Methotrexate & Prednisone

Holly, First thanks for replying so quickly....can I ask you? How long have you been on the prednisone? My Rheumatologist doesn't want to keep me on that because of my coumadin therapy(blood thinner), both of the prednisone & methotrexate are contraindication to the coumadin. I'm afraid of the increased swelling like I had last fall,(if I go totally off the prednisone). I was to the point I couldn't bend my fingers enough to hold a pen to write. Teaching is quite difficult when you can't bend your fingers  yes it made me wacko!!! I don't like the weight gain because of the prednisone but I liked the relief. Doesn't it suck that you have to choose between more pain free & side effect or pain & swelling. Any how, right now I have also been dealing with being off my coumadin for short runs(5 days before dental procedures, need 3 visits to the dentist, 2 down, 1 to go) and getting daily lovenox injections in my belly. I've been doing those for 2 1/2 weeks now. I'm feeling like a pin cusion,(lovenox burns,needles aren't so bad). So i'm thinking where is the fatigue coming from....just getting tired!!! Well thank you for hearing my "whining"....today is a new day, we have -2 degrees outside here...way cold...but God has gotten me up & out of bed this morning so life is good! Thanks again...take care& God Bless!

Connie, I have been on the prednisone for 3 years and have been on 5mg-20mg a day doses.  This has been one of the most beneficial medications for me.  Whenever I flair my rheumatologist ups my dosage by 10 mg for a week and I ween myself back down by 5mg a week until I am back to my normal dosage.  I am sorry to hear that you have had so much trouble and so much pain.  Please remember that we are all hear for you.  Sometimes that is something I forget in my moments of weakness :)!  I hope you start to feel some relief soon as I am not feeling well myself and can understand the awful pain RA brings.  Keep your head up and keep us updated.   Good luck and best wishes!