I'm on MTX injections. Really, they aren't bad. Its a tiny tiny needle, you hardly feel it going in. The bad part about the injection, for me, is that I know I'm going to start feeling pretty awful the next day. I hear that's the same with the pills too though. Luckily, my GP prescribed zofran for the nausea, and it's pretty much made the side effects stop. I'm still definitely a lot groggier for the next day or so, but, not throwing up/nauseated anymore. MTX does take some time to work; I've been on it 6 weeks, and only this last week have I noticed minor improvements. Could you go onto a burst of prednisone for your foot flare to get it under control?

Hope you stop flaring soon!

The needle really never hurts. I place it on the spot I'm going to inject, and I close my eyes, and don't watch it go in. I do look when im injecting the medicine very slowly. It's so easy and quick, but every single time it's that day, I'm dreading it. I hate it, but it really is better than the pills. And now I take it before i go to bed, I get no side effects what so ever.
LoL I just can't watch that needle go in.

Lin

Sorry to hear you're having such a hard time, Life. You know I don't mess with the stuff...I'm still waiting for the Sulfasalazine to kick in. It's so tuff waiting on these meds to work. Hope you get better soon.

I'm waiting on the Orencia infusions to start working. Understand it takes several months to start and I just took my 2d infusion yesterday so I have a way to go yet. I'm supposed to start taking Arava this week also (as soon as I get the Rx filled). I'm hoping to get some faster relief from the Arava.

While this is going on, I've been told I need a root canal and my rheumy wants me to postpone it until I have all the Orencia loading doses done and two weeks past an infusion. This mess is getting to be too much!!! I'm on an antibiotic for the tooth infection so hopefully, I can defer the root canal as he suggests.

Lifeis2short, can you inject the MTX in the stomach? That's where I inject insulin and you cannot even feel the needle going in.

Hugs and prayers that you feel better soon.

If you are concetned with pain you can numb the spot you are going to put the needle in with an ice cube. The needle is very small also. I hope you find relief soon. Take care.

Thanks all! I gave myself the shot and I didn't even feel the needle. I was completely shocked! I watched a video on youtube, just to boost my confidence. It went very well. I am probably going to go back to 10 mgs of Prednisone tomorrow for the next few days. I was trying to wean down but I have way too much pain, you know...especially my feet. I guess I have to go see my primary doc because this Raynards in my feet is killing me! It really hurts to even walk. They are not tingling tonight though. Thank you all so much for your support!

I wish I could offer some help. I have given myself several injections in the thighs and in the stomach. After getting over the fear, it's not so bad. Just pinch your belly fat and you don't even feel the injection.

As for the pain in your feet, is that RA?

Remember I recommended magnesium for your leg cramps. Wanted to let you know that you shoud choose magnesium glycinate because it does not hurt your stomach as much. I ordered mine from Swanson Vitamins on the internet. Very cheap.

I am taking lots of vitamins and supplements from the new integrative doctor I have started going to. i feel a lot better but still cutting back on prednisone so we will see.

My rheumatologist never suggested taking vitamins and supplements.

Good Luck! I really hope you can get your pain resolved.

wendy..I am taking magnesium (thanks for the tips). I think that my leg cramps were due to a medication that I was taking aside from my RA meds. Since I've quit taking it my leg cramps have pretty much gone away. My feet are still pretty bad. I have Raynaud's and also a lot of neuropathy pain. I'm going to make an appointment with my primary doc on Monday to see what I can take for it. They have progressively gotten worse. They get cold then burn, tingle and have just pain! It's hard to describe but it feels bad! Hopefully she can help me out with this. I'm thankful that my joints are not in a flare today!!