Rheumatoid Arthritis Support Group

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic, inflammatory, multisystem, autoimmune disorder. It is a disabling and painful condition which can lead to substantial loss of mobility due to pain and joint destruction. The disease is also systemic in that it often also affects many extra-articular tissues throughout the body including the skin, blood vessels, heart, lungs, and...

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I got switched to injection mtx

lovebaby8
lovebaby8
Is there a difference between the pills of mtx then the injection of mtx? I asked my doctor yesterday but he never gave me an answer. I have heard its suppose to reduce side effects but i have never experience side effects. I have been on the mtx for almost 6 years with no change is it suppose to work better than the pills? Like I said I try to ask my doctor and he didn't respond and I also told him that I am not able to fill any heat and he brushed that off as no big deal as well. I wished I could switch rheumys but I am already driving two hours out of town the closet one after that is 4 hours.
ginny15
ginny15
Your body will absorb more of the med with the injectable mtx. You will get more of the full effect of the mtx. Also once you reach a certain dose it is advisable to switch from pills to injections to lessen the risk of stomach problems. Did the doc raise your dose when he made this switch?
deleted_user
deleted_user
ginny is right, you have a better chance of not having nausea or stomach problems with injections and does get into your system faster. what do you mean you cant feel heat? something is numb? I have the same issues with my Rheumy...they get to the point of what really should be worrysome....meaning, what seems to be important to us, is not always something to worry about to them. doesnt seem right but thats been my experience as well and I have a great Rheumy. so maybe give him a chance long enough to see how the relationship goes.. :)
lovebaby8
lovebaby8
No they didn't raise my dose I am on 20mg a week. And with the heat thing I just can't feel heat such as getting in a shower the water always feels cold and the same with doing dishes. So I am not sure what is going on with that. I never experience nausea with the pills so hopefully nothing with change with the injections.
Angelpuss
Angelpuss
It sounds as though you have some kind of neuropathy issues. Can you check it out with your PCP who can refer you to a specialist. I'm surprised that your Rheumy brushed that off. There has to be something causing it.Please let us know how you get on.
Hugs
deleted_user
deleted_user
the reason I asked what you meant about not feeling heat is because that is one of my complaints to my Rhemy.from the beginning my feet and hands are numb. to the point that I cant feel them...usually when I have a flareup or sometimes throughout the winter on my feet..cant seem to warm them up. my Rhumy dident think it was a big deal either. its very irritating, you could put a needle in my feet and I wouldnt feel it !! Good Luck with everything !!
sammyo1
sammyo1
I'm hoping for injection as my stomach did not like the first dose.
Still when you ask a question it should be answered.
More & more patients are encouraged to ask questions.

Your paying to have those questions answered. The fact your not feeling temperatures would indicate something is going on. It can also become a danger.

Since distance is a problem try to develop better communications skill with the RA. I realize its him but perhaps if he feels your digging your heels in he'll respond. Won't hurt to try. Makes me mad.
Perhaps going in with a note pad & pen, as he is not blind & that should give him the message. My RA noted I brought a list & ask what it was I had with me. Then proceeded to ask if there was any questions I wanted to ask. Also another person in the room. That seems to get some doctors attention.
Good luck sweetie,
Sammy