Re: Question re Steroids (for Asthma, Breathing)

[Guest guest]

Hi Donna,

I have taken Predisone in pill form and also had injections of it. Right after

and for a few days after I experienced a feeling of " jumpiness " and had a hard

time sleeping soundly. The last time I took Predisone it was the Medrol dose

pack, which starts out on a high dose and continues lowering the dose for 5

days, until 0 is taken. I still experiences some " jumpiness " then also. But my

physician had warned me this might happen.

Gretchen

[Guest guest]

I have taken both without problems.

In a message dated 2/9/2011 8:45:30 A.M. Pacific Standard Time,

donna.dewick@... writes:

Hello all,

I have been prescribed a large dosage of steroids plus antibiotics to

conquer a cough that I picked up on a long haul flight.

I have never taken steroids, nor do I have asthma. The drugs prescribed

are Salbutomol (inhaler) and Prednisone (pills).

Has anyone taking such medicines noticed an uptick in CMT related

fasciculations (muscle twitching)? Or any other side effects that I should be

aware

of?

Many thanks. 7 days is not a long time to take medicine but I would like

to be aware of what to expect.

Donna from London

www.beatinglimitations.com

CMT1A, orthotics only in running shoes, mild symptoms

[Guest guest]

Hi Gretchen.

Thank you so much. That is precisely what I am experiencing - a jacked up heart

rate and interrupted sleep. Just 4 more 24 hour periods to go. Thankfully the

chest seems to be clearing, so I'll take less sleep for breathing any day!

Let's just say that my GP told me nothing, so thanks to Dr Google and friends I

now know what to expect. I really appreciate you and for being a source

for such questions and answers!

Donna

>

> Hi Donna,

>

> I experienced a feeling of " jumpiness " and had a hard time sleeping soundly.

[Guest guest]

Donna,

I have asthma and I use albutoral when I am in trouble. I have been precribed

Prednisone many times, and have never notice muscle issues. In fact, it can

usually be the best two weeks of the year for me when it comes to the general

aches and pains of my daily life with CMT. But that is just my experience.

Mark, 48, NJ USA!

>

> Hello all,

>

> I have been prescribed a large dosage of steroids plus antibiotics to conquer

a cough that I picked up on a long haul flight.

>

> I have never taken steroids, nor do I have asthma. The drugs prescribed are

Salbutomol (inhaler) and Prednisone (pills).

>

> Has anyone taking such medicines noticed an uptick in CMT related

fasciculations (muscle twitching)? Or any other side effects that I should be

aware of?

>

> Many thanks. 7 days is not a long time to take medicine but I would like to

be aware of what to expect.

>

> Donna from London

> www.beatinglimitations.com

> CMT1A, orthotics only in running shoes, mild symptoms

>

[Guest guest]

Mark,

 

Same for me.  I so look forward to steroid injections.  The steroids are

miracle drugs for aches/pains, for me.  I joke with the doctor that he could

hook me up on IV with the steroids, if he wanted.  Directly into the veins,

please.  But, instead I get joint injections.  It takes about three days for

the injected medications to get absorbed by the body, then for the next couple

of weeks, it's a wonderful relief.

in So Calif

(40's, CMT1a)

[Guest guest]

Coming down off steroids was not fun and neither was the swollen ankles/feet. I

didn't like it and hope I never have to have them again.

Geri

[Guest guest]

My wife (non-CMTer) is just getting over pneumonia that first started as

bronchitis...now my wife is someone who never and hates to take any kind of

medications, but her doc gave her albuterol and prednisone...not a prednisone

pack, but she was on 40mg of that stuff..which is ALOT..but anywho the albuterol

made her heart feel like it was pounding out of her chest and the prednisone

made her very restless...she was so frusterated because being as sick as she

was, all she wanted to do is sleep but she couldnt sleep solidly through the

night because of these meds...oh ya and her doc didnt tell her a thing about

these side effects!! But three antibiotics, 2 different inhalers, 2 different

cough medicine and steroids in two weeks..she finally feeling better! So

everyone...WASH YOUR HANDS FREQUENTLY

Matt

Michigan

HMN

[Guest guest]

Ha Ha! Love that ! You and my wife must be twins with that kind of

thinking!

But then again Donna, now that I think about it... My wife loves the after

effects of the pain-free time after prednisone but she does have sleep issues

when on it.

We both end up with bad poison ivy every spring after the initial spring

yardwork, and always end up on prednisone for a while. The joints feel wonderful

for a week or two when done. She often tells the doctor she'll go find a patch

of poison ivy and will go roll around in it to get more!

Mark (48, NJ)

>

> Mark,

>  

> Same for me.  I so look forward to steroid injections.  The steroids are

miracle drugs for aches/pains, for me.  I joke with the doctor that he could

hook me up on IV with the steroids, if he wanted.  Directly into the veins,

please.  But, instead I get joint injections.  It takes about three days for

the injected medications to get absorbed by the body, then for the next couple

of weeks, it's a wonderful relief.

>

> in So Calif

> (40's, CMT1a)

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Matt,

Exactly why they have me on the high drug combo.

I am on 30mg daily of prednisone, and albuterol inhaler " as required " although

first 48 hours mandatory 8 puffs a day.

Plus high dosage amoxycillin.

The steroids make me restless, fractured in thought, no attention span, high

heart rate - but online these are all of the possible side effects.

I am taking my medicine and counting down the days - but it does seem to be

clearing my chest, finally. The only other time I felt like this was when I was

16 with walking pneumonia. When I went to the doctor this time it was one week

after my worst day - my lung function tested at 70% - I guess at my worst it

would have been 50%?!

Anyway, thanks for your help. The stuff works, but I have no idea how athletes

can take steroids and they make me feel awful!

Donna from London

CMT1A, 40, and otherwise active except for now!

www.beatinglimitations.com

> the albuterol made her heart feel like it was pounding out of her chest and

the prednisone made her very restless...

[Guest guest]

Hi Donna,

I'm sure you know this, but I just want to clarify the steroids issue.

Ones like you're taking are Corticosteroids. They are natural or synthetic

hormones that associated with adrenal cortex. They are generally prescribed by a

doctor for treating inflammation in a specific part of body or a specific

system. Such body parts are responsible for maintaining several systems, such as

metabolism, many organ systems, and skeleton system. However, they can also be

recommended for lupus or for asthma in order to reduce swelling and ease the

occurring symptoms. Corticosteroids are most commonly used in the production of

hydro-cortisone creams.

Examples of ones I have had to take are (injections) of Kenalog, and oral

Predisone and Depro-Medrol. Long term use of corticosteroids (6 months or more)

may be at high risk for weakening bones and for drug--induced osteoporosis.

The steroids used by atheletes, or shall I say mis-used by athletes are Anabolic

steroids. They are a part of androgens, since they promote growth of muscles.

They have become a popular drug amongst athletes and professional bodybuilders,

for stimulating muscle growth, in order to achieve bigger and more powerful

muscles. However, they are not aware of the various risks and dangers that these

steroids can cause to a human body that may not appear for years. Prolonged

usage of these steroids can cause stunted growth patterns in teenagers, while

adults can develop liver tumors, increased frustration, aggression and violence,

acne, enlargement of heart muscles, hair loss, muscle aches, heart diseases and

others. In severe cases, steroids can lead to infertility.

Then there are Estrogens & Progestogens. Estrogens and progestogens are two

different types of steroids that are naturally produced in the female

reproductive system. Made from female hormones, they are responsible for the

development of secondary sexual characteristics in women, such as wide hips and

breasts. Synthetically derived versions of these hormones are used for producing

birth-control pills and other hormonal contraceptive medications. They are even

used for controlling and holding back the reproductive organs and menstrual

cycles of women. However, their use in women above 45 years of age is a matter

of concern, as they lead to risks of developing breast cancer.

That 'jumpiness' feeling should go away as you decrease your dose down to zero.

Hope you get back to your amazing active self soon!

Gretchen

[Guest guest]

Hi Gretchen,

To be clear, even corticosteroids, such as prednisone or salbuterol, are also on

the athlete banned substance lists. Due to their ability to reduce

inflammation, enhance breathing, etc.

Interesting, huh. I was offered medical proof in case I required it, that I had

been prescribed the two courses of treatment.

Anyway, it is always a concern amongst active cyclists, swimmers, runners, and

triathletes that the steroids associated with asthma are often on the World Anti

Doping Authority lists. So yes, at the moment, I am considered a doping

athlete. Assuming I was being athletic, which I am not as I'm trying to keep

myself healthy and rested to fight this cough!

Thanks as always,

Donna from London

CMT1A

not feeling very active these days :-)

www.beatinglimitations.com

>

>Corticosteroids. They are natural or synthetic hormones that associated with

adrenal cortex. They are generally prescribed by a doctor for treating

inflammation in a specific part of body or a specific system. Such body parts

are responsible for maintaining several systems, such as metabolism, many organ

systems, and skeleton system. However, they can also be recommended for lupus or

for asthma in order to reduce swelling and ease the occurring symptoms.

> The steroids used by atheletes, or shall I say mis-used by athletes are

Anabolic steroids.