Subject: Hello and Prednisone

June 5, 2002

Hi Barbara,

Welcome to the group! I started taking prednisone about a year ago. My

situation may be different to yours as I am trying for a baby so can't take

anything else for now. This means I'm not going off it till I fall pregnant

so I'm just aiming for the lowest dose possible at which I'm comfortable and

under control. I started on 13mg p day last year and have gradually come

down to 7 mg. My Rheumatologist has very strictly controlled the

diminishing of the dose, I have blood tests once a month and if my ESR & CRP

results are within the norm for a month or two and I feel good she drops me

by 1mg at a time. But if they are up and I'm in pain she's ruthless and

normally puts me up 2 mg plus adds Celebrex, so it's like a " two steps

forward one step back " thing sometimes. I would strongly advise you to

consult with your doctor on this and not try to come off it on your own as

it could be dangerous. If you are serious about coming off it you must

discuss other treatment options with your doctor as your RA is likely to

flare up again. Prednisone has its disadvantages but does wonders for the

RA symptoms, I just need one day on a dose that's too low to remind me of

that. Please don't try to go off it alone, your doctor will know what's

best for you.

Have a great day!

Heidi

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