@betsyhase I was on prednisone for 2 1/2 years before I started methotrexate. I tempered down to 3 mg but it was very difficult and I was having trouble getting past 3 mg. I am now at 1 mg of prednisone after being on Methotrexate for about 4 months. It took a couple months before it started helping with the pain . I do yoga 5 days a week and am very active. I have hardly any pain. Maybe a slight stiffness in the morning but it goes away quickly. I have had no side effects from the methotrexate except for hair loss. I take 20 mg once a week.