It’s common to be a little stressed about giving yourself a weekly injection – you are not alone! In this video, Cheryl Crow (rheumatoid arthritis patient and host of the Arthritis Life Podcast) demonstrates how she gives her weekly methotrexate injections without hurting her thumb.
Methotrexate is one of the most commonly prescribed medications for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory forms of arthritis, and it is available in oral or injection form. Many people report they tolerate injections better than pills due to decreased gastrointestinal side effects.
Three steps to self injecting methotrexate
- (Minute 0:14) – Step 1: Gather Materials
- (Minute 2:24): Demonstration of method for filling syringe without excessive thumb strain or pain
- (Minute 3:03) – Step 2: Injecting medication
- (Minute 4:21) – Demonstration of method for pinching skin with non dominant hand that minimizes thumb pain (prior to injection)
- (Minute 5:01) – Demonstration of method of pushing down on syringe with palm of hand to avoid thumb pain
- (Minute 5:26) – Step 3: Clean up
- (Minute 6:11) – Unsolicited pep talk to any patients who are scared of needles or scared of giving themselves an injection!
Did I miss any of your best tips? Let me know in the comments!
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All content found on the Arthritis Life Youtube Channel was created for generalized informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read or seen on this channel.
