Re: ? Re Prednisone Reduction & TB ?

[Guest guest]

April, the every-other-day schedule for Prednisone is often done to get the adrenal glands re-started. Elyse might find a slower reduction schedule to be easier on her.

Better check with the doctor about the Mantox test. Is she on Imuran as well as Prednisone?

Harper

[Guest guest]

There are some docs who feel that an every other day schedule keeps the adrenals working, making it less likely to have troubles with tapering later on. It is also thought by them to help minimize the side effects. If it works for her, great! To be effective it has to be started early.

Don

Terradon Unlimited

Creative Embroidery

http://www.TerradonUnlimited.com

"People who ask me how we can still have such a positive attitude after all we’ve been through, have it all wrong…We’ve been able to get through all that we have BECAUSE we have a positive attitude". Don Hanson 8/2000

-----Original Message-----From: April [mailto:achell@...]Sent: Friday, March 23, 2001 9:09 AM Subject: [ ] ? Re Prednisone Reduction & TB ?

Hi all,

Thanks so much for the earlier input regarding your Prednisone dosage & how often a day..... It was very helpful.

As a result of Elyse's Dr appt on Monday, we have started reducing her Prednisone to one time a day to 20mg. She was on 15 mg 2x a day. One batch of pills a day seems to be going easier! That was a reduction of 10 mg in one day! Next week we move to a 20mg one day, 15 mg the next for a week. The week after down to 20 one day 10 the next. etc. We will eventually get down to 20 mg one day and 0 the next. The Dr;s goal is to get down to everyother day. It seems to me, I have not heard anyone else mention an everyother day schedule. I think this may be due to her age???? and long term effects? Has anyone at anypoint in your treatment been on this type of schedule???? She had her blood drawn for labs that day and then we go back in 3wks for another lab to check how the reduction is going. Seems like a good plan to me....... One thing Elyse has mentioned is that she had a headache yesterday, and one the day before. She also mentioned that she thinks this has happened before on the first couple of days of Pred reduction. Does that make sense? I almost think we should document this on the calendar?

Oh yes, one other thing the Dr said she can volunteer at the hospital again in the Ob/Gyn ward with the babies : ) She is so excited! He did however mention that she needs to stay away from people who have had vaccinations using live germs (for lack of a better word). When you work at the hospital you need to have a Mantox test (TB test) on your birthday. Is TB a live vaccine? Im thinking it is and for this reason she should not volunteer....it would break her heart... Does anyone know? The hospital said they would be glad to take her back with a Dr written notice that she has no restricitons. I am hesitant to call them with this ?, maybe I will try her Pediatrician.

As always, waiting for your replys!

I hope all of your days are filled with happiness, April

[Guest guest]

Dear April,

Hi! I am pretty new to this group, but I just wanted to tell you that I am a nursing student and work in a hospital part-time. My doctor told me that he does not feel that I will develop any kind of infections as long as I use "universal precautions" with all of the patients whom I come in contact with. I have made arrangements with my clinical instructors and with my Nurse Manager at work that allows me not to work with patients who are in isolation due to known infections that could be a risk for me, such as pneumonia, or other respitory infections. AND, I Always always always wash my hands prior to and after coming in contact with any patient...which should be done by all health care workers regardless, and I shower as soon as I get home. My doctor is also sending me for bloodwork every two weeks just to monitor my CBC and LFT's to make sure that I am doing ok. I am also on Imuran 50mg, and Prednisone 20mg, so I am more susceptible to getting sick...

Tell her not to give up on her dream! She will be working on a very healthy nursing unit as far as patients go, and the risk of developing an infection by a patient or baby is low. I am going to be finished with school in May, and have just been hired by the hospital that I have been working at for the past 8 1/2 years. I guess my prayers were answered because I was offered a job in the Labor & Delivery unit. That has been my dream since I had my own daughter almost 10 years ago. I am trying to think positively and although this is all new to me (AIH), and I don't know what the future holds, I do not and will not give up on the dreams and goals that I have been working towards for so long!

Wish her the best of luck for me! You and the rest of the moms in this group inspire me with your strength and compassion each time I read your posts! Thank You!!!!

Pam in CT