Tea rations

I started the methotrexate a week ago today. It's been a busy week with my sons birthday so hard to tell if the tiredness is related. I know that most people say, of course you are going to be tired, you have a baby and a toddler -but I really can't blame them  they both sleep through; it's me which doesn't!

Apart from the tiredness the initial side effects have not been too bad, I felt a bit nauseous the day after the injection and walked around like a zombie. The worst of it was a horrendous headache the day following the injection. Of course, all of this could just be coincidence. It will take a few weeks to establish what is linked to being on the methotrexate.

I don't usually, but I actually read the patient information leaflet which came with my medication and was distraught to find out that I need to try and avoid too much intake of black tea. Now alcohol that doesn't really bother me, I don't really drink but my black tea Nooooooooo! Don't take my tea away, I need that to function. Therefore I have been on tea rations since last Tuesday. I decided two cups a day just wasn't enough so saw no option but to try green tea. I was sceptical, but had it delivered with my shopping this morning and promptly had my first cup. It was lovely, so I've had a few more. This I can live with!!!

I administered my second injection this morning, no problem, I'm quite proud of myself. I was worried if I'd be able to do it as my fingers are quite swollen and painful today as I am flaring, but I did it. Now all that's left is to hope it helps.

At the weekend my big boy turned 3, I do not know where those 3 years have gone, and how is my baby turning 6 months on Friday. Time just goes too quickly. My family keep me strong and it's for them that I do everything in my power to try and be as well as I can because I do not want them to miss out on things because of me.

Wondering now what the week ahead holds???

Over the initial hurdle

So, the injection itself was fine. Unlike previously when I had to inject myself, I managed to do it straight away. No working myself up into a state! Also, in contrast to enbrel which is the drug I used to inject, I couldn't even feel it. Afterwards the site of the injection stung for a short while, but all in all I'm feeling positive.

Next week, I haven't got to go to the hospital to be supervised doing it, I will just be doing it myself at home and I'm actually feeling OK about it.

I'm still going to bed nervous tonight, the dreaded side effects, all I can hear myself saying is ' don't be sick, don't be sick, don't be sick'. Fingers crossed I will wake up in the morning side effect free, and who knows this journey may even take me to one day waking up bright eyed and bushy tailed, symptom free! So I may be dreaming but we can all hope.

I left the hospital today with my support I went in with (mummy and kids - hubby was working), paperwork regarding the medication or as it is also referred to subcutaneous chemotherapy treatment (how scary does that sound? 😧), 4 weeks worth of injections and an oversized sharps box. I really am starting to look like a pharmacy with my collection! My 3 year old son was very helpful and carried the sharps box, my poor kids, hospitals and drs are like their second home. On the positive, hopefully they shouldn't have any fears of hospitals!

I will update my journey as it goes, thanks for reading 😊.

Today is the day

So, it's taken longer than expected to get to this stage. But today is the day, today I start on methotrexate again. I have taken the decision to administer it weekly via injection rather than take the tablets as it should lessen the side effects on my liver and the sickness!

I haven't felt a stranger combination of feelings that I do today in a long time. I am surprisingly so excited to be starting this as I am in so much pain and just hoping that it will help. But I am so nervous too, never been a fan of needles, but also worried about what side effects can occur. Will I be chucking my guts up tomorrow??? 😖😖😖😖

Watch this space...