Tips for Methotrexate Shots

[jland25]

Hi All:

I was just wondering if anyone had tips for giving their child Methotrexate shots. We do have numbing cream and I know about pinching the area, but wanted any (and all) tips. My son is extremely afraid of needles! And very, very, skinny.

Thanks!!

 

[my little penguin]

Distraction distraction distraction
Movie night new tv show etc...
Buzz bee works well
As far as skinny
Adding formula even as a supplement really helps keep growth and weight normal .
DS drinks 2-3 peptamen jr a day and increased his weight by 36 lbs and grew over 7-8 inches in three years after no weight gain or growth for a few years .

 

[my little penguin]

http://buzzy4shots.com/children/

Buzzy link
Works wonders for iv and blood draws as well

 

[Brian'sMom]

The MTX doesn't burn so I would do them quickly and get the needle out fast. He also played games on his ipod. So I agree with distraction!!

 

[lilac]

ice the site - will work the same as the numbing cream but cost you nothing

 

[DanceMom]

Every child is different. My daughter found comfort in watching and helping. She liked to clean the area herself, apply the bandaid, and dispose of the used needle. Gave her a sense of control.

 

[kimmidwife]

My daughter liked to ice beforehand for ten minutes. She says it helped.

 

[Maya142]

We used to ice, but don't anymore since my daughter says the shot doesn't hurt. We have done shots (mostly Humira though not usually MTX) while watching TV so she's distracted.
We like to do the shot before bed - that way she can sleep through the worst of the nausea.

My daughter does her own shots now and found that doing them on her belly was easier and hurt less than her thigh. When I gave them to her she always refused to let me do them on her belly! She's also very skinny but does have enough fat to pinch up a little, which is all you need.

 

[Farmwife]

Every child is different. My daughter found comfort in watching and helping. She liked to clean the area herself, apply the bandaid, and dispose of the used needle. Gave her a sense of control.

^^^^My DD is just like this also. ^^^^
She would do the whole thing if I let her but.................she's 5.
:yfrown:I trust no 5 yr old with a needle.:ylol:

 

[CrohnsKidMom]

My son is very afraid of needles, and still needs a few minutes to mentally prepare himself for the injection. He would take forever though if I let him (stalling?!), and we went down that road before and it wasn't fun. He ended up really stressing himself out. Getting it done quick is best, I have found. We distract with a TV show or movie, and his dad holds his hand. Pinch quite a bit of flesh too, if you can. And if your vial is for more than one dose, and is refrigerated in between doses, let it warm to room temp before injecting. Best of luck!

 

[my little penguin]

Oh and multi use vials are only good for 28 days after the first draw.
http://rheuminfo.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/METHOTREXATE_INJECTION_SHEET.pdf