prednisone

[Guest guest]

I recently had a eruption of PA in my pelvis and tailbone due to a

bad reaction to Raptiva (for P) , my rheumy put me on 30 mg a day for

3 days, then worked in down to 20 for 3 days, then 10 for 3 days, but

I only had relief when I was on the 30mg. So he boosted it back up to

30mg every day and I will be on that dose for a week, until I see him

next week. Seems to be helping, but watch how many other NSAIDS you

take. Best wishes!

[Guest guest]

with my flare in my left hand, the inflammation was so intense that my doc

prescribed prednisone. 15 mg per day for 5 days then 10 mg for 5 days then 5 mg

for 10 days. i don't like it. i haven't seen a significant difference in the

swelling and it made me feel tense. i also found that taking the evening pill

made it very difficult to sleep. and i have had alot of stomach discomfort. he

has doubled my sulphasalazine per day and that is what I'm doing now. and alot

of heat packs seem to help. also the more i made myself use my left hand the

better it felt throughout the day. mornings are the worse as far as the swelling

and the pain. but by the end of the work day I'm feeling almost normal. not

using that hand seemed to make the flare much worse. so if using the prednisone,

it should only be short term, and DO NOT quit it suddenly. and never take it at

night. you will never sleep. it is a steroid, and it was the pharmacist who gave

me the info on how to use it and all the

side effects. not my rheumy. i would ask your pharmacist on concerns with

becoming pregnant. ....Casey

[Guest guest]

MARK......Ive been on prednisone for the whole month of august and i don't see

any difference then taking my Rx of naproxin (for inflammation) it made it

difficult for me to sleep. so do not take it at night. on my last visit to

rheumy, he told me to cut down and to get off it over the next two weeks. I'm

only taking half of tablet now. will probably discontinue it by Mon. i feel

" thicker " my body weight hasn't really gone up but i feel really full and notice

cellulite that i didn't have last month. it does something to your body fat.

hows that for a review of the drug! LOL.........Casey

he did tell me that it was the strongest in fighting the inflammation but had

to be taken for short periods of time.

verkhoturye <radiomark@...> wrote:

Hello all -

I'll have my 4th Remicade infusion in about 4 weeks. I've still had

very bad inflammation and pain in my feet and hips.

For those of you who have had bad flares and then take Prednisone,

what do you typically experience?

Mark

[Guest guest]

> For those of you who have had bad flares and then take Prednisone,

> what do you typically experience?

> Mark

As for me, prednisone was a miracle. Before I was dxed with PA my foot

doc gave it to me for inflammation after surgery that didn't go away

(it was pa- I found out later) He gave me a taper pack and I could run

and jump and take stairs-I thought it was a miracle. I begged for

another :0)

I realize now, that however great it makes me feel, the infections that

follow are the pits! I have actually taken some this week for a bad

flare and it really really helps me so much. I wish it didn't have side

effects-haha-then I'd be cured. But I know it helps me when I am really

hurting, and I was on a small amount for months and it really helped

until the remicade kicked in.

Hope you feel better!

Tammie

[Guest guest]

Hi,

Everyone who takes prednisone should know that it leads to osteoporosis

since it draws calcium out of your bones and into your blood serum, plus it

affects your parathyroid glands, which try to control the amount of calcium in

your blood serum. I offer this advice because I had two of my four parathyroid

glands removed, due to taking prednisone over a period of many years!

Sincerely,

in Washington DC age 64

[Guest guest]

,

Thanks for sharing that information! I knew that there was a reason I didn't

want to start that med. Even told my Doc NO.

But I had no idea that it affected the thyroid glands. Very interesting.

Laurie in NY

[Guest guest]

,

I have had no sense of smell for 15 years and I would guess I have around a 50% taste.

As a 27 year paramedic I was always led to believe that prednisone was an emergency drug, a life saving drug that would only act for a short term.

I would easily give up the two of our least important senses and never take prednisone again. I would recommend getting of the dose if those r the only two benefits you get from it. It is a miracle drug but only when a miracle is needed.

Tom

I was put on 50 mg of Prednisone by my new doctor late last September with absolutely no instructions on how to taper off. Fortunately I’ve been on it a number of times and knew what to do. Yes I’ve put on some weight but that’s slowly going. I’m still on 2.5 mg of prednisone a day as I didn’t taper off after that. It might be a foolish decision but I’ve really enjoyed having my sense of smell and taste back so much I didn’t want to go off it before Christmas. I’m just wondering, how unsafe it would be to stay on this amount for any length of time.

No virus found in this outgoing message.Checked by AVG Free Edition.Version: 7.5.516 / Virus Database: 269.17.13/1210 - Release Date: 5/01/2008 11:46 AM

Start the year off right. Easy ways to stay in shape in the new year.

[Guest guest]

It's controversial. Some doctors think up to 5 milligrams a day is a

s so-called physiological dose and will have little to no ill

effects. I don't know about effects on bone density.

I was on 5 milligrams of predisone a day for a period of time but I

found it did seem to have negative effects including yeast

infections, more infections in general, and weight gain (regardless

of food intake).

Lori

>

> I was put on 50 mg of Prednisone by my new doctor late last

September with

> absolutely no instructions on how to taper off. Fortunately I've

been on it

> a number of times and knew what to do. Yes I've put on some weight

but

> that's slowly going. I'm still on 2.5 mg of prednisone a day as I

didn't

> taper off after that. It might be a foolish decision but I've

really enjoyed

> having my sense of smell and taste back so much I didn't want to go

off it

> before Christmas. I'm just wondering, how unsafe it would be to

stay on

> this amount for any length of time.

>

>

>

>

>

>

> No virus found in this outgoing message.

> Checked by AVG Free Edition.

> Version: 7.5.516 / Virus Database: 269.17.13/1210 - Release Date:

5/01/2008

> 11:46 AM

>

[Guest guest]

Dee I hope you feel better soon. I understand your feelings about the

Prednisone. I have been off of them about 3 weeks this time. I always wait to

see how long I last.lol

Being on Prednisone is no fun but at least you are on a low dose (of course no

dose is better) and that is good.

I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.

the WV hillbilly

LOVE IS IN ALL THINGS AND IN ALL THINGS IS LOVE

[ ] Prednisone

Good Morning everyone. It's been awhile. I read the message

board every day and follow closely each and every one of you. Hope this finds

all well and happy. Started Prednisone this morning. Only 10mg but I just am

FIGHTING with the idea and struggling with expectations of the side effects. It

was the drug I wanted to avoid the most. It helps to read each of your

expriences and I KNOW it's to keep from decompensating but I just dread the side

effects. Wish I could have avoided this one. I'm feeling well - liver enzymes

just keep climbing and so that's why the prednisone but itching has stopped with

the Urso and that's 1500mg a day. Started the esophogeal varices but it's at a

very minimal so I was given Nolodal 10mg. to help with the portal hypertension.

Go to Banner Institute every month for now - checking the prednisone. I really

should be totally grateful instead of full of dread. Not happy with my attitude

about this

but it is what it

is.

Have a good day my friends.

Dee

____________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _

Looking for last minute shopping deals?

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category. php?category= shopping

[Guest guest]

Dear ,

Please, please be very careful with Prednisone. I too felt so good when I

started taking it that I didn't want to stop. My rheumy said it was ok,

because I was only take 5 mg and gave me a longstanding prescription. My

regular Dr. didn't

want me to take it, but gave in because my rheumy is from Stanford Univ. and

very educated on the new treatments. well to make a long story short. I

gained 60 lbs in a few months. I took it for only 3 years, and thought I knew

and weighed all the side affects. wrong! First I had to have cataract

surgery at 58! Then I broke my right leg, and it took a little long to heal,

but

still I took the Prednisone, it also helped my allergies and I was feeling

fine.

then I tripped and fell, I broke ribs on one side and was given counseling by

the ER DR> Because I had so many healed rib fractures they thought I was a

victim of domestic violence. I did not know about any of it! I also shattered

my left femur just below the ball of the hip. It shattered so badly that I

had to have surgery to fix it and now have rods, screws and spikes in my

upper leg. The bad part is that it still hasn't healed - 6 months+ and the Dr.

told me to get in shape to have surgery in sept. of this year. they are going

to do a bone graft and i have to be in good shape. When the Dr. inserted the

rod, he tapped my knee and it shattered, too. It all may have happened

anyway, but not as bad, if I hadn't been taking Pred. I get very frustrated

and

it always hurt, I feel the space between the 2 bones rocking back and forth.

SO PLEASE BE CAREFUL, HINDSIGHT DOESN'T HELP.

GENTLE HUGS & PRAYERS,

CAROL M. IN CA

[Guest guest]

,

I always keep some at home just in case...and coincidently tonight I had to take

it because my pain is back and I don't have coverage for Enbrel anymore.Five

hours ago, my pain is gone. Obviously tomorrow will be back, but works like

magic for me. Just beware of side effects and long term use.

[Guest guest]

,

I too agree with Carol. Be careful with the use of pred. I know you feel

better using it and it so nice to be free of pain but the side effect can be

terrible. Unfortunately, I am a long-term user of predisone. And have been on 5

mg. For a very long time and have tried to wean off that amt. but have found

it impossible. I am fortunate in that it has not caused weight gain and am

slim which is a plus for the PA. I've had 2 stress fractures but both have

healed well with no problems. Last summer I had a bad fall and broke my

pelvis in 2 places and healed within a normal time and my bone scans are

consistently showing improving bone quality due to loads of calcium and

fosmax. I guess my best advice is just to work with a team of good doctors

rheumy, gp, ortho and any others for other conditions that may apply and

make sure all are supplied with all of the information from each other. Too

often all of the information gathered is not shared and it needs to be.

Good luck!

[Guest guest]

,

I love Prednisone. It is a miracle drug. Unfortunately, it takes a

huge toll on your body and should not be used for long periods of

time. After a recent horrible flare, I was put on a round of

Prednisone for two weeks. Like usual it worked like a charm. Almost

all of my pain was taken away. The doctor prescribed me a little bit

extra to keep on hand in case I need it but I haven't used any since

then. It's for extreme emergencies only. If your on Prednisone, and

your pain decreases, it's the medicine working. For me, usually the

day after I stop taking it, my pain begins again and I'm back to the

way I was before. I was lucky because the Prednisone didn't make me

feel any hungrier and I didn't gain any weight from it but you do

have to be careful. Give the MTX time, I've been on it for 7 months

now, just bumped up to 8 tablets a week. It's working, it just takes

a while. Hang in there!

[Guest guest]

This is all so true. I have a niece with severe ulcerative colitis and she has

HAD to go on Prednisone on a number of occasions (never for years, as in your

case, but sometimes for several months) and even in her early 30s is showing

signs of arthritis/bone damage. When I was first diagnosed, I discussed my

rheumatologist's recommendation with my primary care physician because I had

such concerns about the side-effects of Enbrel, she went over each - the pros

and cons; but Prednisone was absolutely at the bottom of the list. One of those

" don't do it except as an absolutely last resort " and even then, only for a

short period of time. Prednisone is a very deceptive drug: it makes you feel

so good while it's absolutely devastating your body. And years of experience

with this drug dictates that it WILL do damage; there is no doubt.

Joanna Hoelscher

[Guest guest]

Thank you all for you wise advice. I too was hesitant to take it. I

knew the risks, but the pain was so severe that I was crying all the

time. I after Prednisone the pain is gone, but I'll admit that I

hate the side effects. I'm hungry all the time, I feel bloated and

puffy. I'm hyper and wired, and have difficult going to sleep. I've

been having weird active dreams with lots of colors and action. Its

like my brain is so wired it can't sleep.

So I go from one problem to another. Before I couldn't sleep because

I was in too much pain. I would get up to go to the bathroom and cry

all the way there and back. I was using a cane.

I want to get off the Prednisone as soon as possible. I'm alreay at

risk for osteoporosis and I know the risk. I just needed some relief

from the pain for a little while. I wish that it didn't work so

well. I see my rheumy on Thursday. I'm hoping that we can develop

a plan of action to ween me off the Prednisone. If we stop the

Prednisone then I will have only been on it two weeks. I can't take

these side effects much longer, but I don't want to go back to that

horrible pain. I wish there was an easy answer.

I've only been on the methotrexate a month, so I doubt it is working

yet. I think the next step will probably be Remicade, Enbrel, or

Humira. I guess I'll find out Thursday when I see my rheumy. I'll

keep you posted. Thanks.

" Sheridan " <sksherid@...>

[Guest guest]

I haven't read everyone's posts regarding prednisone - but I have

experience with it and would like to share.

For a long time I didn't have insurance and there was no rheumatologist

here when I moved to Colorado 4 years ago. I found a wonderful family

practitioner - young and kind and totally unaware that PA existed. I

introduced him to the life of a patient inflicted with PS, PA and Fibro

(and the depression that tags along with it), and the chronic pain I

endured daily. I was in constant pain and my flares never stopped -

always full on. As we all know, if you can't take anti-inflammatories

to relieve some of your pain, if you can't tolerate methotrexate, can't

afford the Enbrel, Humira, etc., or have other physical conditions that

make taking these drugs impossible (heart issues) - well, Prednisone

seems to be the only option. I can't recall if I took Prednisone when I

lived in Kansas but if I did it was only for short periods of time (took

Enbrel when I had insurance - but when that ended . . . But when I

moved to Colorado, there was no rheumatologist within 100 miles of where

I lived, so I began a regime of Prednisone that was a constant, everyday

drug I had to take in order to function. Over a 3 yr period of time my

dosage kept creeping up - built up a tolerance - started with 10 mgs -

then 10, then 30 - got to 60 mgs daily for a while, then down to 40 mgs,

tried 30 mgs but pain started coming back and I had to increase it. I

gained 40 lbs (I don't know about anyone else but I was constantly

hungry - envied the cows grazing the pastures on my way to work) - there

just wasn't enough food around - had a moon face - and I just couldn't

kick this " Prednisone " habit. Every time I tried to cut back my dosage,

I experienced aches, muscle pains, had flu like symptoms, felt exhausted

and was literally unable to function at my job. Finally realizing that

despite taking my daily 60 mgs of pred, my PA was vigorously

progressing. I needed to take the big step and quit - so I did - cold

turkey. I do not recommend this nor did my doctor - cold turkey is

extremely dangerous and I would suggest that if anyone needed to stop

taking the drug that they be followed carefully by their physicians,

tapering down slowly. Anyway, for me, tapering down was as bad a

quitting smoking, so I just stopped. Then, a new rheumy came to town so

I made an appointment and by the time I got in, I had lost the moon face

- lost the 40 lbs, actually lived through the withdrawal and got through

the rough physical symptoms (lasted about 3 weeks). I thought my new

rheumy was going to drop over dead when she read my file. She told me

that 60 mgs, let alone 40, was way off the chart. I told her what a

rough time I had stopping the drug and that, long term, I really didn't

think it was helping me at all. Her honest-to-God words to me were " she

saw no benefit in taking Prednisone - the long term use was extremely

harmful - and although she disapproved of how I stopped taking it, she

was glad I did it. " This is a very conservative but open-minded

physician. She understands, she listens, we talk extensively about the

risks of the other drugs that treat PA - the downside of having fibro -

and she understands that I am a chronic pain sufferer.Now I've been off

prednisone for over 1 year. I've had a spinal fusion (last September)

and bowel obstruction in January. So I've had a couple of other health

issues that have interfered with medicating my PA. When I saw her last

week I told her my last dose of Humira didn't seem effective, I had

signs (scales and outbreaks) of psoriasis that was creeping back, and by

looking at the bumps on my knuckles , painful feet, swollen knees (I

know the signs)- I was in for a major flare. She told me there were two

options - I could buck up and try to deal with this major flare that

would more than likely only get worse and I would probably lose the

handle I had regarding pain control, lose any benefit I had gained with

Humira - or - I could begin a short term regime of Prednisone to get a

hold on it, stop the psoriasis from spreading further on my scalp and

legs and get a handle on the flare. On the pred, she figured the flare

would be in control by the end of the second week. I was really upset -

she knew that I went through alot getting off that drug - how I never

wanted to use it again - she already told be that she thought the drug

sucked and did more damage than good. Tears began to form - she knew I

was afraid. BUT - then she assured me that I wouldn't fall back into

the never-ending cycle I experienced before. We would closely monitor

the next 2 weeks - I would start on 15 mg for 5 days, 10 for 5 days, 5

for 5 days and then stop. I wouldn't have to go through the withdrawals

- but this was what I had to do to avoid weeks of suffering. Now I'm

not saying that prednisone is the devil drug. Carefully monitored - low

dosage on a short term basis - I believe it is helpful. I do feel

better; symptoms of the flare are still there but have not increased.

I am not a doctor - I am just like everyone else who participates in the

forum - I'm only a patient that has had these diseases for 22 years.

I've tried alot of drugs, topical creams, vitamins, witch doctors (just

kidding). I began the short term routine 5 days ago and the flare is

subsiding. I have continued with my Humira. My family physician is the

only one managing my pain meds - I get no pain medication from my rheumy

or orthopedist - my therapist (you know depression is a part of this)

knows all my docs, all my meds - I make certain each of them know what

the other knows. Everyone is in the loop. We have an open forum - at

my suggestion - since being a chronic pain sufferer can sometimes send

the wrong messages and red flags to doctors not educated in PA and

chronic pain. I believe that most of us suffering from PA, fibro, and

depression have to take pain meds and it's a relief not having to

constantly explain why our pain level is never zero and that it's

essential for us to have pain medication for relief - that we want the

same quality of life others enjoy - like getting out of bed in the

morning and being able to stand on our feet, let the dog out. (It hurts

my feet to stand up first thing in the morning). I truly believe that

small doses of Prednisone - short term - can be beneficial. But please

be careful - educate yourself so you can educate your doctors. Be very

aware that high doses of this drug on a regular basis will most

certainly harm your organs, bones - you will have heart issues down the

line and it's a given that you will continue to build a tolerance. Be

certain that the physician prescribing prednisone long term has a really

good reason for doing it - that you've exhausted the alternatives - and

have health checkups and bone density exams to track the adverse side

effects of pred. My docs are pleased that I take an active role in my

health - I research new things - I get on the internet to learn of new

extended release pains and their side effects - helpful tools that could

make my life easier.

I use to have a fairly impressive career , I made alot of money - and

now I'm disabled, live on SSDI and am very thankful to have Medicaid.

Life changes . . . things happen . . . and I've learned to deal with it

the best I can. Oh well -

Okay - on a lighter note - I forgot the upside of Predisone. My house

is spotless - I've even ironed my sheets - energy is great. So I'm

taking advantage of it now, I know this is short lived - but so will my

flare.

Best wishes to you - good luck. I join all of you in prayer that

someday someone will come up with a cure - but in the meantime - this

lady in Colorado feels your pain and will never say " Look on the bright

side. " I feel like hitting people that say that - but my knuckles hurt

too much. Try to find your sense of humor - pet a puppy - do whatever

it takes to make you happy, makes you smile, surround yourself with good

people, don't hide inside your house. These are my gifts to you (it cost

hundreds of dollars in therapy to get here). I know you will sense a

difference - positive energy, good karma, all that stuff. By doing

these little things, hard times won't seem so unbearable - and always

remember you are never alone. Thank God for the forum we've been gifted

- being able to share our stories and knowing that regardless of where

we live, we are never alone. HAPPY SUNDAY MORNING!

Kathy in Durango.

[Guest guest]

Hello,

I am so glad that you have gotten some relief from the pain. I will tell you

a bit of what is going on with me and also my experience with Prednisone.

In my opinion, Prednisone is the absolute best anti inflammatory drug there

is, but I so wish I could get off it for good and I will give you the advice

not to take it unless absolutely necessary The high dose I was on brought

on symptoms that I may never recover from, From my eyes to mental health

issues.

As far as being hungry, that is part it. I used A diabetic diet and I

actually lost weight on Prednisone Hard to believe, my doctors were amazed. I

just found the right things I could eat and boy did I eat them. I was starving

all the time. and ate compulsively but not sugar and non sugar things. I was

really strict to it.. I was so afraid of the diabetes and my doctor said I would

gain a lot of weight on the pred. I might suggest if you are craving sweets you

find some sugar free things you can indulge in. lol.. I love sugar free jello

with whip. I also like a low carb yogurt, blueberries, strawberries, etc. I

really had to work on diet when I was on a high dose of pred. It brought on pred

induced diabetes. I have totally lost the desire to keep up with that diet once

I got the diabetes under control when the dose of prednisone went down..

.

I started on prednisone a few years ago for another inflammatory disease in

my liver. It does work works wonderful on joint pain and the PA too.. The ps.

dries up, I don't hurt.. etc.. . I had to get back on a higher dose recently

when I was nearly weaned from it because of the flares with skin and pain from

the PA. . I was on a large dose 40mg for 8 months for my liver and titrated down

after the liver enzymes got under control I was down to 2 but had to bump it

up to 10 and now am on 5. I see a rheumy tomorrow. Hopefully he can give me some

answers

As of now I have been treated for the PA by my MD, dermatologist . But it's

time to see the rheumy. I am in a lot of pain nearly every day in the past few

months even with the Humira, Prednisone & the Tramadol I take for pain. I was

out of the Tramadol for 2 days and I was in bad shape with pain. I also use

ladicane patches not sure of the sp. My hubby had to put them on just a few

minutes ago. They help too and of course good ole ice. :-) That has always

helped the pain get under control too. I wake up nearly every day knowing that

i will go trough the pain relief regiment, and I wait for it all to take effect,

but I am getting used to it. And those wonderful days when I feel no pain, I

praise God for.I feel overjoyed.

Like you, I'm tried and fatigued much of the time.. Last week I had a burst

of energy and I overdid it but could not help myself. I always pay for it later.

:-( I have just decided that it's my lot in life and I will try to live as

pain free as I can and accept the things I cannot change - This disease sucks

(sorry to be so blunt)

Honesty I think I have developed a high tolerance for drugs as the Humira

worked well when I started out. I was on a higher dose of Prednisone too, so who

knows. I don't want to take a narcotic med but I am afraid it will come to that,

at least at times. The Tramadol works to a point but sometimes it just doesn't

so it and I suffer. I am eager to hear what the rheumy says, but also afraid he

will say that I am doing most all I can. :-(

I hope you get the help you need. I advise that you get off the Prednisone as

soon as you can and stay off it unless it is absolutely necessary. I would work

with a pain management doctor if you have that kind of care available and try

not to take the Prednisone. Even in low does it can cause problems. Sorry to be

so against it, but it's a devil in disguise.

Sorry to run on and on, hope this helped some.

Judy in KY

Have a Blessed Day!

Judy

[Guest guest]

Thanks to all of you for your wonderful advice. It is wonderful to

have people like you all around to help me learn more about this

disease. My brother also has PA, but he lives in another state and

his is very controlled on Humira. I hope that I will have the same

success with the biologicals as he has.

After a lot of thought and a great deal of research, I decided not to

take my Prednisone this morning. I was on a low dose 10mg and I had

only been on it 10 days. The side effects were so horrible and the

fear of what it was doing to my body was really affecting me. I

almost wanted the pain back. So I decided that I would stop taking

it for now and see what I can do to manage the pain on my own. Its

amazing, it stops working as fast as it starts working, and I might

regret my decision when I wake up in the morning. I know I had to do

it. I will keep some Prednisone around when I need a few days

relief, and I'm sure that will happen every once and a while.

Dealing with this pain is exhausting and most of the time you go

through the day OK accepting your limitations. But after a while you

will do anything to make the pain go away for just a little while.

I'll use the Prednisone only in those situations when I'm desperate

for relief. In the meantime I'm going to see my rheumy on Thursday

and hopefully start Humira or Remicade soon. I'm also hoping that

after a few months the Methotrexate will start to work and I'll get

the long term relief that I so desire. I know that I will have to

deal with this the rest of my life and that prospect scares me. I'm

only 34. But it scares me less than thinking about what the

Prednisone is doing to me. Hearing all your stories threw me into

action and I appreciate it. I'm going to force myself to get to the

gym to hydrotherapy every couple of days. I'm going to concentrate

on my diet. Removing all inflammatory foods and increasing the amount

of anti-inflammatory foods and spices. Increasing the amount of

calcium in my diet, I'm extremely at risk for osteoporosis. Another

reason Prednisone scares me. In addition I'm borderline diabetic and

have to watch my diet close. I can control my blood sugars if I

concentrate on the proper diet. And I still need to loose weight.

So here is what I'm challenged to do. Hopefully we can all help each

other through living with pain, changing our lives in a positive way

to help us deal with this horrible disease. Changing how we eat and

how we live to make things better.

Thanks to all of you.

" Sheridan " <sksherid@...>

[Guest guest]

Kathy --

Have you ever tried methotrexate with your Humira? They've found that both

are more effective together for PA in many cases.

I'm taking both right now....

Patty

[Guest guest]

Wow! After reading posts by you and Kathy, I'm avoiding Prednisone.

Patty

[Guest guest]

Hi There

I have had a lot of success from a drug called Arava.It seems to keep the

flareups from getting major. I tried Prednisone and gained 35 pounds in a month

and a half. I went off it and lost the weight.

I have also been on Humira but the rheumy thought I had taken it long enough so

he took me off it. I went back on Arava and haven't noticed any problems from

the switch.

I am supposed to take codeine four times a day for pain. I don't usually take

that much but I do average about three times a day.The only problem with codeine

is constipation.I will admit that the pain has been more progressive than it

used to be,but so far I have been able to suck it up.

Walt

[Guest guest]

Isn't it dangerous to stop taking prednisone suddenly? I think you

should talk to your doctor before stopping this drug!

regards,

sherry z

[Guest guest]

: I think long term, your decision not to rely on Prednisone is a wise

one. However, I really urge you not to stop or start any PsA drug without

checking with your rheumatologist first. You haven't been on Prednisone very

long but it's my understanding that it is one of those drugs that you usually

need to be weaned off of gradually. Also, it's not really occasional

short-term/low-dose use that does the real damage - it's being on it longer

term, especially at high doses. But even short term, it's normally not just

something you can take like aspirin - whenever you feel the need.

I'm glad you're seeing your rheumy on Thursday. You really must discuss all

this with him/her. We are dealing with powerful drugs when we have this disease

and need to do so under our doctor's watchful eye. All of them have their

risks, though Prednisone is one where we KNOW it will damage our bodies. Most

of the rest have the potential to do harm to us but that potential is very low -

at least as far as we know now. Hopefully, we will not find out in ten or

twenty years that the biologics, for instance, can cause long-term harm just

like Prednisone.

Remember, also, that even the biologics don't work overnight for many of us; but

they do work!!! I know this is hard to hear but it just may take a while to

find the right drug or drug combo for you, but there will be light at the end of

the tunnel. Hopefully, you wil be a new person before you know it . . . . .

Joanna Hoelscher

[Guest guest]

Yes it is very important not to stop drugs without consulting your

doctor. Especially Prednisone. Withdrawal can be horrible if stopped

abruptly with muscle spasms and other symptoms. I did a bunch of

research before deciding to stop the medicine. I'm a clinical

research coordinator with a degree in biology and have worked in

biomedical research for 11 years. I was on a very low dose 10mg for

only 10 days. It takes about 2 weeks before your body becomes

dependent on the Prednisone for its cortisone production. It

probably would have been better to take 5mg for a few days just for

safety sake. But I had no withdrawal side effects and I feel awesome!

None of those horrible side effects and the pain is less intense than

before Prednisone. Please don't do what I did. Prednisone can be

very dangerous if you don't taper your medicine especially if you are

at a dose higher than 10mg and have been on it longer than 14 days.

As many commercials say. " Don't try this at home. "

I think that my brain just needed some time to renew its coping

mechanisms. As you all know chronic pain can wear you down and

sometimes you just need some relief before you go crazy. I will do

everything in my power to never take Prednisone again, but there will

be a day when I can't take the pain any more and I need some relief

for a few days just to cope. I think it can be helpful for those

situations. Now I'm going to concentrate on researching the other

options and learning as much as possible about the biologics. I have

found that education is power and we must learn everything that we

can to deal with our disease. Thanks for your sound advice.

" Sheridan " <sksherid@...>

[Guest guest]

- why not add a DMARD and then as it begins to work you can

leave out the prednisone. Ask your rheumy about it. Ask about MTX,

or Enbrel, Humira or Remicade.

" S. Zorzi " <szorzi_1999@...>