Methotrexate, oral vs. injection?

[Guest guest]

I am reluctantly coming to terms with the fact that I am probably going to begin

on MTX at my next rheum. appt. (next Friday). The rheumatologist said that if

my symptoms hadn't improved when I returned in four weeks, we should seriously

consider it to prevent damage, etc. My symptoms have not improved and there

have been distressing new symptoms (trigger fingers, the snapping wrists, some

physical changes in my hands, etc.).

I'm really scared about all of these meds. The potential side effects, the

expense (we have crappy Rx coverage). But I have two boys that need me, the

youngest (age nine) is profoundly autistic and I'm his primary caregiver. I

can't afford to be slowed down or disabled. It's always been a concern who will

care for him when we're dead and gone, but now I'm terrified about whether I'll

be able to care for him in a year at this rate. (

So! My question is...some take MTX orally, some via injection. Why? What's

the benefit of one over the other? Is taking it in a shot easier on the

stomach? GI pain and nausea have been a big problem for me for the past 5+

weeks and the couple of NSAIDs I've tried just KILL me. I already suffered from

GERD and have been on Nexium for years. Diclofenac is the only one that has

offered any relief, but I have to be really careful with when and how I take it.

Anything else anybody can offer to a methotrexate novice? Is there another drug

that should be considered or is this pretty much the standard first response?

Thanks!

Love,

Judy