Re: Dr. Weil on Prednisone

[Guest guest]

Hi. This is Joan and I usually just lurk, but I do have some experience with

prednisone--about 2 years worth as a matter of fact! I have a vasculitis called

Wegener's Granulomatosis, which means some of my small blood vessells are

inflamed. It can attact anywhere, but it often attacks the sinuses, lungs, and

kidneys. For me, it has attacked my mastoid bone, my lungs, and some of my

nerves in my hands and feet. They were very numb, now only slightly. It may

have attacked elsewhere that I don't know about. But I'm getting better.

Treatment is cytoxan, which is a chemotherapy and prednisone. I am tapering off

both now and will go to a milder chemo in the next few months.

I have been as high as 40 mg of pred. Others have been even higher. I am now

on 7 mg daily.

It's " the drug we love and hate. " It saves lives and makes life better, but it

also makes life worse, as you have discovered.

There is a book-- " Coping with Prednisone " that is very helpful. It was written

by a woman who had to take it and her sister, who is a doctor. I don't remember

the authors, but you could Google it and find the book.

It's short, easy to read, and very helpful.

On my other WG lists, we joke about " pred brain " --i.e.--getting confused, not

being able to think of words, things like that. It can cause some severe mood

reactions, but not commonly. However, it is something to be aware of.

When I find I am getting moody, I just try to go away from everyone and read.

That's because I hate to apologize!

And the weight gain!!!!! Oh my! I wonder what I really weigh!

Good luck, everyone.

Joan

---- Strecker wrote:

> Dr. Weil on Prednisone <http://www.drweil.com/u/QA/QA326580/>

>

> " Patients on prednisone should not have vaccinations, other

> immunizations, or any skin test without the approval of their

> physicians. Because prednisone makes your stomach and intestines more

> susceptible to the irritating effects of alcohol, aspirin and certain

> drugs used to treat arthritis, you are at increased risk of ulcers while

> on the drug. And, of course, before beginning prednisone, be sure that

> your doctor is aware of any other medications you take, prescription or

> over-the-counter. "

>

[Guest guest]

Well I already said my piece on Prednisone but I had a question for everyone. The immunologist I saw on Monday put me on Advair because my pulmonary test wasn't very good. She said it showed an obstruction in the smaller airway. She decided if it is just a mucous plug (sorry to be graphic) that the Advair will remove it and I will be able to breathe better. But if it doesn't go away, then its probably scar tissue from my untreated asthma or a permanent obstruction and I need to go to a pulmonologist to see what it is. Now, I generally, as an every day rule, don't feel great. But the last several days I've become very achy, more tired than usual (which is huge) and all my muscles are tired. Is it possible that its the Advair? Anyone have any similar experience with Advair?

Tawnya, IdioEN '97

[Guest guest]

Advair doesn't do that to me. I don't think. I'm tired from everything else,

but I don't think I can put it on the Advair.

Do you have the info that came with it? Maybe your pharmicist would have some

ideas.

Joan

---- " aloe73@... " wrote:

> Well I already said my piece on Prednisone but I had a question for everyone.

The immunologist I saw on Monday put me on Advair because my pulmonary test

wasn't very good. She said it showed an obstruction in the smaller airway. She

decided if it is just a mucous plug (sorry to be graphic) that the Advair will

remove it and I will be able to breathe better. But if it doesn't go away, then

its probably scar tissue from my untreated asthma or a permanent obstruction and

I need to go to a pulmonologist to see what it is. Now, I generally, as an every

day rule, don't feel great. But the last several days I've become very achy,

more tired than usual (which is huge) and all my muscles are tired. Is it

possible that its the Advair? Anyone have any similar experience with Advair?

> Tawnya, IdioEN '97

[Guest guest]

Tawnya.

I've been on Advair for a few years. I've been diagnosed with

allergic asthma (although I'm presently trying to rule out

sarcoidosis). Advair doesn't tire me out but difficulty breathing

does. Also, when I have a bad EN episode I definitely feel achy with

flu like symptoms and tired. So it may be a combination of all that

for you.

On the scar tissue, I've had scar tissue show up in my Xrays since I

was in my teens. I always assumed it was due to bouts with pnemonia

that I suffered prior to those xrays. I also wasn't diagnosed with

asthma until my late 30s so all these symptoms raised my suspicions

recently hence the tests for sarcoidosis. But... the doctor that I

went to last week believes that I do not have it. That if I did have

it along with the EN for so many years (over 16) I would have

suffered more severe ailments by now. I'll keep you posted.

Sandy

PS I'm also on Singulair for the ashtma and I find it makes a world

of difference. My current allergist tried to ween me off it, I guess

some are not big believers on it but I asked to be put back on it.

Taking Singulair is sometimes enough and I don't have to take the

Advair.

>

> Well I already said my piece on Prednisone but I had a question for

everyone. The immunologist I saw on Monday put me on Advair because

my pulmonary test wasn't very good. She said it showed an

obstruction in the smaller airway. She decided if it is just a

mucous plug (sorry to be graphic) that the Advair will remove it and

I will be able to breathe better. But if it doesn't go away, then

its probably scar tissue from my untreated asthma or a permanent

obstruction and I need to go to a pulmonologist to see what it is.

Now, I generally, as an every day rule, don't feel great. But the

last several days I've become very achy, more tired than usual (which

is huge) and all my muscles are tired. Is it possible that its the

Advair? Anyone have any similar experience with Advair?

> Tawnya, IdioEN '97

>