got this!  

[D Foster]

Brilliant FW , I will keep my fingers crossed that you don't have any problems with the MTX now.

[Fred]

Good luck FW

[Wooley]

Good luck Forest 

[jiml]

Great news FW and great explanation of the tuition you got

[Forest Walker]

Thanks!  I've injected Methotrexate three times, so far, over the course of three weeks.  The nurse education helped so very much.  And the medicine has no pain at all while injecting, unlike the Humria, which stings a little (using the original formula--not citrate free Humira).

My liver enzymes have risen and will be rechecked in two weeks.  I have not been drinking alcohol.  When I fell in the shower, I smacked my right side pretty hard and wonder if that is causing the liver enzymes to rise.  The dermatologist's assistant said it might be due to the injectable.  

I'll see gastroenterologist and dermatologist this month and look a little more closely at Stelara.  It would be nice to have wine with dinner, again.

[D Foster]

Is it a little bit better than the oral MTX, definitely look into the Stelara as I am sure that you will do well with it.

[Fred]

definitely look into the Stelara as I am sure that you will do well with it.

I would second that

[jiml]

Yes if you get the chance to transfer on to Stelara go for it. It has worked well for so many of our members and I hope it would work well for you