Hi everyone: I have started on MTX and been on 7.5 for a few months. I still have swelling knees occasionally but otherwise I've gotten throught the nausea and am able to walk much better. My GP told me that I would have my bloods tests everyone 3 months, but I'm not happy with that as I had a reaction to sulphasalazine and my liver function had a bad reaction. Now I've to have my renal test done again in 4 weeks.

I'm not sure how this is tested. My blood forms is ticked for FBS, LFT and something else and electrolites? I think the cons with increase my MTX next visit but I don't see him for a few weeks.

I would appreciate some info on how to best manage my own test results as I'm not really happy with the level of service from my GP surgery. I think they are cutting corners due to the cost being borne by them!

Thanks.
Jan

Hi Jan,

Your blood tests will be for full blood count, liver function and urea and electrolytes.
I have my blood tests every 3 months but I have been on mtx a long time. Certainly if they put your dose up you should have blood tests at least monthly until you are established on the new dose.

Did they give you a mtx monitoring booklet? You should have one of these to record your blood test results.
I have my blood tests done by the nurse at my GP's surgery and I leave the book with her. She fills it in when the results are back, gets my GP to sign it and leaves it for me to pick up. If there is anything wrong my GP rings me.
Perhaps you could ask at the surgery what the arrangements are for getting your results. If they are not helpful do you have a rheumatology nurse you could ring?

Hope you can get it sorted out.
Love, Doreen xx

Hi Jan

I too had bloods done fortnightly at first. Now every month. It is very important that you are checked regularly. Results can change easily and if certain results are not right it might be necessary to stop meds until told otherwise. These are toxic drugs and need close scrutiny. I don't want to scare you but it is better to be safe than sorry.Can you have your bloods done at hospital instead of GP surgery. If taken at rheumy clinic they might be more on the ball.

Good luck with this

Sheila G x

Thanks everyone for your comments. I had my bloods done regularly for the 2 then 4 week period. Now my GP has been given custody of my bloods from the consultant, that's when he said every three months. I was not happy. At least he gave me another 2 months at 4 weeks when I protested (he said it was inconvenient for me to have to get my bloods done every 4 weeks) excuse me but I don't mind the inconvenience! Something must have twigged his response to get the renal blood test done again. Anyway I have a booklet that I got in the post from NRAS and I plan to keep track of the results in there once I figure out which tests are what. Don't see the consultant for a few weeks and there is no rheumy nurse at my hospital. There is no one to call if you have a question. Thanks for your input.

Jan