I have RA and I started out on 6 methotrexate, 2 Plaquenil, and now I have added 4 of another that escapes me right this second.  I definitly lost hair and continue to do so with the methotrexate.  I got bumped up to .08 mg and now 1 mg injection weekly.  I didn't notice an increase when I bumped up each time just the same continual loss.  My hair is LOTS thinner than it used to be and I totally agree with the lack of luster and shine.  I had WLS on 11/02/09 and my Rheumatologist was really excited about it.  I didn't take a shot the week I had surgery but other than that no problems at all.  She just did the increase the Friday before my surgery to start the week after bc I still had a lot of pain.  An unexpected thing has happended.....not one day of pain AT ALL , ANYWHERE, not even that rogue one joint finger pain since.  And I even went a whole week without the shot and like I said she had increased it for after surgery bc I just was in so much pain.  It is amazing and if for no other reason my WLS was totally worth it.  I think your doc is one of those old fashioned docs that are against WLS for anyone for any reason.  BOO!!

thank you for the wonderful replies!  yes I've had my surgery and I'm recoving well, my knee is better be it from lots of rest, weight loss, meds or all three. 

I'll be back at work in a few weeks, that will be the real test!  I hope to have the energy to get with an exercise program soon and hope that will further improve my arthritis.

Good luck to all of you suffering with similar conditions.

I have had R.A for over 5 years and my initial therapy was Methotrexate along w/ Celebrex. I had some hairloss but more thinning losing my luster and shine so the doctor was giving me also a folic acid. I think he said it would help w/ that. You can ask your doctor about that. I am currently on Humira 40mg every two weeks. I asked my doctor why he didnt give me this from the start and he said its very expensive and wasnt sure if my insurance would cover it. You can check into it if your interested. Ive not noticed any hair problems since being on Humira but that luster and shine that I had before Metho, is long gone. I still cant get it back even w/ the most expensive shampoos.

Hope my little info helps out.

Hugs, Sonya

I am having VGS in February (Can hardly wait) and I suffer from SEVERE knee pain in both knees. I am only 40 and need two knee replacements....however I am too young. I PRAY that I receive some relief once the weight begins to fall off ( YIPPEE!!).

Thanks for the hope!!! 

Bre

 I have changed my sweetener of choice to stevia-types...there are several on the market and the price seems to be coming down.  They are plant based, but have no (or few) calories.  When I bake I do use sugar--I am over two years out.  I do not bake often and, when I do, it's usually for a gathering.  BTW, when I googled 'splenda sickness,'  I found some interesting reading.