Ask your rheumy about medrol in place of the prednisone. I find that I have a lot less side effects with the medrol. Medrol is a steroid that does the same as prednisone.

Just read this. I have an ankle I fractured 7 years ago that till has retained plate and screws. It swells up pretty bad as the day goes on.... foot dr said I sprained it which may be true.. Orthopaedic Dr confirmed that. Xrays are normal. I may have sprained it dancing but after reading your post... I'm now suspicious if it is related to this damn RA. Methatrexate has helped me, I hate to admit. I refused to take it for 1.5 years and was ok with supplements recommended by a Naturopathic Dr... but its a long story - I had to end up taking the methatrexate 4 weeks ago. Didn't your Dr tell you to get on prednisone (another horrible drug but it reduces swelling) Usually its a combo of taking the prednisone dosage prescribed until the methatrexate kicks in, then you wean off the prednisone.

Have you tried any of the biologics with The methotrexate? You could gain better control and not need as much Prednisone. I am a nurse as well, am just fully disabled from my primary disease.

Yes!!!

I have been on prednisone off and in for the last year and while im on it i dont hurt near as bad. But i have gained over 35 lbs over the last year while being on it. I was on both the methotrexate and prednisone as well but my rheumatologist said its not good to be on it long term. Which as a nurse i know this. I hate it cause what helps will do nothing but hurt me. I will be glad when this is better controlled.