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Hello everyone, I am new to this site, my name is Deb and I am 51

years old. I was wondering if anyone out there has been on long term

Prednisone use for their RA. I was diagnosed 3 years ago, and have

been taking it ever since. I was on 40 mg. a day for a long time,

and have managed to get it down to 20-25 mg. a day depending on the

pain. The side effects are sooooo much fun. NOT! I also take

Methotrexate and Celebrex. It has taken me all this time to finally

get my SSI Disability, and Medicaid, so I am now scheduled to see a

Rheumatologist in February, up until now I have only been seen in a

Hospital Clinic. I also have Hypo-thyroidism, and the prednisone

has caused Diabetes. Anyway, I was wodering if anyone knows of any

specific drug that works as well as " the Magic Pill " Prednisone,

without all these side effects, it sure would be a blessing to find

one. I also would like to say that it sounds like most of you have

a significant other or family members that help and support you

all. I lost everything when I became sick, my sig. other left me,

and I have no living family.But I do have my Dog, Abbey, she is a

God send and good companion. She is deaf, but we have

learned " Doggy Sign language " together, it keeps us busy. So, I

mostly just stay in the house, afraid of getting sick from others,

and it can be lonely. If it wasnt for the Computer and Abbey I

would go crazy. I have good days and bad ones where I cant even get

out of bed, but I look at the alternative and am thankful for what I

do have. Any info any of you might have would be greatly

appreciated.