I know plenty on here do, so can someone give me some reassurance about self-injecting mtx, please? Just had a surprise phone call from my rheum (appointment was due tomorrow), and ignoring the fact that it felt rushed and harried, I fairly blindly agreed to a dose increase and going sub-cut. The reason he increased the mtx was because I’m getting the skin side effects and worsened post nasal drip etc. since I started leflunomide, so he doesn’t want to increase that, even though it was only when the lef was added in that I saw any improvement at all and managed to get off steroids: I would have much preferred to increase the lef, but can’t because of the side effects I’m getting. Thing is, I can have injections and bloods done now, but I was clinically needle phobic as a young man to the point that I would completely avoid going to the doctors/dentist etc., and freak out when I did end up needing something done. Never forget the looks I got sobbing like a child at the age of 21, unable to even get my name out properly purely because I was there for a blood test. For all I’ve successfully got past my phobia, the idea of sticking myself is one that really doesn’t sit easily with me at 36, even with a pen, and even though it’s only once a week....
I did remember to mention the breathlessness from my last post and he’s organising a CT, but there’s a bunch of things I planned to ask/say that went out the window as a result of the call coming out of the blue. It’s only the second time I’ve ever spoken to him.
Hidden I take the MTX pen and I do not see the actual needle so I am finding it very easy its more of a pressure point so you might find it super easy compared to what you have going on in your head. I also went to injection due to side effects. Also it might be possible to ask your GP surgery nurse to assist on the first one to make sure you feel secure and calm on 1st inject. Though I don't even call it an injection as less pain than a blood test I find.
In regards to the call sit down and write what you feel you missed out and then call back your RA team and see if a nurse of consultant can call you back and explain as not prepared you missed out on a lot of points you needed to talk about.
No harm in pushing fr what you need done to make yourself calmer about all the info and med changes.
Hi they generally tell you how to do it but its often a push button do you dont see the needle. My daughter us the same with needles and fairly commonly passes out during blood tests! So I feel sympathy for you .
I'm using Metoject and it's fine - actually easier than swallowing lots of silly little tablets 😂 I had a couple of sessions with a nurse to show me how to do it but actually did it myself both times with her guidance. They're very patient and understanding of natural concerns so hopefully you'll find that reassuring. If you really find that it's too much at that stage, you can always talk to them about other options.
I know exactly what you mean about forgetting what you wanted to say - I do that even when it's a scheduled conversation 🙄 Don't hesitate to contact the nurse helpline if you want anything clarifying, they must be used to us all by now! 😂
I think most normal people dislike injections and needles and I'm sure that most health professionals are used to helping needle phobics like yourself, not that there's any shame in that. I use metoject MTX and although I am careful, obviously, it's become just another thing to do before I get on with my day. I can't see the needle, it hurts less than blood tests and the results are so worth it.
Honestly so easy get a good pinch of your leg and you won’t even feel it . Needle is hidden so it just looks like a marker pen 🖊. Definitely do as Dee says call back you Rheumy team and ask them to clarify everything. Tell us how you get on.
Hi Charlie. I feel for you regarding the needles, I was like that when I was younger and didn't even like having bloods taken as I got older but this is so different. You can't even see the needle as it's encased inside a tubular container and all you feel is a tiny jab like if you have ever been sewing a button on and the needle accidentally touches your finger. I never thought that I would ever be able to inject myself and in my mind, I had all these awful thoughts of feeling the needle go in just like when you have bloods taken, but it's nothing like that. It's over with so quickly and I remember after I injected myself the first time thinking, well what was all that about, that was nothing and now I do it without even thinking about it. I had built it all up in my mind to be something that it wasn't. Like Deeb said, maybe the nurse at your GP surgery can help with your first one or even ask a rheumy nurse to assist you. Good luck with it and let us know how you get on.
Hi Charlie
Sorry to hear of your needle phobia
Have you thought about talking therapy to help you overcome it. Might be worth it seeing as so many of our drugs now are in injection and infusion form.
My husband is a CBT practitioner and speaks to people regularly with phobias with good success. You can self refer to mind and alliance if they have services in your area.
I have been on mtx injections since the drug became available by injection in the 1990s. Initially I had to have an intramuscular injection at the hospital, eventually the pen was invented. I find it completely painless and you don't see the needle.
If you live with someone you could get them to do it for you.
But working on the phobia would be good as with this illness you're always going to need blood tests.
Good luck!
Kiki
Ps I make a list of things I want to talk about with my Rheumy as I think of things. I use the letter. Maybe do that for next time. Very annoying they phoned you a day early 😳
No-one could be more needle phobic than I was. I even preferred to have tooth fillings without anaesthetic rather than have an injection.
I started on MTX sub-cut when you had to fiddle about with vials and syringes and needles....a weekly drama and you can’t even have a drink afterwards. The prepared syringes were a huge leap forward, and the modern pens are a breeze. Really. I can’t say it’s the high point of my week, but its perfectly doable (and I now have two injections a week...).
The methotrexate is more effective as an injection than in tablet for, and it greatly reduced side effects, particularly in terms of nausea. When I started the injections the rheumatology nurses taught me how to do it, supervised my first couple of efforts and checked I was safe and happy before letting me loose. I find pinching the skin is a bit sore but don't actually feel the needle go in. I understand the needle phobia, my husband has it too......a heart attack and daily bloods/blood thinning injections for 2_weeks in hospital cured him😅 extreme but effective! I think it's important to be honest with the rheumatology team , you won't be the first with similar fears I'm sure. Hope you get good support to move forward.
Its no fun when your scared of needles. I can tell you it is so easy to do and you don't even have to look at it when you do it. With the pens you hardly see the needle so it would be better for you darling. After all it is just a little prick.xxxx
I do wonder whether anyone is worse than myself being needle phobic. Being told in 2016 that I needed to inject with MTX pen I froze. I cried was shaking as I told the nurse I’m needle phobic. It took 3 months before I was able to self inject. I would leave to go to the hospital by 7.15am every Friday morning, meet with the male nurse at 7.30am I wouldn’t leave his room until around only when we had done injection together would take 30-45 minutes it took that long , before I could barely hold the dummy pen in clinic which I found difficult. Every Friday I would hold the real MTX pen, the nurse encouraged me to put pen to the tummy area but I couldn’t press the top he use to do this for me this went on for 12 weeks, gradually we would get a little closer by pressing top of pen together.
Then finally I managed to do it, what a breakthrough!! I still can only inject the tummy area not the legs. I still feel uncomfortable injecting but I do it, and no I still don’t like having bloods taken.
I’m quite lucky the hospital I attend, they know I’m needle phobic I just walk straight in don’t need to get a number from machine and wait till a number comes up.
It may take you a while or you might be pleasantly surprised, you will get there.
Wow, Pamelah5, that's a wonderful story about how kind, patient and helpful that nurse was. I can remember the not-so-good old days when they would have told you not to be ridiculous and just to get on with it. Great that things have changed,
Bacharia, he was such a lovely nurse, had time to discus blood results talk about any concerns. I know not all nurses are as kind or have time, he put himself out for me on a Friday, sadly he has since moved to another hospital closer to where he lives, he had plenty of time, remember him saying he had helped another lady, she wasn’t quite as bad as myself, for me was a huge breakthrough gave me confidence x
Honestly, the pen is so easy to use and they will run over a few trials with a pen that has no needle in till you get the technique right. Don’t worry , you don’t feel a thing ! Just pinch a bit of fat , place the pen on top and press the button ..... the rest is done for you and you don’t even have to look 😊 Just look up to the ceiling as you breathe in , then press the button as you breathe out ... simples! 😊
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