This is Helene in Georgia.
I was so glad to come across this Connect!
It has been extremely helpful- I only wish I had found it 18 months ago when I was first diagnosed with a severe case- unable to dress myself, get out of bed, etc. That was January, 2024 when they started me with 20 mg of prednisone. That was in the Emergency Room. My rheumatologist concurred.
It wasn't until October 31, 2024 that I was put on 6 pills of methotrexate (MTX)- a total of 15 mg.
I was on 7 1/2 mg of prednisone at the time.
After a few weeks I felt so much better. It just took a few months. Give it a chance. I was thrilled with the relief.
I have tapered myself down to 5 mg. of MTX weekly and 2 mg daily of prednisone. I still experience some soreness and stiffness but exercise daily. I have to take a 30 minute nap when the fatigue gets bad.
I have to taper 1/2 dose at a time and it takes weeks until I feel better. My rheumy says I am the only one she knows who has to taper 1/2 dose at a time. Well, it's my body, not hers. lol
Yes! Give the MTX a couple of months- it made a difference for me.
Oh, I'll be 84 years old next month.