Prednisone

[Guest guest]

Group, speaking of high blood pressure-can cortisone injections cause a

temporary rise in blood pressure? I have always had real low pressure- in

December it was 90 over 58 one day. Usually it is about 110 over 65. Three

weeks ago my doctor gave me injections in both shoulders and 6 weeks before

that 80mg in my hip. Two weeks ago it was 140 over 90 and has been that or a

little less since. I don't know what to think. I also quit taking hormones

in Dec. Have any of you had this problem? Helen

Jan Perdue wrote:

> From: Jan Perdue <janper@...>

>

> Group,

> Speaking of prednisone......I went to my doctor yesterday for my

> check-up and again my blood pressure was very high. I asked her about

> substituting Cortef or something else for prednisone and she said they

> all had the same side affects. If you are suffering from high blood

> pressure and you take Naproxyn, that contains sulfa which is also salt.

> She had me quit taking that and gave me sample of Celebrex. I don't

> know what else to do for my high blood pressure. It's been 180/102 and

> this time it was 190/102. I felt better this time when I went. The

> last time it felt like my heart was trying to jump out of my body! I

> thought for sure it would be back to normal but it wasn't.

> jan perdue

>

> ------------------------------------------------------------------------

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> to digest, go to the ONElist web site, at and

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[Guest guest]

Yes, yes, yes. My BP went from 90/50 (super low...) to 120/80. This is still

kinda normal, but high for me, and all thanks to Prednisone (Cortisone and

Steroid)

In a message dated 3/10/99 11:14:24 PM Eastern Standard Time,

basler@... writes:

<< Group, speaking of high blood pressure-can cortisone injections cause a

temporary rise in blood pressure? >>

[Guest guest]

, I'm sorry do you mean cortisone injections or oral pred. Helen

DMBGone@... wrote:

> Yes, yes, yes. My BP went from 90/50 (super low...) to 120/80. This is still

> kinda normal, but high for me, and all thanks to Prednisone (Cortisone and

> Steroid)

>

>

> In a message dated 3/10/99 11:14:24 PM Eastern Standard Time,

> basler@... writes:

>

> << Group, speaking of high blood pressure-can cortisone injections cause a

> temporary rise in blood pressure? >>

[Guest guest]

> Someone asked about how to get off of prednisone and I saw this on

another list and thought it might be helpful.

>

>

> _________________

>

> Pred is an important, but very dangerous drug. The general consensus is

> that once you hit 5-7mg your body stops producing its own cortisol all

> together. The numbers are inexact as every person is different, some say

> this starts at 3, others at 8, but the point remains. Put enough of an

> artificial substitute in, and the body compensates by halting production

> of the real thing.

>

> Try this routine... (- Maybe we should post this. I've written it

> out several times over the last few years but sure enough I'm going to

> forget something one of these days.) There are other routines which do

> not stretch-pulse (see below) and which remain " at level " for longer

> periods. You may need to " blend " the routines, depending on your own

> situation. Pay attention to your own body and the " feedback " it gives

> you.

>

> Here it goes:

>

> ASSUMPTIONS:

> Starting Dose 10mg 1/x day (start at your point in the routine,

> e.g., 7mg is STEP 4)

>

> Relatively " clean " diet (i.e., no caffeine, other stimulants, rec

> drugs)

>

> Relatively " clean " lifestyle (i.e., nonsmoking, no alcohol at this

> time)

>

> NOTATIONS:

> Dietary issues such as caffeine, soda, diet soda, excessive sugar,

> etc., put a " load " on the body system. If present, all times

> mentioned will probably need to be extended

>

> Lifestyle issues such as smoking and drinking do the same. There are

> also drug-specific issues with alcohol, amphetamines, etc. Involve

> a physician with frequent (at least 1/x wk) checkups if this is an

> issue.

>

> Prednisone is available in 1mg tablets. You will need as low-dose

> tablets as you can get to simplify the logistics of this routine.

>

> If at anytime during the routine you do not stabilize, go back ONE

> step

> and remain there until stable. This routine must be done slowly.

> This is not a matter of will power nor personal achievement. It is a

> function of weaning a glandular system from a man-made substance

> that causes it to cease production of it's own product and putting

> that complete glandular system back " on line. "

>

> At STEP 11 the clock will become an issue. Do not dose by " clock

> edict. "

> If you are comfortable stretching further/faster than listed, do.

> But do NOT do it if you are UNcomfortable. DIScomfort is a very

> important sign. Pay attention to it, slow down the stretches if

> needed, pause at a level for a time if needed, etc.

>

> PREPARATION:

> Ensure you are STABLE. Stability is the key to making this routine

> work and weaning off of Pred. If you are enjoying an unclean diet, use

> this time to address that as well. Increase your intake of " pure " water,

> i.e., filtered, reverse-osmosis generated, bottled, etc., until urine is

> extremely light or near clear. Temporarily restrict (read: remove) beef

> and red meats from diet and any food that leaves a sour or otherwise odd

> taste or feeling in your mouth. Also, if you fatigue a half hour or so

> after eating any food, restrict that as well. Common suspects include

> yeast-risen breads, wheat, milk & dairy products, and sugars such as

> candies. If you are suffering allergies, try to filter your air as well

> (portable HEPA filters are helpful for this.)

> The concept here is to reduce the " overhead " on the body system.

> Doing these things will enhance both the speed and extent of your

> success. They may help; They may not be necessary; They are beneficial,

> regardless.

>

> ROUTINE:

> 1. Take your routine dose of Pred (Prednisone) daily for two weeks.

> Make sure you are stable.

>

> >> TAKE YOUR PRED AT THE SAME TIME EVERY DAY UNTIL STEP 11

> IF YOU CANNOT GET TO STEP 11 THIS WAY, READ 11-18 AND

> START USING THE STRETCH METHOD TO WORK YOUR WAY DOWN <<

>

> 2. After two weeks, reduce your dose by 1mg. You are now at 9mg.

> Stay there 7-10 days AFTER you stabilize, assuming that within 3

> days after the drop you feel some discomfort and that remaining at the

> new dose the discomfort settles down.

>

> 3. After 7-10 days of STABILITY, drop 1 mg. You are now at 8mg.

> Stay there 7-10 days AFTER you stabilize, assuming that within 3

> days after the drop you feel some discomfort and that remaining at the

> new dose the discomfort settles down.

>

> 4. After 7-10 days of STABILITY, drop 1 mg. You are now at 7mg.

> Stay there 7-10 days AFTER you stabilize, assuming that within 3

> days after the drop you feel some discomfort and that remaining at the

> new dose the discomfort settles down.

>

> 5. After 7-10 days of STABILITY, drop 1 mg. You are now at 6mg.

> Stay there 7-10 days AFTER you stabilize, assuming that within 3

> days after the drop you feel some discomfort and that remaining at the

> new dose the discomfort settles down.

>

> 6. After 7-10 days of STABILITY, drop 1 mg. You are now at 5mg.

> Stay there 7-10 days AFTER you stabilize, assuming that within 3

> days after the drop you feel some discomfort and that remaining at the

> new dose the discomfort settles down.

>

> NOTICE: CHANGE IN DROP QUANTITY!!

>

> 7. After 7-10 days of STABILITY, drop 1/2 mg. You are now at

> 4-1/2mg.

> Stay there 7-10 days AFTER you stabilize, assuming that within 3

> days after the drop you feel some discomfort and that remaining at the

> new dose the discomfort settles down.

>

> 8. After 7-10 days of STABILITY, drop 1/2 mg. You are now at 4mg.

> Stay there 7-10 days AFTER you stabilize, assuming that within 3

> days after the drop you feel some discomfort and that remaining at the

> new dose the discomfort settles down.

>

> 9. After 7-10 days of STABILITY, drop 1/2 mg. You are now at

> 3-1/2mg.

> Stay there 7-10 days AFTER you stabilize, assuming that within 3

> days after the drop you feel some discomfort and that remaining at the

> new dose the discomfort settles down.

>

> 10. After 7-10 days of STABILITY, drop 1/2 mg. You are now at 3mg.

> Stay there 7-10 days AFTER you stabilize, assuming that within 3

> days after the drop you feel some discomfort and that remaining at the

> new dose the discomfort settles down.

>

> NOTICE: CHANGE IN DROP QUANTITY!!

>

> 11. Things start to get dicey from here on out. At about 3mg, +/-,

> your body has to start producing its own corticosteroids. This is where

> you start " stretching " or " pulsing " .

> Stay at 3mg until stable for 7-10 days. Now the routine

> changes...

> Start stretching the periods between doses. If you normally take

> your Pred at 9:00 am, move it off to 10:00 am on day 1, then 12:00 noon

> on day two, then 3:00 pm on day four, adding an additional hour to the

> between-dose periods every day or couple of days.

> Do NOT get in a hurry. DO write things down. It will be very

> hard to keep track and see where you are and what is working if you

> don't. Try also to keep a diary of your foods eaten. You may find a

> correlation to a particular foodstuff with pain and if so, be able to

> limit or eliminate that foodstuff from your diet for the time being.

> By now your doseage intervals should be looking something like

> this:

> Hours: 24 / 25 / 26 / 27/ 28 / 29 / 30

>

> There are two concepts at work here:

> 1. Stretch the intervals between doses out to such an extent

> that you slip into the next quantity drop without a major change.

>

> Example - 3mg at 24 hr doses is roughly .1250mg/hr. Obviously

> there are high/low blood levels along the way but this gives a rough

> starting point. 2-1/2 mg is .1042/hr.

>

> 2. Pulsing the adrenal gland's workload so that it exercises /

> sleeps / exercises / sleeps / exercises, etc. It has been " off-work " a

> long time and will take a good deal of " exercise " to get back in shape.

> Stretching out the length of time between doses has the effect of

> dropping the dose while still " pulsing " the adrenal gland with.

>

> Example - Within minutes after the Pred hits the bloodstream,

> the adrenal gland will slow or stop production of your own

> cotricosteroids. As the Pred is processed out of the bloodstream, the

> adrenal gland is forced to start coming " back on line. "

>

> STEP 12. You are at 3mg, you have stretched your doses out to 30

> hrs. drop your dose 1/2 mg to 2-1/2 but go back to taking your Pred

> every day at the same time, e.g., 9:00 am daily.

>

> After 7-10 days of STABILITY, start stretching the periods

> between doses again, as in Step 11. If you normally take your Pred at

> 9:00 am, move it off to 10:00 am on day 1, then 12:00 noon on day two,

> etc., until you are get to 30 hrs.

>

> STEP 13. Drop to 2mg. STAY there until you are stable for 7-10 days.

> Then start stretching the dosing periods out again until you hot 32 hrs

> this time. As you see, you are very, very slowly working your way both

> DOWN and OUT on your dosing. 32 hrs matches the next drop.

>

> STEP 14. Once you hit 32 hrs between doses, drop to 1-1/2mg but go

> back to taking your dose at the same time every day, i.e., 9:00 am (or

> whatever time it is you prefer)

>

> STAY there until you are stable for 7-10 days. Then start

> stretching the dosing periods out again until you hit 36 hrs this time.

> As you see, you are very, very slowly working your way both DOWN and OUT

> on your dosing. 36 hrs matches the next drop.

>

> STEP 15. Once you hit 36 hrs between doses, drop to 1mg. At 1mg your

> adrenal cortex is definately working. Here it is working / resting /

> working / resting, where before it was asleep -- working / sleeping /

> working / sleeping. There has been a change but you must be very

> careful. STAY here until you are stable for 7-14 days. Notice the

> stability length has changed. If you are Up and Down, you are not

> stable. Stability is the key to finding the opportunity to exercise the

> adrenals more.

>

> Start stretching your dosing periods out again until you hit

> 32 hrs this time. As you see, you are very, very slowly working your way

> both DOWN and OUT on your dosing. 32 hrs matches the next drop.

>

> STEP 16. Once you hit 32 hrs between doses, drop to 3/4mg but go

> back to taking your dose at the same time every day, i.e., 9:00 am, or

> whatever. STAY here until you are stable for 7-14 days.

>

> CRITICAL NOTE:Henceforth, changes will be in 1/4mg increments. You

> will need no larger than 1mg tablets of Prednisone and a pill cutter

> (Long's, Payless, WalMart, etc.) will be a great benefit.

>

> After you are stable 7-14 days, start stretching your dosing

> periods out again until you hit 36 hrs this time. As you see, you are

> very, very slowly working your way both DOWN and OUT on your dosing. 36

> hrs matches the next drop.

>

> STEP 17. Once you hit 36 hrs between doses, drop to 1/2mg but go

> back to taking your dose at the same time every day, i.e., 9:00 am, or

> whatever. STAY here until you are stable for 7-14 days.

>

> After you are stable 7-14 days, start stretching your dosing

> periods out again until you hit 48 hrs this time. As you see, you are

> very, very slowly working your way both DOWN and OUT on your dosing. 48

> hrs matches the next drop.

>

> STEP 18. Once you hit 48 hrs between doses, drop to 1/4mg but go

> back to taking your dose at the same time every day, i.e., 9:00 am, or

> whatever. STAY here until you are stable for 7-14 days. After that,

> start the stretching routine again. There won't be any other drops.

> Continue stretches until you need some pain relief. Do not dose by

> " clock edict. " Your next step is Pred-free.

>

> The group is here to encourage, support and edify. If you need help,

> just ask.

>

[Guest guest]

I wanted to say I am so appreciative that Delaine gave us this article on

tapering with Prednisone. I am in the process of tapering and am down to

8mg. I am so happy to have some guidelines to this process. Thank you,

thank you, thank you. I have been on Prednisone since 1997 so it is a bit

scary and I only see my dr. every 3 months or so unless there is a problem.

He usually wants me to go up as soon as I hit a problem and now I have

something else to follow. This was heaven sent.

Love, Jeannette

[Guest guest]

I had to laugh at myself when I was reading about getting off sugar,

caffiene and dairy. I thought, hey, good idea, then realized that I

start my day with a cuppa international foods flavored coffee - whamo!

sugar, caffiene AND dairy all in one little cup! LOL

Jenna

FREE SPIRIT - Starlight Writers Publications

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[Guest guest]

Thanks to all of you who responded to my prednisone question. a, thanks

for the

web site. Guess I need to get tough and get off this prednisone. ly,

the prednisone

seems to mask the DMARD not working. I will know soon if ARAVA is effective

or not.

I am at 11mg and already my feet,hands, hips and back hurts.

Oh well, Keep smiling.

Pat

[Guest guest]

Pat,

I wish you luck, and hope you have good pain medicine to help you through

this. Don't be in any hurry to reduce it. Others here that have been

through it have given you great advise. Do you understand WHY you have to

reduce slowly? I posted a great site about what happens when you take

steroids. I can probably find it if anyone doesn't understand how steroids

affect our body.

a

----- Original Message -----

From: England, J (Pat) <pengland@...>

< egroups>

Sent: Saturday, January 06, 2001 1:18 PM

Subject: [ ] RE: Prednisone

> Thanks to all of you who responded to my prednisone question. a,

thanks

> for the

> web site. Guess I need to get tough and get off this prednisone.

ly,

> the prednisone

> seems to mask the DMARD not working. I will know soon if ARAVA is

effective

> or not.

> I am at 11mg and already my feet,hands, hips and back hurts.

> Oh well, Keep smiling.

> Pat

>

> Our websites: http://rheumatoid.arthritis.freehosting.net/

> http://www.rasupport.webprovider.com/

> Change subscription options:

>

[Guest guest]

hello

my name is peggy . and have had RA for 2 yrs and was

taling so many meds. now i am taking metatrax and

prednosone . and frollic acid . if i stop the steroids

// i can not walk i am in so much alot

--- a <aA@...> wrote:

> Pat,

> I wish you luck, and hope you have good pain

> medicine to help you through

> this. Don't be in any hurry to reduce it. Others

> here that have been

> through it have given you great advise. Do you

> understand WHY you have to

> reduce slowly? I posted a great site about what

> happens when you take

> steroids. I can probably find it if anyone doesn't

> understand how steroids

> affect our body.

> a

>

> ----- Original Message -----

> From: England, J (Pat)

> <pengland@...>

> < egroups>

> Sent: Saturday, January 06, 2001 1:18 PM

> Subject: [ ] RE: Prednisone

>

>

> > Thanks to all of you who responded to my

> prednisone question. a,

> thanks

> > for the

> > web site. Guess I need to get tough and get off

> this prednisone.

> ly,

> > the prednisone

> > seems to mask the DMARD not working. I will know

> soon if ARAVA is

> effective

> > or not.

> > I am at 11mg and already my feet,hands, hips and

> back hurts.

> > Oh well, Keep smiling.

> > Pat

> >

> > Our websites:

> http://rheumatoid.arthritis.freehosting.net/

> > http://www.rasupport.webprovider.com/

> > Change subscription options:

>

> >

>

>

=====

thank you for the email

peggy

__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

I would like a copy of the post where you said was steroids do to our bodies

as I am on heavy amounts at present time. Shirley/Wyoming Edmis3@...

[Guest guest]

Here's the link on prednisone side-effects that a sent, Shirley:

http://www.lupuscanada.org/html/side_effects_of_predistone.html

Feel better soon!

> I would like a copy of the post where you said was steroids do to

our bodies

> as I am on heavy amounts at present time. Shirley/Wyoming

Edmis3@a...

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Alecia,

I've missed many Enbrel doses in the 2 years I've been on it. Whenever

I've had any respiratory infections, I've gone off it as the manufacturer

recommends. I had increased pain during these times, but after being on it

regularly again, the pain subsided.

I hope you feel better soon. I also hope your doctors figure out what is

best

for you. It's not good that your doctors don't agree.

Don't feel bad about whining, we all have our days and that is why this

group is here.

a

----- Original Message -----

From: Alecia Flaherty <aleciaflaherty@...>

< egroups>

Sent: Sunday, January 07, 2001 11:22 PM

Subject: [ ] Prednisone

> I've been reading all the posts about prednisone with

> much concern. I'm currently back on prednisone again

> and not happy about it. Previously the only time I've

> taken prednisone was in a dose pack form - albeit a

> couple of times it was at double dosage.

>

> In August 2000 I quit taking it when I saw my rheumy

> the first time because she wanted to take a bone scan

> and said I could not be on prednisone. I was taking

> 10mg and just quit - no tapering. It was ok as the

> Enbrel had started to take affect and I'm also taking

> Plaquenil, Celebrex and Norco for pain every 4 hrs. I

> was holding my own through my next rheumy appt in late

> Nov, but immediately (less than a week) after that

> appt., I started going downhill.

>

> My pcp put me back on prednisone because of severe

> costochondritis and since I was hesitant he started me

> at 5mg. I took that dosage for a couple of weeks with

> no improvement, so we upped it to 10 mg. I felt like

> that was helping until I missed a dose of Enbrel last

> Monday. We had severe ice storms and the trucks

> didn't get my meds here in time. Now, I have my

> Enbrel again (only missed that one dose), but I am

> much, much worse.

>

> I'm wondering if I'm going to have to up the

> prednisone to function. Or should I try to wait it

> out and see if it gets better with more Enbrel??? Has

> anyone else missed an Enbrel dose? I had no idea it

> could get so bad so fast. Any suggestions?

>

> I have to call my pcp tomorrow because I only have

> enough prednisone for 5 more days anyway. Meanwhile,

> my rheumy tells me in Nov, that she doesn't think my

> chest pain has anything to do with my connective

> tissue disease???? HUH???? The chest and shoulder

> pain was what started this whole illness back in Jan.

> 2000. My pcp says she needs to get her head out of

> the textbooks and start listening to the patients....

> me thinks he may be on to something....

>

> Feeling depressed tonight. I hate that worse than any

> other symptom... I feel like a whiner tonight. sorry

>

> thanks for listening

> Alecia

>

>

>

> __________________________________________________

>

[Guest guest]

Bridgette:

When you have to go through all the slow tapering process off Prednisone, it

is when you have been on it for a long long time. I have been on it since

1997 and my maintenance dose was 20mg. but sometimes went up to 60 mg. when

my asthma got bad and/or RA. Short term use of Prednisone is not something

you really need to worry about much at all. Lucky you.

Jeannette

[Guest guest]

Bridgette, I dont find this weird ...I took Predisone 5 yrs ago because I was

having asthma and reactive airway problems....was only on it for a month or

so and when they tried to taper me off it ended up taking 6-8 months to get

me off it....then as I have since been DXed with RA and Fibro a year or so

later ...my RD has tried to give it to me in my worst times a couple of

times...and never saw any difference in my RA just my appetite.......so I got

off it and refused it from then on. My Dad takes 1 mg every other day and has

for yrs..he increases it when really bad.....personally I feel it is an

excellent cheap drug to use in the worst of times but generally have to start

at such a high dose to make a difference and with all the long term side

effects is not worth it...and yes once on a high dose over 10 mg a day

....extremely hard for most people to stop or wean down. Glad you didnt have

any problems...feel blessed.Judy in AZ

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 1/9/01 9:11:20 PM Central Standard Time,

aA@... writes:

> . I urge anyone

> just starting prednisone to try other alternatives before your body becomes

> dependent on them. Many of us didn't know about the dependency or the side

> effects.

> a

>

Yo go girl! I had been on Prednisone 20 mgs for hmmm 3 years? Anyway I have

been slowing tapering myself down to tolerate. If I started to have a

reaction from going down I would stop. Then once I was doing good I would

lower it another mg. I got down to 5 mgs. But not matter what I did I

couldn't get past it. I know me bad doing it myself, but when you don't have

insurance or good medical care and you know the doc don't know sh** you

research and find a way. I did tell the doc, believe it not he wanted me to

go cold turkey lol. Just stop it. What an idiot! Anyway I did it my way lol.

As frank would say. Anyway I finally bit the bullet about 3 weeks ago and

just dropped that 5 mg. I did fine, I was suprised. But then all of a sudden

I became really ill. Had since moved and changed docs. Went in for blood work

and had a serious bacterial infection somewhere in my body. Funny they can't

tell you where lol. I had no sore throat or anything. So a good 14 days of

strong antibiotic that would kill a horse lol and it passed. The new doc

doesn't know yet that I dropped the 5 mgs. lol But I feel okay and it was

really tuff I know but to me it's worth it not to be on it anymore. I had

taken over my life, physically and mentally. My mind is clearer, it's weird

lol. And if I can help it I will NEVER go on Prednisione again! In most cases

with lupus, sometimes the cure is worse than the disease. What it does to

your bones, and other parts of body is just horrible, not to mention the

physical appearance changes. I'm in NO way telling you to stop taking your

Prednisone, but I am telling you this for those who aren't on it and may be

pressured to take it. Please try everything else before this.

K.

ladydikeeton@... <A

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http://www.calypso.com/sLupieStore/sLupieStore.chtml</A>

Without love in your heart there is no understanding.

Without understanding there can be no peace.

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 1/9/01 9:11:18 PM Central Standard Time,

aA@... writes:

<< Many of us didn't know about the dependency or the side

effects.

a

>>

Like me, I am a Prednisone junky!!!

Jeannette

[Guest guest]

:

That was quite a task dropping the last 5mg. all at once. It must have been

hell. I don't think I am that brave. I am down to 7mg. from 20mg. I am

slowly working my way down. I thought perhaps at 7mg. something negative

would happen like a flare but so far so good. Perhaps next week or the

following I will drop to 6mg. It is a very wierd drug but one I could not

live without for awhile. I had severe asthma and it saved me many times. I

am praying I do not get sick and get asthma again this year or I am sunk and

will have to start all over. Forget I ever said that.

Jeannette

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 1/9/01 10:02:07 PM Central Standard Time,

ednettieolson@... writes:

> . I had severe asthma and it saved me many times. I

> am praying I do not get sick and get asthma again this year or I am sunk

> and

> will have to start all over. Forget I ever said that.

>

>

Hi, my niece has severe Asthma and she has to go on high doses when she is

doing bad. But lucky not to have to stay on it 24x7. Don't do anything

drastic, and make sure your doc knows you are lowering. If you can't do it 1

mg at a time do 1/2 mg at a time over a month period. Slow is better. The doc

that wanted me to go cold turkey, I was on 20 mgs at the time. the new doc

knows I am on 5 mgs but doesnt know I just dropped it. period. I don't

recommend it to anyone by all means.

K.

ladydikeeton@... <A

HREF= " http://www.calypso.com/sLupieStore/sLupieStore.chtml " >

http://www.calypso.com/sLupieStore/sLupieStore.chtml</A>

Without love in your heart there is no understanding.

Without understanding there can be no peace.

[Guest guest]

Brigitte,

Short term prednisone use doesn't have to be tapered. I didn't realize you

were on it short term. The longer you are on it, the longer it takes to

get off of it. Many times doctors will prescribe short term steroids to get

people through flares. The doses may be for a week and decrease every day.

If you can survive without prednisone, I highly advise you not take it.

Pain pills and antinflammaories can help you through a flare. There are

some people that HAVE to take steroids, especially asthmatics. For them it

is life or death.

I get really upset when I hear that a doctor prescribes prednisone as the

first line of treatment. The immediate pain relief is great, but the long

term side effects are terrible. Quality of life sometimes is of greater

importance than the long term affects. It's a trade off. I urge anyone

just starting prednisone to try other alternatives before your body becomes

dependent on them. Many of us didn't know about the dependency or the side

effects.

a

----- Original Message -----

From: <Brigitte.Beckmann@...>

< egroups>

Sent: Tuesday, January 09, 2001 1:40 PM

Subject: [ ] Prednisone

> Hi a,

>

> thank you very much for the very interesting report about tapering off

> the pred.

>

> I've been off it now since yesterday but my steps were a lot quicker.

> But then again I was on pred only for 5 weeks.

>

> How do I feel? Well, I don't really notice any difference if I take the

> pred or if I don't. My finger joints swell and unswell several times a

> day - no matter if I am on pred or not. The pain increases with the

> swelling and decreases with the unswelling.

>

> Strange - or what??

>

> CU, Brigitte in Cologne

>

> Chat room: chat/

> Web pages for our group: http://rheumatoid.arthritis.freehosting.net/

> http://www.rasupport.webprovider.com/

> Change subscription options:

>

[Guest guest]

Oh dear,

Prednisone, yes I agree about the dependency issue. I have not been on it

very often or at a high rate but the times that have was the only time I

was pain free. Anything less than 15 mgs. does nothing but more gives me a

pudgy face. I've been on it twice for arthritis and once for asthma- didn't

do anything for the asthma but was great for the arthritis. I'm kindof

worried about when I have surgery next week- if I don't move the RA pain is

worse but I figured I'll be on such pain meds that it won't matter!

Temple

Kuddle Kritters Farm

3 Fox Haven Way

Chelmsford, MA 01824

dat2352@...

http://www.homestead.com/kuddlekrittersfarm/index.html

http://www/homestead.com/kuddlekraft/index.html

----- Original Message -----

From: <ednettieolson@...>

< egroups>

Sent: Tuesday, January 09, 2001 7:50 PM

Subject: Re: [ ] Prednisone

> In a message dated 1/9/01 9:11:18 PM Central Standard Time,

> aA@... writes:

>

> << Many of us didn't know about the dependency or the side

> effects.

> a

> >>

> Like me, I am a Prednisone junky!!!

>

> Jeannette

>

> Chat room: chat/

> Web pages for our group: http://rheumatoid.arthritis.freehosting.net/

> http://www.rasupport.webprovider.com/

> Change subscription options:

>

[Guest guest]

Dear a,

I had an experience today at my immune disorder clinic that I wanted to

share. I think I am still in shock at such a sight!

I always see my rheumatologist every 4th Tuesday for a physical and blood

work. We have people in wheel chairs, with canes, etc., but today there was

a woman in a wheelchair whose feet had to be propped up, her face and hands

looked as if they had been torched and she showed little sign of life. I

thought by now I was used to such disablement from these immune diseases we

in this group cope with, but this was the worst I have ever seen. When my

turn came I asked my doctor which immune disorder -- or combinations

thereof -- that poor soul had. My physician explained to me that she had RA

like me, but what I was seeing was the results of what years of taking

prednisone could do. He did not mention what dosage she had been on, but I

know she is new in our clinic. When I was taken off prednisone early on, my

understanding was that it could attack the bones, but I had no idea it could

totally destroy someone. There are times when I have bad flares and wish I

had some, but I don't think I will feel that desire ever again. I am

sending this directly to you to see if you feel it is appropriate to share

with our entire group.

Thanks,

Patsy

-----Original Message-----

From: a [mailto:aA@...]

Sent: Tuesday, January 09, 2001 6:22 PM

egroups

Subject: Re: [ ] Prednisone

Brigitte,

Short term prednisone use doesn't have to be tapered. I didn't realize you

were on it short term. The longer you are on it, the longer it takes to

get off of it. Many times doctors will prescribe short term steroids to get

people through flares. The doses may be for a week and decrease every day.

If you can survive without prednisone, I highly advise you not take it.

Pain pills and antinflammaories can help you through a flare. There are

some people that HAVE to take steroids, especially asthmatics. For them it

is life or death.

I get really upset when I hear that a doctor prescribes prednisone as the

first line of treatment. The immediate pain relief is great, but the long

term side effects are terrible. Quality of life sometimes is of greater

importance than the long term affects. It's a trade off. I urge anyone

just starting prednisone to try other alternatives before your body becomes

dependent on them. Many of us didn't know about the dependency or the side

effects.

a

----- Original Message -----

From: <Brigitte.Beckmann@...>

< egroups>

Sent: Tuesday, January 09, 2001 1:40 PM

Subject: [ ] Prednisone

> Hi a,

>

> thank you very much for the very interesting report about tapering off

> the pred.

>

> I've been off it now since yesterday but my steps were a lot quicker.

> But then again I was on pred only for 5 weeks.

>

> How do I feel? Well, I don't really notice any difference if I take the

> pred or if I don't. My finger joints swell and unswell several times a

> day - no matter if I am on pred or not. The pain increases with the

> swelling and decreases with the unswelling.

>

> Strange - or what??

>

> CU, Brigitte in Cologne

>

> Chat room: chat/

> Web pages for our group: http://rheumatoid.arthritis.freehosting.net/

> http://www.rasupport.webprovider.com/

> Change subscription options:

>

Chat room: chat/

Web pages for our group: http://rheumatoid.arthritis.freehosting.net/

http://www.rasupport.webprovider.com/

Change subscription options:

[Guest guest]

This is scary but important to read. Thank you, Patsy.

----- Original Message -----

From: " Patsy3 " <Patsy3@...>

< egroups>

Sent: Thursday, January 11, 2001 2:59 AM

Subject: RE: [ ] Prednisone

> Dear a,

>

> I had an experience today at my immune disorder clinic that I wanted to

> share. I think I am still in shock at such a sight!

>

> I always see my rheumatologist every 4th Tuesday for a physical and blood

> work. We have people in wheel chairs, with canes, etc., but today there

was

> a woman in a wheelchair whose feet had to be propped up, her face and

hands

> looked as if they had been torched and she showed little sign of life. I

> thought by now I was used to such disablement from these immune diseases

we

> in this group cope with, but this was the worst I have ever seen. When my

> turn came I asked my doctor which immune disorder -- or combinations

> thereof -- that poor soul had. My physician explained to me that she had

RA

> like me, but what I was seeing was the results of what years of taking

> prednisone could do. He did not mention what dosage she had been on, but

I

> know she is new in our clinic. When I was taken off prednisone early on,

my

> understanding was that it could attack the bones, but I had no idea it

could

> totally destroy someone. There are times when I have bad flares and wish

I

> had some, but I don't think I will feel that desire ever again. I am

> sending this directly to you to see if you feel it is appropriate to share

> with our entire group.

>

> Thanks,

>

> Patsy

[Guest guest]

Try tapering when you've been on it for about 19 years. Yikes. NO fun. My doc

REALLY wants me to start lowering it. But I don't think HE understands the

pain I go through. I will start soon, once I'm past this flare by lowering

1/2 MG at a time. I'm at 10 MG now. Not looking forward to that.

~Rainy Sue

In a message dated 1/9/01 11:35:31 AM Pacific Standard Time,

ednettieolson@... writes:

> Bridgette:

>

> When you have to go through all the slow tapering process off Prednisone,

> it

> is when you have been on it for a long long time. I have been on it since

> 1997 and my maintenance dose was 20mg. but sometimes went up to 60 mg. when

> my asthma got bad and/or RA. Short term use of Prednisone is not something

> you really need to worry about much at all. Lucky you.

>

> Jeannette

>

>

[Guest guest]

That is what my first RD did. He prescribed Prednisone for me almost right

away. But it was like every other day or something, I'll need to check my med

records for dosage and such. Too lazy to get the folder out. But once my

organizing project is done all my med stuff will be readily available. I have

such high hopes! ANYWAY, I was in bad shape and I guess he wanted to give me

some relief while trying the other stuff. But since my body never responded

to anything very well, I ended up on it all the time. He didn't believe in

pain killers. Jerk. Made my teenage years even worse than they normally are

for teens. So, that is one of the first pieces of advice I give anyone who I

hear is on Prednisone. STAY OFF IT IF YOU CAN. Use it only for short term.

You don't want to be rolling into your 19th year of using the stuff like I

have to where you can't get off it at all. But I still have high hopes of

lowering it. You all know how stubborn I am and that I am a FIGHTER! I'll

wait to lower it, however, since I am flaring.

~Rainy Sue

In a message dated 1/9/01 7:11:29 PM Pacific Standard Time,

aA@... writes:

> I get really upset when I hear that a doctor prescribes Prednisone as the

> first line of treatment. The immediate pain relief is great, but the long

> term side effects are terrible. Quality of life sometimes is of greater

> importance than the long term affects. It's a trade off. I urge anyone

> just starting Prednisone to try other alternatives before your body becomes

> dependent on them. Many of us didn't know about the dependency or the side

> effects.

> a

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

With all this talk about Prednisone, I am happy to report after 4 years, I

am finally completely off of it.......YEAH!!!

Judy in Texas