Starting Methotrexate soon, suggestions?

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Hi guys, I will be starting methotrexate soon. I wus supposed to be

in a study for MRA, but because I am in more pain than I have ever

been in and the study doesn't start for another 5 weeks, I've decided

to go the methotrexate route. I am currently using arthritis gloves,

shoe inserts, and a cane to help keep weight off of my right foot that

always feels broken, and I am 26. I am taking 3 Loratabs a day which

is a joke for pain. I've heard that methotrexate is great for RA.

CAn anyone tell me what good and bad experiences they had with metho.

How do you take it? Is it a pill, injection? Since I started

Plaquenil, prednisone, salfalazine, and voltaren 4 months ago my sed

rate has tripled. I also have Lupus which I know doesn't help with my

sed rate. My doctor said I would start on a high dosage at first.

My company has offered to let me take short term diability or a

medical leave until I find out how it will effect me. I can't hardly

work now, will I be able to work with the methotrexate. Has anyone

experienced hair loss? I have quite a bit from my lupus and meds,

will it get worse with the methotrexate.I'm sorry for asking so many

questions, but I have learned more about this disease from you guys

than I have from anything else. My husband is worried about me taking

the methotrexate because his uncle, who is a doctor, told him that

this medication is very toxic. I, on the other hand am very hopeful.

I have spent the last 2 years of my life getting progressively worse.

I spent one year of that with a misdiagnosis of MS. This disease

ended my life as a court reporter as many of my fingers on both hands

wont bend due to swelling that has never gone away. You guys are so

optimistic. I am learnig to not take things for granted and

appreciate what I can do. Thanks for all your time. Any info on

metho, or advice in general is greatly apprciated. Holly