Help: Prednisone Withdrawal - Will it get better?

[Guest guest]

My rheumatologist and I both want me off prednisone. I was only supposed to be

on it for

the time it took for methotrexate to kick in. She had me on 10 mg. to start for

two weeks

and I felt wonderful. For over two months, I was on 5 mg. which did absoluteloy

nothing

except give me a " moon face " and raise my blood pressure. With my doctor's

supervision,

I have started tapering.

I am currently on 2 mg., having cut back from 2.5 mg. about a week ago. Three

days after

the taper, I had the worst rebound pain that I've ever experienced. I was also

lightheaded,

felt like I had the flu and ached all over. Last night, I went through sharp,

stab like pains

in joints that have not bothered me in a long time, i.e. ankle and knee.

I've read that this can happen. I've seen stories that people just can't get

off this steroid.

My doctor says that I can always taper slower - that next week I can alternate 2

mg with

1.5 mg. or stay on 2 mg. for a longer period of time.

Has anyone successfully tapered off of Prednisone and if so, can you tell me if

I'm going

to feel worse as I taper down and how long it will last?

Many, many thanks.

Paige