Guest guest Posted March 2, 2008 Report Share Posted March 2, 2008 I had been on 15 mg, then weaned down to 10 mg for 3 mos, then 9 mg. for 3 mos, now 8 mg.... > > how much and how often can you be weaned off prednisone? like if you are on 10 mg then you would take ______mg for _____ long, then _____mg for _____long, and so on to get off. > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 2, 2008 Report Share Posted March 2, 2008 Yes, Mylynda prednisone is is a bad word for me too. Just recently out of the hospital and also a few weeks ago I was hospitalized. Each time I am in the hospital they want to place me on high doses of prednisone even though I keep telling them that is why my hips are bad. I am positive my hips would not need to be replaced if I didn't have so many corisone injections and high-dose prednisone thruout the ars. I keep saying no, they keep giving me injections anyway. I recently went in for methotrexate and was given steroid injection instead and now that it is wearing off my hips are unbearable. It eats my teeth and my hips. Those are the noticeable places. Only God knows what else it is doing to me. I am in the process of finding a doctor who listens. If I can't find anyone, i will just go without a dr and only see my primary care and pulmonologist for my RA care. It seems we are very similar in our reaction to the meds and the aggressiveness of the RA. I will keep you in my prayers. many blessings, Ebony My doctor cute each dose in half , 5 days at a time..... 10 mg for 5 days, 5 mg for 5 days... then done. > > *~ Kami ~* > > [ ] prednisone > > how much and how often can you be weaned off prednisone? like if you are on 10 mg then you would take ______mg for _____ long, then _____mg for _____long, and so on to get off. > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 3, 2008 Report Share Posted March 3, 2008 hi ebony.im soo SORRY to hear you were in the hospital,i HOPE things will get better for you! i can totally RELATE to higher dosages when you are in the hospital or even sick.i HATE it!! PREDNISONE is whats KILLING me i think call me CRAZY,but its TRUE...my bones are soo bad,i have had both knees replaced & both my hips due to my severe ra.my ADVICE to you ebony would be KEEP ON TALKING TILL SOMEONE LISTENS TO YOU!!!!!! my pcp is pretty good keeping up with my ra as well,so im HAPPY for that.today i had a drs. appt.with my rheummy & she gave me a cortizone shot due to my severe pain.i could notSTAND IT EBONY.it did not WORK but what can i do,just DEAL..well keep me POSTED,god bless. " melynda gamez " mapgamez@...>wrote: Ebony <stillbreathing29@...> wrote: Yes, Mylynda prednisone is is a bad word for me too. Just recently out of the hospital and also a few weeks ago I was hospitalized. Each time I am in the hospital they want to place me on high doses of prednisone even though I keep telling them that is why my hips are bad. I am positive my hips would not need to be replaced if I didn't have so many corisone injections and high-dose prednisone thruout the ars. I keep saying no, they keep giving me injections anyway. I recently went in for methotrexate and was given steroid injection instead and now that it is wearing off my hips are unbearable. It eats my teeth and my hips. Those are the noticeable places. Only God knows what else it is doing to me. I am in the process of finding a doctor who listens. If I can't find anyone, i will just go without a dr and only see my primary care and pulmonologist for my RA care. It seems we are very similar in our reaction to the meds and the aggressiveness of the RA. I will keep you in my prayers. many blessings, Ebony My doctor cute each dose in half , 5 days at a time..... 10 mg for 5 days, 5 mg for 5 days... then done. > > *~ Kami ~* > > [ ] prednisone > > how much and how often can you be weaned off prednisone? like if you are on 10 mg then you would take ______mg for _____ long, then _____mg for _____long, and so on to get off. > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 5, 2008 Report Share Posted March 5, 2008 Prednisone, will eat up your bones, I was on it for six years, got off it in December, I am now starting to get some what back to my own self, even thow it helped greatly with inflamation and pain, I decided to deal with the pain, The prednisone caused problems with my adrenaline, to the point it was causing racing heart , and high blood pressure, now I am on a beta blocker to keep that in check, all because of to much cortisol in the body, steriods are wicked bad, I am now only on MTX, mobic, vicodin, folic acid, my beta blocker, and diuretic. The bones in my feet are so bad I have a hard time walking. I will not go back on the roids again for nothing. Jean Pedro Gamez <mapgamez@...> wrote: hi ebony.im soo SORRY to hear you were in the hospital,i HOPE things will get better for you! i can totally RELATE to higher dosages when you are in the hospital or even sick.i HATE it!! PREDNISONE is whats KILLING me i think call me CRAZY,but its TRUE...my bones are soo bad,i have had both knees replaced & both my hips due to my severe ra.my ADVICE to you ebony would be KEEP ON TALKING TILL SOMEONE LISTENS TO YOU!!!!!! my pcp is pretty good keeping up with my ra as well,so im HAPPY for that.today i had a drs. appt.with my rheummy & she gave me a cortizone shot due to my severe pain.i could notSTAND IT EBONY.it did not WORK but what can i do,just DEAL..well keep me POSTED,god bless. " melynda gamez " mapgamez@...>wrote: Ebony <stillbreathing29@...> wrote: Yes, Mylynda prednisone is is a bad word for me too. Just recently out of the hospital and also a few weeks ago I was hospitalized. Each time I am in the hospital they want to place me on high doses of prednisone even though I keep telling them that is why my hips are bad. I am positive my hips would not need to be replaced if I didn't have so many corisone injections and high-dose prednisone thruout the ars. I keep saying no, they keep giving me injections anyway. I recently went in for methotrexate and was given steroid injection instead and now that it is wearing off my hips are unbearable. It eats my teeth and my hips. Those are the noticeable places. Only God knows what else it is doing to me. I am in the process of finding a doctor who listens. If I can't find anyone, i will just go without a dr and only see my primary care and pulmonologist for my RA care. It seems we are very similar in our reaction to the meds and the aggressiveness of the RA. I will keep you in my prayers. many blessings, Ebony My doctor cute each dose in half , 5 days at a time..... 10 mg for 5 days, 5 mg for 5 days... then done. > > *~ Kami ~* > > [ ] prednisone > > how much and how often can you be weaned off prednisone? like if you are on 10 mg then you would take ______mg for _____ long, then _____mg for _____long, and so on to get off. > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 12, 2008 Report Share Posted March 12, 2008 He expressed concern, because steroids are like a blast to the entire immune system, and during the treatment, it frees up latent viruses to reactivate, replicate, and do more damage. He is very against them. HTH- --- and Sal Juarez <jamieandsal@...> wrote: > Does anyone know what Dr. G thinkgs about using > prednisone? Thanks in advance. > > Sincerely, > Juarez, M.S., Marriage and Family Therapist > ________________________________________________________________________________\ ____ Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Mobile. Try it now. http://mobile./;_ylt=Ahu06i62sR8HDtDypao8Wcj9tAcJ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 12, 2008 Report Share Posted March 12, 2008 That's funny, because I just talked to a friend of mine the other day who says that her friend's child made great progress with Dr. Goldberg using prednisone as one of the treatments, along with Valtrex, she did say that this particular mom also suffered from a clear-cut autoimmune disorder as did the son, his immune system was clearly overactive and she also did say that she thought he rarely used steroids, but in her case he did. Now this is info from a friend of a friend who is also looking into prednisone. So if there is any truth to this story, he must not be opposed to its use in ALL cases. > > > Does anyone know what Dr. G thinkgs about using > > prednisone? Thanks in advance. > > > > Sincerely, > > Juarez, M.S., Marriage and Family Therapist > > > > > > ________________________________________________________________________________\ ____ > Be a better friend, newshound, and > know-it-all with Mobile. Try it now. http://mobile./;_ylt=Ahu06i62sR8HDtDypao8Wcj9tAcJ > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 13, 2008 Report Share Posted March 13, 2008 , I can¹t remember if I¹ve heard him comment on it or not, but I¹m sure that since one of the actions of Prednisone is to weaken the body's immune system, he would be against it if there were another ³safer² treatment available for whatever Prednisone was being considered to treat. It would probably help reduce inflammation, but would expose a child to other more severe risks since their already dysfunctional immune system wouldn¹t be in shape to fight things. Prednisone can increase susceptibility to chickenpox and other herpes viruses. That sounds like a really dangerous idea for our kids... even if they¹re on antivirals, there are probably herpes viruses that have not been identified yet and we don¹t know if the antivirals are treating those or not. I¹ve read that people who have recovered from tuberculosis can experience reactivation of the disease when on Prednisone. I¹ve also read that you shouldn¹t be vaccinated against any infectious disease while you are on Prednisone (especially live polio vaccine). Some people on prednisone develop yeast infections. It just sounds as though Prednisone might be hitting our kids right where they don¹t need to be hit... it might sort of give a ³free ticket² to some really frightening things that their bodies are already struggling to control. Having seen a family member go through an illness where long term Prednisone may have saved her life, in some illnesses I suppose it has its place just because there¹s nothing else effective available, but the side effects my family member experienced were horrid (paper thin skin tearing open when she just brushed against something, anxiety, etc.). In other words, it¹s not a med to be taken lightly (but I know you knew that!). Take care, Caroline Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 13, 2008 Report Share Posted March 13, 2008 Hi , I really don't know what Dr.G thinks about prednisone, but I'm guessing he would say no. Anyway, we used prednisone,( short burst,for five days) as a test, to see if our son would respond to IVIG for his Pandas/Pitand syndrome. responded beautifully, the first two days we really didn't see a decrease in his OCD, but on the third day, we saw a nice decrease in his symptoms. By the fifth day the OCD was gone. It was wonderful to see him not obsess on numbers and letters (his personal favorite when he has an OCD flare-up). He was a little more hyper, but we were told that this is normal as the inflammation in the basal gangalia decreases. This is only a temporary fix, just to see if the child will respond to IVIG or not. Children that do well with a prendisone burst , generally do well with IVIG, to treat or even cure their Pandas syndrome. Also, the child needs to stay on a maintenance dose of antibiotics for one year, or until puberty whichever comes first. HTH, P.S. was just diagnosed with a total IgG deficiency, so we will probably need to start IVIG regardless, at least the insurance will pay for it with the diagnoses of, Common Variable Immunedeficiency. @...: jamieandsal@...: Wed, 12 Mar 2008 18:11:46 -0500Subject: Prednisone Does anyone know what Dr. G thinkgs about using prednisone? Thanks in advance.Sincerely, Juarez, M.S., Marriage and Family Therapist Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 13, 2008 Report Share Posted March 13, 2008 , P.S. After looking up Common Variable Immunedeficiency, I think the secretary coded his DX. incorrectly. I'll have to call on this one. nids@...: lsa5885@...: Thu, 13 Mar 2008 13:56:38 +0000Subject: RE: Prednisone Hi ,I really don't know what Dr.G thinks about prednisone, but I'm guessing he would say no. Anyway, we used prednisone,( short burst,for five days) as a test, to see if our son would respond to IVIG for his Pandas/Pitand syndrome. responded beautifully, the first two days we really didn't see a decrease in his OCD, but on the third day, we saw a nice decrease in his symptoms. By the fifth day the OCD was gone. It was wonderful to see him not obsess on numbers and letters (his personal favorite when he has an OCD flare-up). He was a little more hyper, but we were told that this is normal as the inflammation in the basal gangalia decreases. This is only a temporary fix, just to see if the child will respond to IVIG or not. Children that do well with a prendisone burst , generally do well with IVIG, to treat or even cure their Pandas syndrome.Also, the child needs to stay on a maintenance dose of antibiotics for one year, or until puberty whichever comes first. HTH,P.S. was just diagnosed with a total IgG deficiency, so we will probably need to start IVIG regardless, at least the insurance will pay for it with the diagnoses of, Common Variable Immunedeficiency. @...: jamieandsal@...: Wed, 12 Mar 2008 18:11:46 -0500Subject: PrednisoneDoes anyone know what Dr. G thinkgs about using prednisone? Thanks in advance.Sincerely, Juarez, M.S., Marriage and Family Therapist [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 1, 2008 Report Share Posted April 1, 2008 > Within an hour after taking it, I get > intensely sleepy. > Take it with a cup of " real " coffee...... Pris ************** Create a Home Theater Like the Pros. Watch the video on AOL Home. (http://home.aol.com/diy/home-improvement-eric-stromer?video=15 & amp; ncid=aolhom00030000000001) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 3, 2008 Report Share Posted April 3, 2008 > > Within an hour after taking it, I get > > intensely sleepy. > > > > Take it with a cup of " real " coffee...... > Pris > YUK! It's funny you would suggest that--my rheumy actually suggested I drink a cup every morning! I told her I had recently started drinking green tea (with LOTS of sugar) and then proceeded to get a lesson in how to drink tea, from somebody from China (her)! How cool was that for a doctor visit?! Dawn Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 19, 2008 Report Share Posted July 19, 2008 Wow, I am hoping to get prednisone, But I weigh 300 pounds. I am in so much pain. I have taken prednisone before. When I had a serious allergy. Is there other medicines as good as predisone. I dont need to put on anymore weight and it does take all pain away? your truly Clora May  From: <wendymp@...> Subject: [ ] Prednisone Date: Saturday, July 19, 2008, 11:25 AM Hey gang! Hope everyone is having as good a day as possible! My rh dr put me on prednisone two weeks ago trying to get the swelling under control. No dice! I've gone through the first two weeks and he wants to extend it another two weeks. I have heard about becoming dependant on it and was wondering what it was all about? And one other thing. I am not sure if it is the plaquenil or the pred. but I can go hours and hours with no appetite at all and then at some point I feel like I need food NOW! It is almost like I had gone days without food. I eat a little bit and it is over. Any ideas anyone? wendy [] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 19, 2008 Report Share Posted July 19, 2008 Hi Clora May. I haven't had any relief from the pred. at all. Sorry but I do not know of any other drugs as I was just diagnosed a few weeks ago. But I am sure someone else here can help you out. I too am a large woman, 265 and I was worried about gaining weight but that doesn't seem to be a problem right now. wendy > > > Wow, I am hoping to get prednisone, But I weigh 300 pounds. I am in so much pain. I have taken prednisone before. When I had a serious allergy. Is there other medicines as good as predisone. I dont need to put on anymore weight and it does take all pain away? > your truly > Clora May > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 19, 2008 Report Share Posted July 19, 2008 Hi , I've been on prednisone for just over a month now & it had a noticeable affect within the first week. The swelling in my wrists & fingers have gone down a lot, and my knees aren't as stiff. I still have a lot of pain in my left knee (sometimes it feels like I have glass on the end of each leg bone). I think the sulfasalazine is starting to kick in now, I hope, as I had a good knee day yesterday Planning on going for a ride today after work, so that will test it! So far I have had only a few bad headaches from the sulfasalazine, the first couple of days I started & then the ones after I up-dosed to 2 twice a day. Haven't noticed any side effects from the prednisone yet. Gland behind my ear has come up again though (Doc said it was probably a virus). gently hugs... Sharon of Oz > > > Hey gang! Hope everyone is having as good a day as possible! My rh dr > put me on prednisone two weeks ago trying to get the swelling under > control. No dice! I've gone through the first two weeks and he wants to > extend it another two weeks. I have heard about becoming dependant on it > and was wondering what it was all about? And one other thing. I am not > sure if it is the plaquenil or the pred. but I can go hours and hours > with no appetite at all and then at some point I feel like I need food > NOW! It is almost like I had gone days without food. I eat a little > bit and it is over. Any ideas anyone? > > wendy [] > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 19, 2008 Report Share Posted July 19, 2008 , I would say the lack of appetite is the plaquenil, I a m no expert but if you stay on Pred only a month, you should be ok. But Ive been on it seven months and can't get off; I hate it and wish I had tried other drugs first. a [ ] Prednisone Hey gang! Hope everyone is having as good a day as possible! My rh dr put me on prednisone two weeks ago trying to get the swelling under control. No dice! I've gone through the first two weeks and he wants to extend it another two weeks. I have heard about becoming dependant on it and was wondering what it was all about? And one other thing. I am not sure if it is the plaquenil or the pred. but I can go hours and hours with no appetite at all and then at some point I feel like I need food NOW! It is almost like I had gone days without food. I eat a little bit and it is over. Any ideas anyone? wendy [] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 19, 2008 Report Share Posted July 19, 2008 I am taking Plaquenil, Sulfa for over 6 months and they are not helping the pain. Â From: patandpaula <patandpaula@...> Subject: Re: [ ] Prednisone Date: Saturday, July 19, 2008, 12:54 PM , I would say the lack of appetite is the plaquenil, I a m no expert but if you stay on Pred only a month, you should be ok. But Ive been on it seven months and can't get off; I hate it and wish I had tried other drugs first. a [ ] Prednisone Hey gang! Hope everyone is having as good a day as possible! My rh dr put me on prednisone two weeks ago trying to get the swelling under control. No dice! I've gone through the first two weeks and he wants to extend it another two weeks. I have heard about becoming dependant on it and was wondering what it was all about? And one other thing. I am not sure if it is the plaquenil or the pred. but I can go hours and hours with no appetite at all and then at some point I feel like I need food NOW! It is almost like I had gone days without food. I eat a little bit and it is over. Any ideas anyone? wendy [] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 19, 2008 Report Share Posted July 19, 2008 Prednisone is both my bane and my savior. I have been on/off pred most of my life, now on it all the time, as was my mother. If other things can do the trick, USE THEM FIRST> After you have been on pred for awhile, you won't come off w/o alot of trouble (if it can even be done...) Long term, it leads to thinning skin, easy bruising, high blood pressure, weight gain due to appetite stimulation, glaucoma, chronic infections. All these things I speak of from experience. On the other side, I FEEL so much better while on the prednisone when the dose is right. I've been on it as long as I can remember now. When I try to drop the dose, I get very sick---docs are no longer sure if it is due to flare ups of RA, or steroid deficiency. Some of it is RA, as sometimes when I drop the dose, I " flare " w/ Optic Neuritis or Anterior Uveitis. I am also on methotrexate and remicade to at least keep the steroid dose as low as possible. The past couple of years, I have not been able to get below 15 mgs SID. For several years I got by w/ 10 mg down to 7.5mg. Even at 15 mgs now I periodically have to severely raise the dose or be supplemented w/Depo injections, like this week. I fractured my pelvis, broke my nose (accident, not RA) and guess it was too much as I nose dived. Had to raise pred to 40 mg, then Depo shot to get it under control. Now I want to eat constantly but at least no insomnia this time. I CAN at least function and work again, so maybe its worth it. The pred is definitely a Love/Hate drug for me. It gave me back a life, but there sure has been a price. I have to stay on atenolol for high blood pressure, eye drops for glaucoma, Valtrex for viral infections, just got off ketoconazole for a chronic fungal infection, antibiotics for chronic cystitis and sinusitis infections both found when I had the accident and my arms look like hell from all the scars from thin skinned. I'm 49. Long post, but I sure helps somebody else try to find another way to control your autoimmune problems pre-steroids... Best of luck and God Bless to all Dr. From: patandpaula <patandpaula@ sbcglobal. net> Subject: Re: [ ] Prednisone @gro ups.com Date: Saturday, July 19, 2008, 12:54 PM , I would say the lack of appetite is the plaquenil, I a m no expert but if you stay on Pred only a month, you should be ok. But Ive been on it seven months and can't get off; I hate it and wish I had tried other drugs first. a [ ] Prednisone Hey gang! Hope everyone is having as good a day as possible! My rh dr put me on prednisone two weeks ago trying to get the swelling under control. No dice! I've gone through the first two weeks and he wants to extend it another two weeks. I have heard about becoming dependant on it and was wondering what it was all about? And one other thing. I am not sure if it is the plaquenil or the pred. but I can go hours and hours with no appetite at all and then at some point I feel like I need food NOW! It is almost like I had gone days without food. I eat a little bit and it is over. Any ideas anyone? wendy [] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 19, 2008 Report Share Posted July 19, 2008 I was just diagnosed RA in Feb 08 and my rh put me on prednisone right away because celebrex and stuff wasnt working. I am guessing I should be concerned?????? The drs havent said anything about dependence on it and the glaucoma issues. I am taking prednisone, methotraxate and humira. Is there better meds I should be taking. Any information you could supply me would be great. Thank you so much - > > From: clora ( kloey_1234 ) <clora4jesus@...> > Subject: Re: [ ] Prednisone > > Date: Saturday, July 19, 2008, 2:27 PM > > > > > > > I am taking Plaquenil, Sulfa for over 6 months and they are not helping the pain. > > Â > > --- On Sat, 7/19/08, patandpaula <patandpaula@ sbcglobal. net> wrote: > > From: patandpaula <patandpaula@ sbcglobal. net> > Subject: Re: [ ] Prednisone > @gro ups.com > Date: Saturday, July 19, 2008, 12:54 PM > > , I would say the lack of appetite is the plaquenil, I a m no expert but if you stay on Pred only a month, you should be ok. But Ive been on it seven months and can't get off; I hate it and wish I had tried other drugs first. a > [ ] Prednisone > > Hey gang! Hope everyone is having as good a day as possible! My rh dr > put me on prednisone two weeks ago trying to get the swelling under > control. No dice! I've gone through the first two weeks and he wants to > extend it another two weeks. I have heard about becoming dependant on it > and was wondering what it was all about? And one other thing. I am not > sure if it is the plaquenil or the pred. but I can go hours and hours > with no appetite at all and then at some point I feel like I need food > NOW! It is almost like I had gone days without food. I eat a little > bit and it is over. Any ideas anyone? > > wendy [] > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 19, 2008 Report Share Posted July 19, 2008 The key with prednisone is to not be on a high maintenance dose. In doing so you decrease the major side effects. I have been on prednisone for 13 years now, never higher than 10 MG a day with my current dosage of 4 MG a day. Why can't I get off of it? Because nothing else works as well. If they make a drug that works as well, I will take it if I can tolerate it!  People get worked up about prednisone but every medication has its side effects. They change your body in some way whether its prednisone, a NSAID, DMARD, or biologic. Certain medications can be worse for you if you have different underlying diseases. If you are going to worry about the long term/short term side effects of prednisone, be worried about each and every medication you put into your body; OTC, herbal, or prescription.  Shandi Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 19, 2008 Report Share Posted July 19, 2008 Hi Clora and , I have been on prednisone for 3 1/2 years. It is a Godsend for me. When I first started it I thought it was the best thing that could ever happen. I felt wonderful. No pain. Unfortunately,I can't get off it either. I am way down on it (5mg a day). I took 22.5 mg a day for years.I have gained 100lbs. in that time. I too wish at times that I didn't start on it. But, I have been able to continue working full-time and being a wife and Mom. It is a trade off.The extra weight has made walking and balance more difficult. I am being worked up for MS and that scares me, but would also explain my weird symptoms. I know I didn't help any with trying to decide what to do. I took Remicade infusions for about a year and when that stopped working tried Enbrel which had no side effects at all but also didn't help my RA. Now I have had my first 3 Orencia infusions. They are very quick and I have no side effects at the infusion time but have headaches and nausea at times every day. Nothing extreme, just noticeable. I hope you find medicines that work for you. I know it is a lonely struggle. I don't post much at all, but I read daily and know there is a lot of support. I'm not good at communicating in writing. I don't know what to say to help people. There are so many who know just the words that make things less painful and less isolating. in St.Louis > > From: <wendymp@...> > Subject: [ ] Prednisone > > Date: Saturday, July 19, 2008, 11:25 AM > > > > > > > > Hey gang! Hope everyone is having as good a day as possible! My rh dr > put me on prednisone two weeks ago trying to get the swelling under > control. No dice! I've gone through the first two weeks and he wants to > extend it another two weeks. I have heard about becoming dependant on it > and was wondering what it was all about? And one other thing. I am not > sure if it is the plaquenil or the pred. but I can go hours and hours > with no appetite at all and then at some point I feel like I need food > NOW! It is almost like I had gone days without food. I eat a little > bit and it is over. Any ideas anyone? > > wendy [] > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 20, 2008 Report Share Posted July 20, 2008 ...you should be as concerned about prednisone as you would about any other medication you put in your body. There are definite concerns with prednisone as it simulates hormones made in our own body, which can suppress our body from making it naturally. However, if you are able to be on low dose prednisone and feel good, do you deal with life long prednisone or pain? Have you read the effects MTX and Humira can have on you? If you are unlucky some of those side effects are devastating, it is no different with prednisone. Aspirin is an OC but if you are allergic or have the genetics to have a problem with it you can get seriously ill.  Obviously it is best to not be on prednisone...but then it is best not to be on a NSAID, DMARD, or biologic. However, having RA we don't have that luxury. So we need to try the lesser of the evils and then move on to the big guns when those do not work. If prednisone needs to be part of your life you have to ask yourself how much you are enjoying the pain that has brought you to this point. Like it or not, prednisone works well for 99% of the population.  Prednisone works lovely for me until I hit higher doses, at which time I get psychiatric side effects. For the few times I had to increase my prednisone doses to that level, I just have to let my family know that this is how I behave when I take more than 10MG of pred.  Shandi From: shannonvc <shannonvc@...> Subject: [ ] Re: Prednisone Date: Saturday, July 19, 2008, 9:17 PM I was just diagnosed RA in Feb 08 and my rh put me on prednisone right away because celebrex and stuff wasnt working. I am guessing I should be concerned??? ??? The drs havent said anything about dependence on it and the glaucoma issues. I am taking prednisone, methotraxate and humira. Is there better meds I should be taking. Any information you could supply me would be great. Thank you so much - > > From: clora ( kloey_1234 ) <clora4jesus@ ...> > Subject: Re: [ ] Prednisone > @gro ups.com > Date: Saturday, July 19, 2008, 2:27 PM > > > > > > > I am taking Plaquenil, Sulfa for over 6 months and they are not helping the pain. > >  > > --- On Sat, 7/19/08, patandpaula <patandpaula@ sbcglobal. net> wrote: > > From: patandpaula <patandpaula@ sbcglobal. net> > Subject: Re: [ ] Prednisone > @gro ups.com > Date: Saturday, July 19, 2008, 12:54 PM > > , I would say the lack of appetite is the plaquenil, I a m no expert but if you stay on Pred only a month, you should be ok. But Ive been on it seven months and can't get off; I hate it and wish I had tried other drugs first. a > [ ] Prednisone > > Hey gang! Hope everyone is having as good a day as possible! My rh dr > put me on prednisone two weeks ago trying to get the swelling under > control. No dice! I've gone through the first two weeks and he wants to > extend it another two weeks. I have heard about becoming dependant on it > and was wondering what it was all about? And one other thing. I am not > sure if it is the plaquenil or the pred. but I can go hours and hours > with no appetite at all and then at some point I feel like I need food > NOW! It is almost like I had gone days without food. I eat a little > bit and it is over. Any ideas anyone? > > wendy [] > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 20, 2008 Report Share Posted July 20, 2008 Shandi...I am worried about all they meds that I have recently been on but I have seen that a lot of people say they are on prednisone long term and nothing about the other meds. I am currently still in pain but the rh doesnt want the dosage on the pred to be over 10mg a day. She had me on 15mg for 2 weeks but she is doesnt want me to go any higher for right now. she wants to see when the other meds start working. I am on 8 pills for mtx plus humira. she also has me on folic acid for the ill effects of mtx. this whole thing make me feel stupid and i really cant research since i can only spend some much time typing. my RA started in my wrists and hands and moved thruout my body. thanks for your info and help - it means a lot to me. i feel so alone in this and it is getting overwhelming. also thank you for the part about pred and hormones. i often feel like it messes with my hormones. i get like hot flashes and moody. almost like my time of the month. noone has said anything about that. > > > > From: patandpaula <patandpaula@ sbcglobal. net> > > Subject: Re: [ ] Prednisone > > @gro ups.com > > Date: Saturday, July 19, 2008, 12:54 PM > > > > , I would say the lack of appetite is the plaquenil, I a m no > expert but if you stay on Pred only a month, you should be ok. But > Ive been on it seven months and can't get off; I hate it and wish I > had tried other drugs first. a > > [ ] Prednisone > > > > Hey gang! Hope everyone is having as good a day as possible! My rh > dr > > put me on prednisone two weeks ago trying to get the swelling under > > control. No dice! I've gone through the first two weeks and he > wants to > > extend it another two weeks. I have heard about becoming dependant > on it > > and was wondering what it was all about? And one other thing. I am > not > > sure if it is the plaquenil or the pred. but I can go hours and > hours > > with no appetite at all and then at some point I feel like I need > food > > NOW! It is almost like I had gone days without food. I eat a little > > bit and it is over. Any ideas anyone? > > > > wendy [] > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 20, 2008 Report Share Posted July 20, 2008 and I got to have that predisone. I see you said its hard to go off of it. Paiin free for a litlle while sounds great. hugs Clora May  From: kuehnlej <kuehnlej@...> Subject: [ ] Re: Prednisone Date: Sunday, July 20, 2008, 1:43 AM Hi Clora and , I have been on prednisone for 3 1/2 years. It is a Godsend for me. When I first started it I thought it was the best thing that could ever happen. I felt wonderful. No pain. Unfortunately, I can't get off it either. I am way down on it (5mg a day). I took 22.5 mg a day for years.I have gained 100lbs. in that time. I too wish at times that I didn't start on it. But, I have been able to continue working full-time and being a wife and Mom. It is a trade off.The extra weight has made walking and balance more difficult. I am being worked up for MS and that scares me, but would also explain my weird symptoms. I know I didn't help any with trying to decide what to do. I took Remicade infusions for about a year and when that stopped working tried Enbrel which had no side effects at all but also didn't help my RA. Now I have had my first 3 Orencia infusions. They are very quick and I have no side effects at the infusion time but have headaches and nausea at times every day. Nothing extreme, just noticeable. I hope you find medicines that work for you. I know it is a lonely struggle. I don't post much at all, but I read daily and know there is a lot of support. I'm not good at communicating in writing. I don't know what to say to help people. There are so many who know just the words that make things less painful and less isolating. in St.Louis > > From: <wendymp@... > > Subject: [ ] Prednisone > @gro ups.com > Date: Saturday, July 19, 2008, 11:25 AM > > > > > > > > Hey gang! Hope everyone is having as good a day as possible! My rh dr > put me on prednisone two weeks ago trying to get the swelling under > control. No dice! I've gone through the first two weeks and he wants to > extend it another two weeks. I have heard about becoming dependant on it > and was wondering what it was all about? And one other thing. I am not > sure if it is the plaquenil or the pred. but I can go hours and hours > with no appetite at all and then at some point I feel like I need food > NOW! It is almost like I had gone days without food. I eat a little > bit and it is over. Any ideas anyone? > > wendy [] > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 20, 2008 Report Share Posted July 20, 2008 Shandi you are so right. Everyone is getting worked up over prednisone. I didnt know you could take it for 13 years. low doses of course. and it works hoo raw. Doctor here I am give me that prednisone. All the other meds are making me crazy with their side affects and yet they are not stopping the pain.  Clora May   From: S. Pruitt <seriouslysanibel@...> Subject: Re: [ ] Prednisone Date: Saturday, July 19, 2008, 9:26 PM The key with prednisone is to not be on a high maintenance dose. In doing so you decrease the major side effects. I have been on prednisone for 13 years now, never higher than 10 MG a day with my current dosage of 4 MG a day. Why can't I get off of it? Because nothing else works as well. If they make a drug that works as well, I will take it if I can tolerate it!  People get worked up about prednisone but every medication has its side effects. They change your body in some way whether its prednisone, a NSAID, DMARD, or biologic. Certain medications can be worse for you if you have different underlying diseases. If you are going to worry about the long term/short term side effects of prednisone, be worried about each and every medication you put into your body; OTC, herbal, or prescription.  Shandi Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 20, 2008 Report Share Posted July 20, 2008 , Dr , Barbara and Everyone I cant wait to get some prednisone. I see my rheumy Friday and hopefully she will give me something good. She said she would give me prednisone as soon as she got. Test results results for my eyes, sent that. The infection cleared up. Done that. So now hopefully you will be hearing good news about me.  You guys are all so sympathetic. I love reading everything everyone wrote. I read that someone knows what to do about their pain or their immune system. Also Chronic fatigue Syn drone. I got them all. I think it goes with RA. I also have IBS, irritable bowel syn drone. I don't know if it goes With RA , but i do know it goes with fibro.  I didn't go to the ER the other day. My husband rubbed me down with Ben Gay.. I took 2 vicodins. He put 3 pain patches on me. and with a couple hours I was in tolerable pain. Everyone keep writing. It is great to share. I see everyone gets a little upset with doctors. That's OK They are human too. lol. A lot of this information is so needed. The doctor has what 15 minutes to take care of you. WE can tell each other what the doctor forgot to say. thanks guys hugs Clora May    From: shannonvc <shannonvc (DOT) com> Subject: [ ] Re: Prednisone @gro ups.com Date: Saturday, July 19, 2008, 9:17 PM I was just diagnosed RA in Feb 08 and my rh put me on prednisone right away because celebrex and stuff wasnt working. I am guessing I should be concerned??? ??? The drs havent said anything about dependence on it and the glaucoma issues. I am taking prednisone, methotraxate and humira. Is there better meds I should be taking. Any information you could supply me would be great. Thank you so much - > > From: clora ( kloey_1234 ) <clora4jesus@ ...> > Subject: Re: [ ] Prednisone > @gro ups.com > Date: Saturday, July 19, 2008, 2:27 PM > > > > > > > I am taking Plaquenil, Sulfa for over 6 months and they are not helping the pain. > >  > > --- On Sat, 7/19/08, patandpaula <patandpaula@ sbcglobal. net> wrote: > > From: patandpaula <patandpaula@ sbcglobal. net> > Subject: Re: [ ] Prednisone > @gro ups.com > Date: Saturday, July 19, 2008, 12:54 PM > > , I would say the lack of appetite is the plaquenil, I a m no expert but if you stay on Pred only a month, you should be ok. But Ive been on it seven months and can't get off; I hate it and wish I had tried other drugs first. a > [ ] Prednisone > > Hey gang! Hope everyone is having as good a day as possible! My rh dr > put me on prednisone two weeks ago trying to get the swelling under > control. No dice! I've gone through the first two weeks and he wants to > extend it another two weeks. I have heard about becoming dependant on it > and was wondering what it was all about? And one other thing. I am not > sure if it is the plaquenil or the pred. but I can go hours and hours > with no appetite at all and then at some point I feel like I need food > NOW! It is almost like I had gone days without food. I eat a little > bit and it is over. Any ideas anyone? > > wendy [] > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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