MTX injections

[Guest guest]

I gave the MTX injections in my thigh. I just sat on a hard chair and

pinched the fat part of my upper leg, I felt very comfortable giving them

there because it was easier for me to see what I was doing. The sites aren't

sore after the shots and I only had a very few bruises. My best advice is to

let the alcohol DRY before sticking in the needle, you'll only do that once

if you forget! It isn't that big of a deal after the first time and you will

be an expert at it in no time. After enough practice you will want to give

yourself all your injections, because you'll be able to do it without hurting!

Ilene

[Guest guest]

hi judy i alternate weekly my thighs and though i still hesitate after two

yrs, it isn't bad at all just make pretend u are throwing a dart at a

dartboard ( your thigh) and just do it

Good luck

Larry

[Guest guest]

--- judy malone <judy_malone@...> wrote:

> Hi, I am about to start self injections for Mtx and

> My Dr suggested the fat of the stomach?

Hi there -- lots of people are afraid of self

injecting,

but should not be. It is very easy -- I self-inject

three times a week: twice w/ Enbrel and once w/ MTX.

I started on the thighs but found that the stomach is

a bit easier for me. Of course I have a lot of

stomach to deal with . . .

Just go in at an angle and do it quickly -- a " jab " is

easier than a " push. " It really does not hurt, and

pretty soon you'll be doing it without thinking.

, North Jersey Highlands

__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

> Hi, I am about to start self injections for Mtx and a

> wee nervous. Does anyone have any advice for where to

> do it? My Dr suggested the fat of the stomach? Any

> other advice to make this a less frightful event?

> Is there anything I need to be careful of? My Dr went

> over it like it was no biggie but I am pretty scared

> of hurting myself or something.

> Judy

>

> __________________________________________________

>

[Guest guest]

Judy,

I did the injections in my thighs, but I have big thighs (to say the least). You have to be somewhat careful because if you hit a fat pocket sometimes the medicine spurts back out. At least it did to me. Actually I don't know if that was because I hit a fat pocket or what, but it did that and that's the explanation my husband gave and he is an LPN. That only happened like twice and I took the shots for 4 years (just stopped this April). Here is my real advice-when I first started actually giving the shots to myself (at first my husband did it, but then he switched to 2nd shift, so I had to start) I was pretty surprised how hard I found it to poke myself. So I really had to psych myself out, first of all I made myself think of all the people who were diabetic and had to do it more than once a day. And then, and this is a bit weird, I found that if I kind of hollered as I was poking the needle in, I could do it. I don't know why, but it worked, I would just go "AAAAAAH!" (poke). After awhile, I didn't have to holler anymore, but that was what got me through the difficulty at first. Because it was hard for me to poke myself with a needle-I would make a lousy heroin addict, I guess, although I have never had any kind of particular fear of needles. Good luck and I hope this helps,

[ ] Mtx Injections

Hi, I am about to start self injections for Mtx and awee nervous. Does anyone have any advice for where todo it? My Dr suggested the fat of the stomach? Anyother advice to make this a less frightful event?Is there anything I need to be careful of? My Dr wentover it like it was no biggie but I am pretty scaredof hurting myself or something.Judy__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

Judy,

Hello! It's really okay to be nervous. Although I take mtx orally, I do

take insulin shots twice daily and if they are alot alike I can assure you

it really doesn't hurt. For me the stomach is the easiest and the most

convient ..(I have lots of fat there....lol) you just pinch the skin and go

straight down...the next place would be my thighs...sitting down because I

was so nervous. I hope I have helped some...Good luck and I will be praying

for you. NoSugar

[ ] Mtx Injections

> Hi, I am about to start self injections for Mtx and a

> wee nervous. Does anyone have any advice for where to

> do it? My Dr suggested the fat of the stomach? Any

> other advice to make this a less frightful event?

> Is there anything I need to be careful of? My Dr went

> over it like it was no biggie but I am pretty scared

> of hurting myself or something.

> Judy

>

> __________________________________________________

>

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 11/27/00 4:12:46 PM Eastern Standard Time,

judy_malone@... writes:

<< Hi, I am about to start self injections for Mtx and a

wee nervous. Does anyone have any advice for where to

do it? My Dr suggested the fat of the stomach? >>

Hi Judy - I inject myself weekly, but I had previously injected myself with

allergy serum, so this wasn't really new to me. I inject in my upper arm.

It is not difficult once you get the hang of it. Sticking yourself the first

time can be a little scarey though, so take your time and have someone there

with you for moral support. If you think your arm or leg would be less

sensitive, try there. My rheumy says it doesn't matter where you inject,

wherever you are most comfortable. And don't freak if a little blood comes

out after you inject. This often happens to me. Just put a little pressure

on it -

Good luck and feel free to email me if you want any more info or support,

[Guest guest]

Judy,

If you hold the filled syrings upside down (with needle pointing up)

then " flick " the barrel of the syringe by flicking your middle finger off

your thumb so your middle finger nail hits the syringe. I know this is clear

as mud, and assuming that your fingers work well enough to do this.

<< mtx injections >>

[Guest guest]

Judy,

Sorry, I sent my response before fininshing....... #1-the concern about

air bubles is that if you happened to inject directly into a blood vessle you

would not want to put that air into your blood stream. #2- To check for

blood, prior to pushing the syringe plunger, while holding onto the barrel

of the syringe, pull back (very slightly) on the plunger. If you are in the

right place, you will not see any blood.

<< mtx injections >>

[Guest guest]

Becki,

First of all, sorry to hear that is having such a hard time of it. I have a 7 yr. old daughter, , that has systemic and has had it for 4 yrs. How well I remember those days of "getting stuck in the bathroom".

You asked about the MTX injections. was on the MTX pills for a few months but the side effects were horrible. The doctor said that he would give her the injection, but it would be painful. At age 4, my daughter decided that she preferred the shots. Yes, they are painful but the side effects were much better and to top it off the doctor was able to lower her dose being it was injected. Personally, the injections work much better.

From what I've heard say, is the "shot" burns as it's going in and she asks for an ice pack. Only a couple of weeks ago did her ped. give her the ELMA PATCH and he also gave her PHENERGAN

(for nausea). Life has become so much easier and she feels so much better these days.

I wish you and the best and hopefully things will start to look up for you real soon.

Sincerely,

[Guest guest]

Hi Becky

My daughter is 9 and we switched to injections just about 2 years ago after

nearly 5 years on pills. The switch was tough to make-- just the thought of

sticking my baby every week was awful! But once the decision was made it

went well. We use emla to numb 's arm before the injection, though I

would suggest using an ice cube first. The ice numbs the skin quickly and

then you can just get it done. The emla takes time, so the kids have time to

think about what's going to happen. I've tried to get to try the ice,

but she doesn't want to change things. Anyway, 's response to the

injections has been good. She was on 20mg orally, but we've been able to

maintain things at 15 by injection. She also is able to enjoy her weekends

now, rather than throwing up every weekend. If the rheumy is in agreement, I

would definitely try the injections, maybe even at a higher dose, before

going back up on the pred. Methotrexate, while having some risk of side

effects, certainly is far better for the kids than long term steroid use. As

many of the moms will tell you, the goal with steroids is to use as little

as possible for as little time as possible.

Let us know what you and the rheumy decide to do.

Liz

MTX injections

> Hi,its Becki.Dont feel like rambling,but have feeling once i start i

> wont be able to stop. is 3yrs old 39in 44lbs and he has been on

> 9mg prednisilone for 32 days,he is also on 15mg MTX orally he can go

> up to 20mg then have to add something else.About 1month ago Dave did

> alot better,Rheumy said MTX was starting to work but it would take

> about 8weeks for maximum affect.He has been going down hill ever

> since.Alot more joint involvement that lasts for longer periods of

> time.The other day he went to bathroom and he couldnt turn the

> doorknob to get himself out.Found him screaming and crying at the

> other end of the house.He was a wreck,it really scared him.Anyway

> rheumy mentioned a couple of months ago that may have to go to

> MTX injections,they are supposed to work better.Well I have found

> myself in a place where I dont know what to do.All I think about is

> and what we need to do to make him feel better.He has lost 2lbs

> since he was dropped from 12mg pred do we raise it back up or raise

> his MTX again?I feel like a mean mommy because I think I want to go

> ahead and try the injections,before rheumy says to.Anything to make

> him feel better(and no I dont mean I will just start doing it).How did

> your kids respond when they were switched from oral to

> injections,Iwould really like to hear anything you have to say.

> Becki and 3systemic

>

>

>

> For links to websites about arthritis and JRA, visit:

> http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Village/8414/Links.html

>

>

[Guest guest]

Becki,

The thing I noticed most with Abbie was no more tummy aches. They were really

bad. She has however traded that for a terrible taste in her mouth. So she

gets her injection just before supper. That seems to help. She is on 25 mg.

Because she started everything at once (prednisone, mtx and celebrex) I can't

really say what helps how much. But it all helps. And I think shots are only

as bad as you make them. To Abbie it is a fact of life. She hates them, but

such is life. She says, " Let's just get it over with and move on. "

Christy

[Guest guest]

Becki,

My daughter is 4 and takes the methotrexate injections. I give the shot once a week in her thigh. She never did the pills b/c the doctors felt her body might not be absorbing things that well (she is very thin). My daughter tolerates the shots well and has had no side effects to date. Good luck.

Chris

MTX injections

Hi,its Becki.Dont feel like rambling,but have feeling once i start i

wont be able to stop. is 3yrs old 39in 44lbs and he has been on

9mg prednisilone for 32 days,he is also on 15mg MTX orally he can go

up to 20mg then have to add something else.About 1month ago Dave did

alot better,Rheumy said MTX was starting to work but it would take

about 8weeks for maximum affect.He has been going down hill ever

since.Alot more joint involvement that lasts for longer periods of

time.The other day he went to bathroom and he couldnt turn the

doorknob to get himself out.Found him screaming and crying at the

other end of the house.He was a wreck,it really scared him.Anyway

rheumy mentioned a couple of months ago that may have to go to

MTX injections,they are supposed to work better.Well I have found

myself in a place where I dont know what to do.All I think about is

and what we need to do to make him feel better.He has lost 2lbs

since he was dropped from 12mg pred do we raise it back up or raise

his MTX again?I feel like a mean mommy because I think I want to go

ahead and try the injections,before rheumy says to.Anything to make

him feel better(and no I dont mean I will just start doing it).How did

your kids respond when they were switched from oral to

injections,Iwould really like to hear anything you have to say.

Becki and 3systemic

[Guest guest]

Hi Becki,

Most of us, I think, have had this same thing happen. Not quite knowing

if we're over-reacting or over-reporting some of our children's

symptoms. I think it's still a good idea to report most things though,

even if you decide to call back later to clarify. The doctor will be

able to get a better picture of what's going on.

Hmmmm ... As I type this, I'm thinking about how much things have

changed for me regarding this kind of situation. My son Josh has had JRA

for 6 years and 5 months now. I haven't phoned his pediatrician or his

rheumatologist this week, even though I've had some concerns. We'll be

seeing his rheumatologist on Friday morning though so I think it can

wait till then. Plus, I think I'm still a little fearful/cautious of the

outcome. Believe me, if it was 5 or so years ago, I would have already

brought Josh in for an office visit.

Josh has been having some pain and inflammation in both of his feet and

in his left wrist. Why left, I'm not sure, as he's right-handed. It's

been recurring ever since we made the last 1mg taper in his prednisone.

Those used to be problem areas for . Those few joints had such a

major impact on his daily living. He used to not even hardly be able to

bear any weight on his feet. His pediatrician even took xrays at one

point, believing that he had a fracture there because it was causing

Josh so much pain. His little ankles used to get so swollen and have

those darned bumpy nodules on them. His fingers and wrists hurt so bad

at times that he found it hard to hold a crayon or pencil.

His wrists and feet hadn't been bothering him for so long that I really

was hoping that they would no longer be affected by arthritis. Ever

again. At all ... but even after all this time, it seems like the

steroids may have just been masking the problems. His blood work from

last month showed a higher SED rate. Back up into the 30's again. Which,

compared to the much higher SED rates he used to have (in the 130's!),

still seems really good but compared to the more recent lower numbers

(like an 11) it has me somewhat worried about a setback.

Josh is handling it okay but he's not happily telling me, anymore, that

his arthritis is gone He's been waking up a little stiff and sore

again. He's had no qualms about taking his meds. He even has begun

taking the evening dose a little earlier I've noticed, as his feet hurt

so much by the end of the day. I had hoped that he was feeling a little

under the weather just because he was sick with sinusitis and that once

he was finished with the antibiotics, his arthritis symptoms would

disappear. Well, not quite yet.

Oh .... but getting back to your questions about MTX injections .... I

may very well be biased but I'd opt for an increased dose of MTX over

corticosteroids, any day. My son started MTX orally immediately and we

didn't switch to injectable for almost 5 years. I wish we had done it

sooner because he responded so much better to injections than to the

pills. I think we may have had a much easier time reducing his steroids

if we had gone that route.

I know you must be so happy that the doc has agreed to just a milligram

increase in steroids. For us, we always had to raise it much higher to

have the same effect that we had on a lower dose. If we were tapering

down from 10 to 9mgs and the JRA started to flare, going back up just to

10 wouldn't help. We'd usually need to double up the dose and start over

from there, as soon as things quieted down again and we could begin

reducing once more. That's just how it was for us, though. Everybody is

different. The lowest dose that causes a positive response would be the

better way to go, I'm sure. So I do wish you all the best, as you and

the doctor try to figure out the best solution for . You will both

be in our thoughts.

Take care,

Georgina

Allan Larson wrote:

>

> Hi,its Becki,talked to rheumy this morning about .I get really nervous

> sometimes and I dont say everything I want to or it comes out wrong,anyway I

> think I made Dave sound worse than what he really was,s symptoms tend to

> follow a 2week pattern then change.He wanted to bring up from 9mg

> prednisilone to 21 mg.He also moved his appointment up 1.5weeks to show me how

> to do MTX injections.Well after about an hour of thinking things over I called

> him back.See had 2 really good weeks prior to his last

appointment,rheumy

> said MTX was starting to work(barely)he should do even better over next

> 8weeks,This was on a monday,everyday he got a little worse more joint

> involvement that would come and go all day long.Before it was only in the

> morning then hed be fine all day after taking pred then he would have problems

> at night.the bad lasted 2weeks what I didnt tell rheumy is that this week

things

> have calmed down again,only has problems first thing in morning then again at

> night.No problems duiring the day.this morning he didnt even want to take it

> because he wasnt in any pain it is 10:45 and still no problems.Called Rheumy

> back really conserned that I might have overexaggerated and that hes doing

> better this week,rheumy agreed that since he is coming in to see him this

> monday,he would be willing to comprimise.We are only going to raise him up to

> 12mg.What a huge differance.He still has to take his MTX orally this fri. but

> hopefully when he starts injections he will respond better. Becki and

>

>

> wrote:

>

> > Hi Becky

> >

> > My daughter is 9 and we switched to injections just about 2 years ago after

> > nearly 5 years on pills. The switch was tough to make-- just the thought of

> > sticking my baby every week was awful! But once the decision was made it

> > went well. We use emla to numb 's arm before the injection, though I

> > would suggest using an ice cube first. The ice numbs the skin quickly and

> > then you can just get it done. The emla takes time, so the kids have time to

> > think about what's going to happen. I've tried to get to try the ice,

> > but she doesn't want to change things. Anyway, 's response to the

> > injections has been good. She was on 20mg orally, but we've been able to

> > maintain things at 15 by injection. She also is able to enjoy her weekends

> > now, rather than throwing up every weekend. If the rheumy is in agreement, I

> > would definitely try the injections, maybe even at a higher dose, before

> > going back up on the pred. Methotrexate, while having some risk of side

> > effects, certainly is far better for the kids than long term steroid use. As

> > many of the moms will tell you, the goal with steroids is to use as little

> > as possible for as little time as possible.

> >

> > Let us know what you and the rheumy decide to do.

> >

> > Liz

> > MTX injections

> >

> > > Hi,its Becki.Dont feel like rambling,but have feeling once i start i

> > > wont be able to stop. is 3yrs old 39in 44lbs and he has been on

> > > 9mg prednisilone for 32 days,he is also on 15mg MTX orally he can go

> > > up to 20mg then have to add something else.About 1month ago Dave did

> > > alot better,Rheumy said MTX was starting to work but it would take

> > > about 8weeks for maximum affect.He has been going down hill ever

> > > since.Alot more joint involvement that lasts for longer periods of

> > > time.The other day he went to bathroom and he couldnt turn the

> > > doorknob to get himself out.Found him screaming and crying at the

> > > other end of the house.He was a wreck,it really scared him.Anyway

> > > rheumy mentioned a couple of months ago that may have to go to

> > > MTX injections,they are supposed to work better.Well I have found

> > > myself in a place where I dont know what to do.All I think about is

> > > and what we need to do to make him feel better.He has lost 2lbs

> > > since he was dropped from 12mg pred do we raise it back up or raise

> > > his MTX again?I feel like a mean mommy because I think I want to go

> > > ahead and try the injections,before rheumy says to.Anything to make

> > > him feel better(and no I dont mean I will just start doing it).How did

> > > your kids respond when they were switched from oral to

> > > injections,Iwould really like to hear anything you have to say.

> > > Becki and 3systemic

[Guest guest]

Georgina-

I'm sorry to hear Josh is having a bit of a backslide. I really hope there's

no need to increase his prednisone. I know how happy you were to get the

dosage down to where it is. Just when you think you've got it licked . . .

Diane (, 2, pauci)

[Guest guest]

Hi,its Becki,talked to rheumy this morning about .I get really nervous

sometimes and I dont say everything I want to or it comes out wrong,anyway I

think I made Dave sound worse than what he really was,s symptoms tend to

follow a 2week pattern then change.He wanted to bring up from 9mg

prednisilone to 21 mg.He also moved his appointment up 1.5weeks to show me how

to do MTX injections.Well after about an hour of thinking things over I called

him back.See had 2 really good weeks prior to his last appointment,rheumy

said MTX was starting to work(barely)he should do even better over next

8weeks,This was on a monday,everyday he got a little worse more joint

involvement that would come and go all day long.Before it was only in the

morning then hed be fine all day after taking pred then he would have problems

at night.the bad lasted 2weeks what I didnt tell rheumy is that this week things

have calmed down again,only has problems first thing in morning then again at

night.No problems duiring the day.this morning he didnt even want to take it

because he wasnt in any pain it is 10:45 and still no problems.Called Rheumy

back really conserned that I might have overexaggerated and that hes doing

better this week,rheumy agreed that since he is coming in to see him this

monday,he would be willing to comprimise.We are only going to raise him up to

12mg.What a huge differance.He still has to take his MTX orally this fri. but

hopefully when he starts injections he will respond better. Becki and

wrote:

> Hi Becky

>

> My daughter is 9 and we switched to injections just about 2 years ago after

> nearly 5 years on pills. The switch was tough to make-- just the thought of

> sticking my baby every week was awful! But once the decision was made it

> went well. We use emla to numb 's arm before the injection, though I

> would suggest using an ice cube first. The ice numbs the skin quickly and

> then you can just get it done. The emla takes time, so the kids have time to

> think about what's going to happen. I've tried to get to try the ice,

> but she doesn't want to change things. Anyway, 's response to the

> injections has been good. She was on 20mg orally, but we've been able to

> maintain things at 15 by injection. She also is able to enjoy her weekends

> now, rather than throwing up every weekend. If the rheumy is in agreement, I

> would definitely try the injections, maybe even at a higher dose, before

> going back up on the pred. Methotrexate, while having some risk of side

> effects, certainly is far better for the kids than long term steroid use. As

> many of the moms will tell you, the goal with steroids is to use as little

> as possible for as little time as possible.

>

> Let us know what you and the rheumy decide to do.

>

> Liz

> MTX injections

>

> > Hi,its Becki.Dont feel like rambling,but have feeling once i start i

> > wont be able to stop. is 3yrs old 39in 44lbs and he has been on

> > 9mg prednisilone for 32 days,he is also on 15mg MTX orally he can go

> > up to 20mg then have to add something else.About 1month ago Dave did

> > alot better,Rheumy said MTX was starting to work but it would take

> > about 8weeks for maximum affect.He has been going down hill ever

> > since.Alot more joint involvement that lasts for longer periods of

> > time.The other day he went to bathroom and he couldnt turn the

> > doorknob to get himself out.Found him screaming and crying at the

> > other end of the house.He was a wreck,it really scared him.Anyway

> > rheumy mentioned a couple of months ago that may have to go to

> > MTX injections,they are supposed to work better.Well I have found

> > myself in a place where I dont know what to do.All I think about is

> > and what we need to do to make him feel better.He has lost 2lbs

> > since he was dropped from 12mg pred do we raise it back up or raise

> > his MTX again?I feel like a mean mommy because I think I want to go

> > ahead and try the injections,before rheumy says to.Anything to make

> > him feel better(and no I dont mean I will just start doing it).How did

> > your kids respond when they were switched from oral to

> > injections,Iwould really like to hear anything you have to say.

> > Becki and 3systemic

> >

> >

> >

> > For links to websites about arthritis and JRA, visit:

> > http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Village/8414/Links.html

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

Dr. Dan,

Thanks for your response and details, I kind of thought it would be

okay since I am the only one to use the vial...my doctor says he will

keep it for me and be careful with it. Do you give yourself the

injections ? I am just being my curious self... ) We are one of

the 3 importers of MTX as I found out, so I have asked my husband to

see if we can import 10 mg. vials or ampoules just for my use... it

seems only 50 mgs and higher doses are brought for cancer patients,

but lower doses for PA are not in demand... well, until I demanded it!

My injection went well on Wednesday, it wasn't painful at all... I

was so anxious about my decision to switch from tablets to

injections, and to just begin with the MTX at all... I actually think

I made myself nauseated from all the 'thinking'... I rested that

entire day and was feeling great the next day... usually I suffered

from nausea for 2 or 3 days afterwards. So, so far so good )

Thanks again, #2

> #2,

>

> My MTX is manufactured by Immunex. On the box is says

> " Multi-dose Vial " . However, you are right in the

> belief that once you penetrate the membrane of the

> vial you increase the chances of contamination. Since

> you are the only one who will use your vile and you do

> not reuse needles the chances of contamination are

> very small. Also, most MTX contain a preservative that

> helps decrease the chances of contamination.

>

> I store my MTX in a closet where light and temperature

> changes are kept to a minimum.

>

> Dr. Dan

>

> __________________________________________________

>

[Guest guest]

Dan, thanks, I think I had already made my mind up to throw the vials

away after one use... eventually I will be receiving 1 mg vials or

ampoules... so I have enough for this month... thanks. Obviously the

vials I have are not Multi-doses... so I am glad I have that clear.

I would love to hear your experiences )... you can reach me through

my address directly or my other email address... listed in my

profiles for ... I think.

Your lucky that your 'shooter' is so close to your 'target' ha ha...

I have to drive to the nearby hospital... but it is a few blocks away

and the dr. is a friend that gives me the shots to my 'target' )

I am dying to hear your story about the ambien-MTX mixup.... hint,

hint....

Thanks again, #2

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 2/1/2002 1:34:59 PM Eastern Standard Time,

lisa_k@... writes:

> I kind of thought it would be

> okay since I am the only one to use the vial...my doctor says he will

>

#2 - I used the same vial for about 4 injections - I even re-used

needles (which probably wasn't the greatest idea and never told my dr. that)

and never had a bit of trouble with infection. I'm not saying you should do

what I did, but I do think the risk of infection is very very slight.

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

When Emla cream went off the market our pharmacy started compounding it for us.Actually a little stronger then Emla. still felt it but not the Enbrel.The MTX does burn,it doesn't matter if it's with or without preservative or even with a numbing cream.We were just recently allowed to try oral MTX because was throwing such a fit over the shots.It does take the edge off but doesn't completely dull it.The cream is worth a try though.

Hugs

Becki and 5systemic

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

Haley was on MTX injections as well. Like I had said in an earlier post, the MTX stings/burns going in, unlike the Enbrel. As far as the joints hurting, Haley never mentioned anything about that. Although, Haley is really tolerant of pain.... Except the poke of the needle without numbing cream!! LOL!!

Terrie & Haley (9 poly)

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

There is something in the patiant insert that mentions joint pain following MTX dose.It's alot of reading but if you break it out you will find it.

Hugs

Becki and 5systemic

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

I've been giving MTX shots to my daughter for over a year now, and it does get better as times go by.

When I first started I got advice from the rheumy nurse at the hospital but also got lots of advice from the folks here.

For the stinging problem (which happened to as well), you have to make sure you let the alcohol (which you cleaned the skin area with) to dry before giving the shot. The same with the MTX container. This did help a lot for us. After reading a lot about the cream, I decided not to use it, as many of our children do not get much pain from the poke. I also make sure to administer the MTX really slowly and apply the needle in an angle (which I first I didn't know it was better) and it helps much, just make sure you withdraw the needle in the same angle direction. These days, my daughter complains of the idea of having to get it, but the actual shot doesn't hurt or bother her at all. Also feels somehow the shot better on a full stomach (otherwise she used to feel nauseated). About the joint hurting sensation after the shot I couldn't tell you, maybe others may have experience with that.

Anyway, don't worry she'll be fine, its a little price to pay for a big benefit to come from it.

Good luck with everything,

(8) poly

MTX injections

Hi all, I have a couple of questions. Brittany is now getting the MTX injections and we did the first one this past Friday night. She said the needle didn't hurt but the medicine stung really bad when it was going in. (She was in tears). Anyway, if I use the ELA-Max cream is it going to take some of the stinging sensation away? Also, when she was on MTX orally she said that it was making her joints hurt. Withing 30 minutes of giving her the injection, she told me her joints were hurting. The next day she was fine. Is this a common side effect or should I be concerned? mom to Brittany (12-poly)To leave this mailing list, send request to: -unsubscribe

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Thanks Becki - I will do that.

and Brittany 12-poly

-----Original Message-----From: Arthurnator@... [mailto:Arthurnator@...]Sent: Monday, August 11, 2003 2:24 PM Subject: Re: MTX injectionsHi , There is something in the patiant insert that mentions joint pain following MTX dose.It's alot of reading but if you break it out you will find it. Hugs Becki and 5systemic To leave this mailing list, send request to: -unsubscribe

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Silly Me - I had not read alot of the post this week and after sending this

email - I read all the post about MTX and stomach issues. You all give the

best info. Sandi Ken Hunter (6 Systemic)