I was a full-time Bartender/Server for twenty-three years. Then in the summer of 2003 I became very ill, and was diagnosed with (SLE) Lupus shortly after. I had been on a multitude of medications since then. I had not gone into remission at all. Things only seemed to be getting worse. After a couple of years after being diagnoses with Lupus, I was also diagnosed with RA, SS, and some other conditions. A year after that I was diagnosed with Relapsing Polychondritis which is imflamation of the cartlidge. My nose always hurts, sometimes my ears become twice their size. I have struggled with weight gain,and severe pain since 2003. Because of my first diagnoses with Lupus, and other conditions, I am disabled and unable to work ever again. I try to stay positive as much as possible, but it is hard. I have taken myself off of prednisone by Oct.2009. I stopped as I thought it would help me lose weight. That wasn't so, I have gained more weight since stopping prednisone. I have believed for the longest time that methotrexate must be contributing to the weight gain, and by all the posts that I have read, I can see that there must be some truth in it. I will discuss stopping methotrexate with my rheumatologist very soon. I know he will suggest otherwise, but it honestly isn't helping with the pain, only the morphine is a bit. I have joined a painting class that I hope will take my mind off of my health. Hopefully it won't be too demanding of me. My kids are grown, and are in college. I have two small dogs that keep me happy and put a smile on my face, bysides my great supportive husband. I have friends, but most of time I can't go out to social events or family gatherings. Thank god for support groups. I have been going to a Lupus Support group once a month since Dec.2005, and a couple of years ago to a SS support group as well. My husband and I took our first cruise a year and a half ago, and plan on taking our next one in March 2010. I hope I can stop taking methotrexate, and lose weight like many of you have. That is my goal at this time.