I was put on MTX the first week of Nov 04.  So far the only bad
effects I have had was when I took the pills.  I have stomach issues
due to years of Rx...so I switched to injectible and that fixed the
stomach problems.  I am almost out of my injectible, so I will have to
go back on pills till the injectible form comes in, but I would rather
put up with an upset tummy than give up MTX.  BTW...I take
12.5mg/0.5cc once a week.

The good effects:  This is the first time since I was 12 years old
that I have had any energy!  I rarely need a nap anymore and my
tendonitis is almost gone.  I used to limp due to tendonitis in my
legs and feet...now only when I am over-tired does it raise its ugly
head.  I have found when you have more energy you are better able to
deal with chronic pain.

I have been on Pred off an on for years.  I'm currently on 7.5mg.
Pred does help my energy level and calms all my joint inflammation.
On any dose...Pred can mask symptoms of infection...be aware of this.

At higher doses (15 -25mg) I have multiple side effects...unsatiable
appetite, moon face, weight gain, acne, facial hair growth (I'm a
girl, so it sucks).  Anything higher than that and I bounce off the
walls and I exhibit mania-like behavior.  My cholesterol soars when on
pred as does my blood glucose level.  I try my best to just stay off
of it, unless its my last option.

Its all a balancing act.  I'm staying on MTX as long as it works and
my liver looks great right now.  I'm weaning off the pred by spring.
I originally went on it to compensate for my Bextra being pulled....

I don't want to scare you, but just be mindful of side effects and
call the RD office anytime you are concerned.  The nurse should be
able to help you most of the time.

Janet R

Benjamin,
There are so many different kinds of arthritis that it sometimes takes a bit
to diagnose - some like myself still don't quite have the right name after 9
years of this garbage.  That said it sounds like the rd is leaning towards
one of the inflammatory arthritis's and is acting on that - thank goodness.
The methotrexate is started at a low dose and might take a bit to get it to
a level where it will work.  That is why the prednisone - to give you a bit
of a break and bring the arthritis inflammation down.  Makre sure you take
the right amount of calcium, vitamin d and folic acid.  The methotrexate has
an excellent long term track record for a lot of people and is often a basis
for combination therapy.  Some people have an excellent response to mtx -
some don't.  Please make sure you do all your lab tests on time - they are
really important on all these meds. You might like to also take the mtx on a
Friday night for example if you have Saturday off - that way if you get the
fatique lousy feeling you get it during the night and before a day off work.
You will figure out what is best for you.

Hang in there and stick around.  Lots of people will tell you about mtx - it
is not a drug I tolerated (very few are). It is a well studied one though.

Kelly

i knew the rest of the gang would fill you in on what you needed to know.
sooo, i'll just offer a ((((ben)))) and say, hang in there guy.

kate

I started mtx more slowly than you, working my way up from 7.5 mg.  For me, I
had to get to 15mg and be at that dose for about a month before I felt it
kicking in.  Boy was it a relief to have it start working!

Luckily, at the doses we take for arthritis, the side effects of mtx aren't
nearly as bad as they are at the chemo doses.  The only trouble I've had from
it was major fatigue for about 24 hours after taking it.  I'd sleep up to 20
of those hours. I had to schedule my doses for the time of day where the
extra rest would do the least damage to my regular sleeping pattern.  That
eased up after several weeks at a steady dose though, and now I'm only a bit
tireder for that time period.  

Oh, and you're doing the right thing drinking lots of water!  That usually
wasn't a concern for me as I normally drink lots of water.  But one time I
was very busy on my mtx day and didn't drink much.  Developed a hunker of a
headache.  When I was getting a hurried dinner before leaving for church (it
happened to be Ash Wednesday and I was going to the evening service) I
remembered all I'd read ehre about water and mtx.  Downed a BIG glass of
water before leaving.  That headache eased up,then disappeared over the next
hour.  It was such a dramatic improvement!  Made a real impression on me.  
Haven't forgotten water on mtx day since!