Real life footage of me, pumping myself up for my weekly methotrexate injection!
Are you scared to Give yourself a Methotrexate Injection?
I know that injecting yourself with rheumatoid arthritis medication (like a methotrexate injection) can seem really scary at first, but I promise it is possible to become more comfortable with it. After injecting methotrexate for 21 years, I now try to add some sparkle, music and pizzazz to my injection day routine to make it more fun and less scary!
It’s possible to not just be comfortable with the needle aspect, but also more accepting and grateful for the option to take medication that slows or even stops your disease from progressing.
Remember: “Natural” is not Always Better for your Health
Unfortunately , there is too much medication shaming on social media and a “natural is better” logical fallacy really runs rampant in chronic illness circles online.
Based on my understanding of the scientific evidence and best practices in Rheumatology, I am grateful for the medications that have completely changed the quality of life & long-term prognosis for people with rheumatoid arthritis in the last two decades (citation: Jeffrey A. Sparks. Rheumatoid Arthritis. Ann Intern Med.2019;170:ITC1-ITC16. [Epub 1 January 2019]. doi:10.7326/AITC201901010).
I am much more scared of the disease being uncontrolled and progressing in my body than I am of the medications, which reliably slow down disease progression (see my article summary of how effective rheumatoid arthritis medications are).
Do they have potential side effects? Yes, but the disease itself also has negative effects.
It’s possible to combine lifestyle methods with medications to manage your disease
Do I also combine lifestyle methods, like exercise, sleep, stress, management, and nutrition, to manage my symptoms? YES! But medications remain the foundation of my treatment plan, and I have no shame about that.
As an occupational therapist and creator of the Rheum to THRIVE comprehensive self-management program, of course I am aware of how important integrative and lifestyle methods are for rheumatoid arthritis, but for most patients, these are done *alongside* medication rather than in place of medication.
What do you think? Do you also enjoy adding a little music or sparkle into your injection? Do you feel “cozy” about your injections or are your feelings more mixed? Let me know in the comments!
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