Eileen
My sister and I both have Rheumatoid Arthritis, have had it for at least 16 years. I'm now 62, she's 59. Her experience with Methatrexate was that many years ago but she took it for the treatment of severe psoriasis. The drug caused her adrenal glands to shut down, she had so many complications behind that drug she swears she'd never do it again, and wishes she never had. I have seen all of three Rheumatologists in 16 years, and don't use one now. They are among the most self-centered branch of medicine, and I include dermatologists in that group, also. Methatrexate has become what I consider a designer drug, so if you're so inclined, start designing what your funeral might be like because the side effects from this drug can far outweigh the benefits of pain relief. There are other ways to achieve relief. Methatrexate is not for casual use, and it seems to be used with a higher than ever frequency by people with RA. Use your computer and read up on this, you have a resource in front of you that will give you more information than you're likely to get from a physician who 'specializes' in RA. My opinion.