Methotrexate bloods

[eescvc]

I've just had my monthly bloods taken, (my first time out of the house in 3 weeks!) but as my usual nurse isn't in given this crisis, they somehow messed up and didn't put through a full blood count request. Is this going to be a problem? Or should I just wait until next month?

I know I'm probably overthinking but this is going to play on my mind now

Thanks.

[DJK99]

Hey there - Yes........You'll have to ask them to get them again I would have thought - FBC is very important. Are you a newbie to methotrexate - only ask as monthly is quite often, mind you I had that for the first year too. I only have them done every 3mths now (although bit confused as the last GP I saw (never the same one!) said I need close monitoring my neutropenia and some other thing that causes large red blood cells). Are your bloods usually ok? If they are, they might say you can leave it for a month, but doesn't sound like it if you are having them monthly still. Are you aware of your levels of neutrophils etc etc?The reason they do these tests (as you probably know) is to make sure they don't need to reduce your methotrexate, if it's making your neutrophils etc nosedive (which would mean you are at higher risk of infection), and also to make sure your liver isn't complaining... and all sorts of other stuff, they are all relevant of course. Anyway.. that's what I think. Please give them a call and discuss with the GP (or if they are around, message your rheumatologist).All the best and hope you get it sorted. Dx

[eescvc in reply to DJK99]

Thank you. I've been on methotrexate since December 2018 so over a year but still on monthly tests. My FBC are usually pretty good and steady. Slightly anemic is about all it shows. I think I should be fine to wait until next month for the FBC to be done, I'm sure I'll be on 3x monthly bloods soon once this pandemic is over anyway.

[HazelW]

I was on monthly blood tests when I first started Metho. Eventually it went down to 3 monthly. Now I have moved to a new area my new rheumatologist has recommended monthly tests again - but - my surgery has contacted me & told me I don't need to go for tests for 3 months given the current situation.

As my symptoms have been very mild for a year or more I'm not concerned about it.

Not sure this will help you , just thought I'd share my experience.

Stay safe & stay strong 💜

[Sin123 in reply to HazelW]

That’s interesting to hear. I’ve been on methotrexate for two years now and just started on x8 weekly tests and pretty steady on neutrophils front. Due to have a blood test shortly so now wondering if they’ll suggest delaying mine too?