Guest guest Posted October 12, 2008 Report Share Posted October 12, 2008 I haven't really thought much about it but I'm still tapering down with no effects. Now I'm taking 6 mg, 5 in the evening and the rest in the morning. I hadn't taken this approach before. My PA noticed my blood pressure being too low for me and suggested I take my Enalapril the same way, 20 mg in the evening and 10 mg in the morning. Now I'm wondering how to address the Prednisone when I get to and below 5 mg. Any ideas? Dennis in eastexas Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 12, 2008 Report Share Posted October 12, 2008 Dennis, I have been wondering about you and your prednisone, LOL. I was away for a while and thought that I might have missed a message from you about it. It sounds as though you are making significant progress. Congratulations! Since your approach is working, why don't you use the same approach when you get to 5 mg? You'll probably have to go very slowly. I've heard of some taking a low dose every other day, so that might work when you get below 5 mg. Sue On Sunday, October 12, 2008, at 01:43 PM, Dennis W wrote: > I haven't really thought much about it but I'm still tapering down > with no > effects. Now I'm taking 6 mg, 5 in the evening and the rest in the > morning. > I hadn't taken this approach before. My PA noticed my blood pressure > being > too low for me and suggested I take my Enalapril the same way, 20 mg > in the > evening and 10 mg in the morning. Now I'm wondering how to address the > Prednisone when I get to and below 5 mg. Any ideas? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 12, 2008 Report Share Posted October 12, 2008 Hi Dennis: When you get to 5mg. with the Pred., you take 1/2 = 2.5 mg. each day for 7 days, then take 2.5 every other day for 1 week, then take 2.5 every 3rd day for a week, then you can stop totally. My Rheumy says you have to do this very slowly. I am happy for you that you can do this. I got down to 1 pill left to go, doing good, then I fell due to the RA flare, then back to 10 mg. of Pred. and still on that dose. I keep trying to get off it, but have never been able to. I hope you have great success. I am very happy that you are feeling good. That makes us all happy!! Hugs, Barbara > > I haven't really thought much about it but I'm still tapering down with no > effects. Now I'm taking 6 mg, 5 in the evening and the rest in the morning. > I hadn't taken this approach before. My PA noticed my blood pressure being > too low for me and suggested I take my Enalapril the same way, 20 mg in the > evening and 10 mg in the morning. Now I'm wondering how to address the > Prednisone when I get to and below 5 mg. Any ideas? > > Dennis in eastexas > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 19, 2008 Report Share Posted October 19, 2008 Tapering off prednisone, takes time. I was on 10mg, and tapered off it completely, once I got down to 5mg, I went 2 weeks on 5mg, 1 week on 4mg, 1 week on 3mg, 1 week on 2 mg, , 1 week on 1 mg to none, it takes time but it is well worth it, I lost 30 lbs coming off the prtednisone and not even dieting. Jean > I haven't really thought much about it but I'm still tapering down > with no > effects. Now I'm taking 6 mg, 5 in the evening and the rest in the > morning. > I hadn't taken this approach before. My PA noticed my blood pressure > being > too low for me and suggested I take my Enalapril the same way, 20 mg > in the > evening and 10 mg in the morning. Now I'm wondering how to address the > Prednisone when I get to and below 5 mg. Any ideas? __________________________________________________ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 19, 2008 Report Share Posted October 19, 2008 HELLO JEAN, I WAS WONDERING HOW LONG U WERE ON THE PREDNISONE & HOW SEVERE UR RA IS? DO U HAVE ANY OTHER ISSUES? I'M REALLY INTERESTED CUZ I'VE BEEN THINKING ALOT ABOUT ALL MY MEDS ESP. THE PRED. I'VE BEEN ON IT FOR OVER 30YEARS. COULD THERE B HOPE FOR ME? ANY INPUT WOULD B GREAT, JEAN.... I'M HAPPY FOR U.GOD BLESS,MELYNDA GAMEZ 10/19/08 10:40P.M.CDT Re: [ ] Me and my Prednisone Tapering off prednisone, takes time. I was on 10mg, and tapered off it completely, once I got down to 5mg, I went 2 weeks on 5mg, 1 week on 4mg, 1 week on 3mg, 1 week on 2 mg, , 1 week on 1 mg to none, it takes time but it is well worth it, I lost 30 lbs coming off the prtednisone and not even dieting. Jean > I haven't really thought much about it but I'm still tapering down > with no > effects. Now I'm taking 6 mg, 5 in the evening and the rest in the > morning. > I hadn't taken this approach before. My PA noticed my blood pressure > being > too low for me and suggested I take my Enalapril the same way, 20 mg > in the > evening and 10 mg in the morning. Now I'm wondering how to address the > Prednisone when I get to and below 5 mg. Any ideas? __________________________________________________ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 20, 2008 Report Share Posted October 20, 2008 Hi Jean: Great you are off the Pred. Are you in any pain or suffering since getting off it? So happy also that you lost 30 lbs. since stopping the Pred. I keep trying to get off the Pred., but have not been able to do so. I sure would love to be able to. Hope this all continues for you. God Bless you. Hugs, Barbara > > > I haven't really thought much about it but I'm still tapering down > > with no > > effects. Now I'm taking 6 mg, 5 in the evening and the rest in the > > morning. > > I hadn't taken this approach before. My PA noticed my blood pressure > > being > > too low for me and suggested I take my Enalapril the same way, 20 mg > > in the > > evening and 10 mg in the morning. Now I'm wondering how to address the > > Prednisone when I get to and below 5 mg. Any ideas? > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > __________________________________________________ > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 20, 2008 Report Share Posted October 20, 2008 After failing to wean down from 20MG to 15MG a couple weeks ago, I tried once again this last week to make the leap. Partially justified in my mind due to the fact that it was urged by my Rheumy, even though it was she who told me to return to 20MG after the failure, but also I felt another week had gone by since starting the Methotrexate, albeit a small training wheels dose, and I have not been happy with the side effects that comes along with Prednisone. Since going on a regular dose of 20MG of Prednisone, while it's allowed me to function in society with RA, I'm gained a good 20 pounds, I've begun to retain water and I'm beginning to see that chubby cheek chipmunk look that seems to being one of the more visible signs of Prednisone. Not to mention I can't sleep without the help of a sleep aid which then in turn makes me feel like I'm not fully rested despite 6 hours of sleep. Not sure if depression is a direct side effect of Pred. but I'm seeing the early signs of that too but I suspect it's just the collective effects of everything that goes along with RA. I see my Rheumy later today and I suspect we'll have a lot to talk about. Not sure what to talk about first. I know we need to adjust the MTX since the starting dose of 7.5MG I don't believe will stave off the symptoms of RA is we're going to be able to bring the Pred down any further. We'll talk about going directly to injections because of my GI history. We'll also talk about my sleep issues and that Lunesta isn't really helping all that much. We'll also talk about the depression and maybe I need to consider an anti-depressant (Cymbalta?). Then there is the fluid retention issue. Ohh, the joys of RA. I suspect I may need to brings some notes with me since I'm sure I'll forget something. Of course we'll talk about the pain. That's always a topic. Hope everyone has a great day. Bob > > > Hi Jean: > > Great you are off the Pred. Are you in any pain or suffering since > getting off it? So happy also that you lost 30 lbs. since stopping the > Pred. > > I keep trying to get off the Pred., but have not been able to do so. I > sure would love to be able to. > > Hope this all continues for you. God Bless you. > > Hugs, > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 20, 2008 Report Share Posted October 20, 2008 Sorry for responding to your e-mail, I am new in the forum. I did all the Prednisone, Methotrexate, Vicoden, Hydroxichloroquine, etc. for a few years and my health was getting worse and worse. One day a pharmacist (Russian), told me about this product from England, perhaps you would like to read about it. It has change my life. I was diagnosed with Scleroderma and as a bonus came the RA, but my pain level is basically 80 % less now, no more quemicals and my vision is better now since I stopped the Hydroxichloroquine last year. Prednisone was a terrible medicine to take, it really damaged my health. I am in Seattle, but I imagine you can get this everywhere. It is made of chicken cartilage. I know it sounds crazy, but I was reading that the University of Texas was doing studies with a great success with beef cartilage. http://www.pharmaxllc.com/index.asp " The divisions, the stereotypes, the scapegoating, the ease with which we blame the plight of ourselves on others, all of that distracts us from the common challenges we face: war and poverty; inequality and injustice…We can no longer afford to build ourselves up by tearing each other down. We can no longer afford to traffic in lies or fear or hate. It is the poison that we must purge from our politics; the wall that we must tear down before the hour grows too late. " Barack Obama From: fullwave2 <w8nyy.1@...> Subject: [ ] Re: Me and my Prednisone Date: Monday, October 20, 2008, 6:12 AM After failing to wean down from 20MG to 15MG a couple weeks ago, I tried once again this last week to make the leap. Partially justified in my mind due to the fact that it was urged by my Rheumy, even though it was she who told me to return to 20MG after the failure, but also I felt another week had gone by since starting the Methotrexate, albeit a small training wheels dose, and I have not been happy with the side effects that comes along with Prednisone. Since going on a regular dose of 20MG of Prednisone, while it's allowed me to function in society with RA, I'm gained a good 20 pounds, I've begun to retain water and I'm beginning to see that chubby cheek chipmunk look that seems to being one of the more visible signs of Prednisone. Not to mention I can't sleep without the help of a sleep aid which then in turn makes me feel like I'm not fully rested despite 6 hours of sleep. Not sure if depression is a direct side effect of Pred. but I'm seeing the early signs of that too but I suspect it's just the collective effects of everything that goes along with RA. I see my Rheumy later today and I suspect we'll have a lot to talk about. Not sure what to talk about first. I know we need to adjust the MTX since the starting dose of 7.5MG I don't believe will stave off the symptoms of RA is we're going to be able to bring the Pred down any further. We'll talk about going directly to injections because of my GI history. We'll also talk about my sleep issues and that Lunesta isn't really helping all that much. We'll also talk about the depression and maybe I need to consider an anti-depressant (Cymbalta?). Then there is the fluid retention issue. Ohh, the joys of RA. I suspect I may need to brings some notes with me since I'm sure I'll forget something. Of course we'll talk about the pain. That's always a topic. Hope everyone has a great day. Bob > > > Hi Jean: > > Great you are off the Pred. Are you in any pain or suffering since > getting off it? So happy also that you lost 30 lbs. since stopping the > Pred. > > I keep trying to get off the Pred., but have not been able to do so. I > sure would love to be able to. > > Hope this all continues for you. God Bless you. > > Hugs, > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 20, 2008 Report Share Posted October 20, 2008 I love this group and the information we all share. The community we form. Please keep politics out of it.... Raniolo From: fullwave2 <w8nyy.1@...> Subject: [ ] Re: Me and my Prednisone Date: Monday, October 20, 2008, 6:12 AM After failing to wean down from 20MG to 15MG a couple weeks ago, I tried once again this last week to make the leap. Partially justified in my mind due to the fact that it was urged by my Rheumy, even though it was she who told me to return to 20MG after the failure, but also I felt another week had gone by since starting the Methotrexate, albeit a small training wheels dose, and I have not been happy with the side effects that comes along with Prednisone. Since going on a regular dose of 20MG of Prednisone, while it's allowed me to function in society with RA, I'm gained a good 20 pounds, I've begun to retain water and I'm beginning to see that chubby cheek chipmunk look that seems to being one of the more visible signs of Prednisone. Not to mention I can't sleep without the help of a sleep aid which then in turn makes me feel like I'm not fully rested despite 6 hours of sleep. Not sure if depression is a direct side effect of Pred. but I'm seeing the early signs of that too but I suspect it's just the collective effects of everything that goes along with RA. I see my Rheumy later today and I suspect we'll have a lot to talk about. Not sure what to talk about first. I know we need to adjust the MTX since the starting dose of 7.5MG I don't believe will stave off the symptoms of RA is we're going to be able to bring the Pred down any further. We'll talk about going directly to injections because of my GI history. We'll also talk about my sleep issues and that Lunesta isn't really helping all that much. We'll also talk about the depression and maybe I need to consider an anti-depressant (Cymbalta?). Then there is the fluid retention issue. Ohh, the joys of RA. I suspect I may need to brings some notes with me since I'm sure I'll forget something. Of course we'll talk about the pain. That's always a topic. Hope everyone has a great day. Bob --- In @gro ups.com, " Barbara " <bcreedon@.. .> wrote: > > > Hi Jean: > > Great you are off the Pred. Are you in any pain or suffering since > getting off it? So happy also that you lost 30 lbs. since stopping the > Pred. > > I keep trying to get off the Pred., but have not been able to do so. I > sure would love to be able to. > > Hope this all continues for you. God Bless you. > > Hugs, > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 20, 2008 Report Share Posted October 20, 2008 Second that! in PA [ ] Re: Me and my Prednisone Date: Monday, October 20, 2008, 6:12 AM After failing to wean down from 20MG to 15MG a couple weeks ago, I tried once again this last week to make the leap. Partially justified in my mind due to the fact that it was urged by my Rheumy, even though it was she who told me to return to 20MG after the failure, but also I felt another week had gone by since starting the Methotrexate, albeit a small training wheels dose, and I have not been happy with the side effects that comes along with Prednisone. Since going on a regular dose of 20MG of Prednisone, while it's allowed me to function in society with RA, I'm gained a good 20 pounds, I've begun to retain water and I'm beginning to see that chubby cheek chipmunk look that seems to being one of the more visible signs of Prednisone. Not to mention I can't sleep without the help of a sleep aid which then in turn makes me feel like I'm not fully rested despite 6 hours of sleep. Not sure if depression is a direct side effect of Pred. but I'm seeing the early signs of that too but I suspect it's just the collective effects of everything that goes along with RA. I see my Rheumy later today and I suspect we'll have a lot to talk about. Not sure what to talk about first. I know we need to adjust the MTX since the starting dose of 7.5MG I don't believe will stave off the symptoms of RA is we're going to be able to bring the Pred down any further. We'll talk about going directly to injections because of my GI history. We'll also talk about my sleep issues and that Lunesta isn't really helping all that much. We'll also talk about the depression and maybe I need to consider an anti-depressant (Cymbalta?). Then there is the fluid retention issue. Ohh, the joys of RA. I suspect I may need to brings some notes with me since I'm sure I'll forget something. Of course we'll talk about the pain. That's always a topic. Hope everyone has a great day. Bob --- In @gro ups.com, " Barbara " <bcreedon@.. .> wrote: > > > Hi Jean: > > Great you are off the Pred. Are you in any pain or suffering since > getting off it? So happy also that you lost 30 lbs. since stopping the > Pred. > > I keep trying to get off the Pred., but have not been able to do so. I > sure would love to be able to. > > Hope this all continues for you. God Bless you. > > Hugs, > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 20, 2008 Report Share Posted October 20, 2008 Well, now I'm down to 5 mg and starting to really feel the pain. I don't know what it is, but I'm more comfortable with dropping the Prednisone this time, not fearful of it. I think that's a key to the success I'm having this time. Nobody has 'ordered' me to get off it, I just want to. It's like quitting smoking, a little at a time is easier. So if I have to stay at 5 mg for a month, it's not a big deal. 20 years of taking it means you don't go by the published schedule. Dennis in eastexas On Sun, Oct 19, 2008 at 10:25 PM, Nettleton <pebonejosh@...>wrote: > Tapering off prednisone, takes time. I was on 10mg, and tapered off it > completely, once I got down to 5mg, I went 2 weeks on 5mg, 1 week on 4mg, 1 > week on 3mg, 1 week on 2 mg, , 1 week on 1 mg to none, it takes time but it > is well worth it, I lost 30 lbs coming off the prtednisone and not even > dieting. Jean > > > > > I haven't really thought much about it but I'm still tapering down > > with no > > effects. Now I'm taking 6 mg, 5 in the evening and the rest in the > > morning. > > I hadn't taken this approach before. My PA noticed my blood pressure > > being > > too low for me and suggested I take my Enalapril the same way, 20 mg > > in the > > evening and 10 mg in the morning. Now I'm wondering how to address the > > Prednisone when I get to and below 5 mg. Any ideas? > > __________________________________________________ > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 20, 2008 Report Share Posted October 20, 2008 Bob, I'm sorry the prednisone is causing so much problem for you, I can sure understand. I weaned myself off the med, it was causing my ankles and fingers to swell. That usually always happens for me. I hope your rheumy can help you find another method besides prednisone, get you weaned off it. I'm glad your going to mtx injections, I think you will like the results. I took my humira Sat and Sun, I took mtx shot. I am not fatigued at all, just hurting from all the activity from yesterday. I'm glad your talking to your doctor about depression. I will do the same, when I go to my doc appointment. I've heard Cymbalta is quite expensive. Sometimes it takes a few different meds to get you on the right antidepressant. Good luck my friend, keep us posted, Tawny > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 20, 2008 Report Share Posted October 20, 2008 Dennis, you are to be commended for your effort. I'm also a former smoker, so I know how hard it is to quit. I also tapered myself off of prednisone, but I was on a low dose and had been on it for just a few months. It was because of what I learned in this group that I wanted to quit the prednisone. Take your time with your taper from here on out. Twenty years is a long time, so if it takes a long time to get completely off it, that's cool. Sue On Monday, October 20, 2008, at 11:40 AM, Dennis W wrote: > Well, now I'm down to 5 mg and starting to really feel the pain. I > don't > know what it is, but I'm more comfortable with dropping the Prednisone > this > time, not fearful of it. I think that's a key to the success I'm > having this > time. Nobody has 'ordered' me to get off it, I just want to. It's like > quitting smoking, a little at a time is easier. So if I have to stay > at 5 mg > for a month, it's not a big deal. 20 years of taking it means you > don't go > by the published schedule. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 21, 2008 Report Share Posted October 21, 2008 Since being off the prednisone and loosing 30 pounds I do feel better, just getting the extra weight off. I still have the RA fatigue and aches, especially in the morning, once I get going I'm fine. I rest more, eat better, and feel better in general. The prednisone wacked out my adrenaline system, which causes me to have a problem with a rapid heart rate. So now I take a Beta blocker for that issue. That is what 6-7 years of prednisone has done to me. Jean From: fullwave2 <w8nyy.1gmail (DOT) com> Subject: [ ] Re: Me and my Prednisone @gro ups.com Date: Monday, October 20, 2008, 6:12 AM After failing to wean down from 20MG to 15MG a couple weeks ago, I tried once again this last week to make the leap. Partially justified in my mind due to the fact that it was urged by my Rheumy, even though it was she who told me to return to 20MG after the failure, but also I felt another week had gone by since starting the Methotrexate, albeit a small training wheels dose, and I have not been happy with the side effects that comes along with Prednisone. Since going on a regular dose of 20MG of Prednisone, while it's allowed me to function in society with RA, I'm gained a good 20 pounds, I've begun to retain water and I'm beginning to see that chubby cheek chipmunk look that seems to being one of the more visible signs of Prednisone. Not to mention I can't sleep without the help of a sleep aid which then in turn makes me feel like I'm not fully rested despite 6 hours of sleep. Not sure if depression is a direct side effect of Pred. but I'm seeing the early signs of that too but I suspect it's just the collective effects of everything that goes along with RA. I see my Rheumy later today and I suspect we'll have a lot to talk about. Not sure what to talk about first. I know we need to adjust the MTX since the starting dose of 7.5MG I don't believe will stave off the symptoms of RA is we're going to be able to bring the Pred down any further. We'll talk about going directly to injections because of my GI history. We'll also talk about my sleep issues and that Lunesta isn't really helping all that much. We'll also talk about the depression and maybe I need to consider an anti-depressant (Cymbalta?). Then there is the fluid retention issue. Ohh, the joys of RA. I suspect I may need to brings some notes with me since I'm sure I'll forget something. Of course we'll talk about the pain. That's always a topic. Hope everyone has a great day. Bob --- In @gro ups.com, " Barbara " <bcreedon@.. .> wrote: > > > Hi Jean: > > Great you are off the Pred. Are you in any pain or suffering since > getting off it? So happy also that you lost 30 lbs. since stopping the > Pred. > > I keep trying to get off the Pred., but have not been able to do so. I > sure would love to be able to. > > Hope this all continues for you. God Bless you. > > Hugs, > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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