Great attitude, first of all! Methotrexate was so wonderful for me. I did it by itself and eventually, over time, gradually, I needed more and more. But, those good years. I then added biologics. I stayed on both for years as well. Eventually, my liver started to show signs. I went off of it and the liver went back to normal. If you have swollen lymph nodes contact your doctor right away.

So that is my thought on methotrexate. I loved it. You also should not count on it being severe necessarily. These drugs are amazing compared to the past. This will slow progression as well. You will still get flares but not as many, not as strong and your life will improve.

Watch out for being around sick people. Get rest and exercise, even walking is fine. Do not push it. RA can effect tendons, ligaments and body parts. SO be gentle and stretch too.

Those are my thoughts. Good luck to you. Continue to be on top of it. - Bobby Sue

I take methotrexate 20mg a week and Remicade I've had RA since I was a toddler. My RA is very severe all my joints are involved. I have joint replacements in my knees, both thumbs and wrists. So the Remicade was added to methotrexate, prednisone, folic acid, plaquinal, and vitamin D 10 years ago. I have had flare ups but not as frequent or severe as they were before the Remicade. They usually progress you along with drugs as the disease progresses. There's no cure just control. Most doctors will start small and add on if your symptoms do not improve. I've had a lot of experience with this disease since I was a toddler when they suspected I had RA and treated me with prednisone up to today at 65 yrs of age. If you do well on methotrexate I believe your doctor will wait before putting you on more Meds. Because if you are like most of us with RA you will need medication for the rest of your life and they all come with side effects. Since I've had it for so long every time I've tried to come off any of my current Meds I've had major flare ups. My advice would be not to be in a rush to go on other Meds if your symptoms can be controlled with the methotrexate. Just speaking from years and years of living with RA.

Well that said though, I also take gabapentin but it is more for helping the nerve pain I have and the muscle spasming caused by the osteoarthritis I also have in my back. The gabapentin while prescribed by my rheummy is not for the rheumatoid I have. We are all different and communication with your docs is key to finding what will work best for you.

Honey bunny, you may not need a biologic right away. For years now I have taken nothing but plaquenil and then they added methotrexate. They are all I take at present for my rheumatoid. Every once in awhile I flare a bit and my rheummy ups my methotrexate and says if it doesn't settle down we may have to add a biologic, but usually it settles down and they are then able to put me back on the slightly lower dose of methotrexate. My eye doctor says I should be the poster child for plaquenil use. Listen and communicate with your rheummy. I do also have bad osteo in my back that has caused me to have to stop working with 11 herniated discs in there and I can no longer sit or stand for long periods of time as are required of a legal secretary, but it hasn't stopped me from living and enjoying life. Hugs to you.

Methotrexate just quit working for me. I'm on biologic Remicade infusion best pain and joint relief so far my pain has almost gone, no need for nsaids, and fatigue is much better. I still have some pain meds prescribed but use is less then half of what is was since Oct.