Injecting Methotrexate Part 3

Injecting Methotrexate Part three

As I waited for Medicare to okay my methotrexate injections, I changed my mind about taking the injections several times. The side effects from the medicine frightened me! I already had cold sores in my mouth, as well as some hair loss and thinning. Then to make matters worst, my liver enzymes were alittle elevated at 36 ( normal 34). There was never any doubt in my mind that I needed to proceed with caution, but what the hell was that?!
                                           
I was suppose to go into the office once Medicare approved the injections to learn how to inject myself. However, since the act of injecting myself was not new to me, I decided to refresh my memory with a YouTube video, on injecting methotrexate. I found several videos on the subject that were very, very informative. I love You Tube! Plus, I had some knowledge on how to inject myself, because back in 2008, I had to learn to inject myself with biologic drugs that were prescribed to me for my rheumatoid arthritis.

Biologics like Enbrel, Humira and Remicade are used to treat moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis that has not responded adequately to other treatments. They differ significantly from traditional drugs used to treat rheumatoid arthritis in that they target specific components of the immune system instead of broadly affecting many areas of the immune system. Biologics may be used alone but are commonly given along with other rheumatoid arthritis medications. Biologics have been shown to help slow progression of rheumatoid arthritis when all other treatments have failed to do so. Aggressive rheumatoid arthritis treatment is known to help prevent long-term disability from RA.

One of the You Tube videos that I found helpful was one about a young lady who was taking methotrexate for her Ulcerative Colitis. This You Tuber talked about her experience with the methotrexate injections, she also gave an understandable demonstration on how she gives herself the injection.  

Once I finished watching her video, I knew what to do, I just didn't want to do it, because I hated needles! Still one of my immediate worries was becoming nauseated ( a side effect)and drained after the injection. However, she addressed my squeamish worries when the You Tuber stated that her nurse told her to take a Benadryl right after the injection. The Benadryl would more than likely take away the urge to vomit.

So the only thing that was left for me to do, was to inject the methotrexate, right? Maybe, maybe not.