HI John
Pleased to hear that they have got you sorted. As Doreen has already said triple therapy is very common and each medication works in its own way. Methotrexate is the gold standard treatment for RA and many, including me, have had good results from it. I can't help thinking though ...
Methotrexate is a toxic drug and you have been put on a high dose. Normally before the commencement of the treatment you should have a chest X-Ray to check for lung condition and possible latent TB, a full series of blood tests to check liver and kidney function and be given a drug monitoring book in which your regular blood test results are recorded. You keep this book, updated with results, and take it to all your appointments so the whole team know what is going on.
At first you should be on two weekly blood tests for 2/3 months and then if all is well they become monthly. It is important because the methotrexate can lead to serious problems and its efficacy and tolerance needs to be closely monitored on a regular basis. I suppose I'm a prime example; I have been on MTX for many years but just been taken off it for the second time in as many months as my neutrophil count has dropped and I'm neutropenic (unable to fight infection basically). Without the blood tests I could have become seriously ill without realising until it was too late.
I hope that your doctor has arranged all this for you but if not you really need to contact them urgently and ask them to organise things for you before you take the methotrexate. As Liz says it is their job to make sure you receive the right information and treatment. Do let us know how you go on.
Lyn x
