Guest guest Posted August 16, 2007 Report Share Posted August 16, 2007 I recently had a eruption of PA in my pelvis and tailbone due to a bad reaction to Raptiva (for P) , my rheumy put me on 30 mg a day for 3 days, then worked in down to 20 for 3 days, then 10 for 3 days, but I only had relief when I was on the 30mg. So he boosted it back up to 30mg every day and I will be on that dose for a week, until I see him next week. Seems to be helping, but watch how many other NSAIDS you take. Best wishes! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 16, 2007 Report Share Posted August 16, 2007 with my flare in my left hand, the inflammation was so intense that my doc prescribed prednisone. 15 mg per day for 5 days then 10 mg for 5 days then 5 mg for 10 days. i don't like it. i haven't seen a significant difference in the swelling and it made me feel tense. i also found that taking the evening pill made it very difficult to sleep. and i have had alot of stomach discomfort. he has doubled my sulphasalazine per day and that is what I'm doing now. and alot of heat packs seem to help. also the more i made myself use my left hand the better it felt throughout the day. mornings are the worse as far as the swelling and the pain. but by the end of the work day I'm feeling almost normal. not using that hand seemed to make the flare much worse. so if using the prednisone, it should only be short term, and DO NOT quit it suddenly. and never take it at night. you will never sleep. it is a steroid, and it was the pharmacist who gave me the info on how to use it and all the side effects. not my rheumy. i would ask your pharmacist on concerns with becoming pregnant. ....Casey Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 30, 2007 Report Share Posted August 30, 2007 MARK......Ive been on prednisone for the whole month of august and i don't see any difference then taking my Rx of naproxin (for inflammation) it made it difficult for me to sleep. so do not take it at night. on my last visit to rheumy, he told me to cut down and to get off it over the next two weeks. I'm only taking half of tablet now. will probably discontinue it by Mon. i feel " thicker " my body weight hasn't really gone up but i feel really full and notice cellulite that i didn't have last month. it does something to your body fat. hows that for a review of the drug! LOL.........Casey he did tell me that it was the strongest in fighting the inflammation but had to be taken for short periods of time. verkhoturye <radiomark@...> wrote: Hello all - I'll have my 4th Remicade infusion in about 4 weeks. I've still had very bad inflammation and pain in my feet and hips. For those of you who have had bad flares and then take Prednisone, what do you typically experience? Mark Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 2, 2007 Report Share Posted September 2, 2007 > For those of you who have had bad flares and then take Prednisone, > what do you typically experience? > Mark As for me, prednisone was a miracle. Before I was dxed with PA my foot doc gave it to me for inflammation after surgery that didn't go away (it was pa- I found out later) He gave me a taper pack and I could run and jump and take stairs-I thought it was a miracle. I begged for another :0) I realize now, that however great it makes me feel, the infections that follow are the pits! I have actually taken some this week for a bad flare and it really really helps me so much. I wish it didn't have side effects-haha-then I'd be cured. But I know it helps me when I am really hurting, and I was on a small amount for months and it really helped until the remicade kicked in. Hope you feel better! Tammie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 2, 2007 Report Share Posted September 2, 2007 Hi, Everyone who takes prednisone should know that it leads to osteoporosis since it draws calcium out of your bones and into your blood serum, plus it affects your parathyroid glands, which try to control the amount of calcium in your blood serum. I offer this advice because I had two of my four parathyroid glands removed, due to taking prednisone over a period of many years! Sincerely, in Washington DC age 64 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 3, 2007 Report Share Posted September 3, 2007 , Thanks for sharing that information! I knew that there was a reason I didn't want to start that med. Even told my Doc NO. But I had no idea that it affected the thyroid glands. Very interesting. Laurie in NY Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 6, 2008 Report Share Posted January 6, 2008 , I have had no sense of smell for 15 years and I would guess I have around a 50% taste. As a 27 year paramedic I was always led to believe that prednisone was an emergency drug, a life saving drug that would only act for a short term. I would easily give up the two of our least important senses and never take prednisone again. I would recommend getting of the dose if those r the only two benefits you get from it. It is a miracle drug but only when a miracle is needed. Tom I was put on 50 mg of Prednisone by my new doctor late last September with absolutely no instructions on how to taper off. Fortunately I’ve been on it a number of times and knew what to do. Yes I’ve put on some weight but that’s slowly going. I’m still on 2.5 mg of prednisone a day as I didn’t taper off after that. It might be a foolish decision but I’ve really enjoyed having my sense of smell and taste back so much I didn’t want to go off it before Christmas. I’m just wondering, how unsafe it would be to stay on this amount for any length of time. No virus found in this outgoing message.Checked by AVG Free Edition.Version: 7.5.516 / Virus Database: 269.17.13/1210 - Release Date: 5/01/2008 11:46 AM Start the year off right. Easy ways to stay in shape in the new year. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 11, 2008 Report Share Posted January 11, 2008 It's controversial. Some doctors think up to 5 milligrams a day is a s so-called physiological dose and will have little to no ill effects. I don't know about effects on bone density. I was on 5 milligrams of predisone a day for a period of time but I found it did seem to have negative effects including yeast infections, more infections in general, and weight gain (regardless of food intake). Lori > > I was put on 50 mg of Prednisone by my new doctor late last September with > absolutely no instructions on how to taper off. Fortunately I've been on it > a number of times and knew what to do. Yes I've put on some weight but > that's slowly going. I'm still on 2.5 mg of prednisone a day as I didn't > taper off after that. It might be a foolish decision but I've really enjoyed > having my sense of smell and taste back so much I didn't want to go off it > before Christmas. I'm just wondering, how unsafe it would be to stay on > this amount for any length of time. > > > > > > > No virus found in this outgoing message. > Checked by AVG Free Edition. > Version: 7.5.516 / Virus Database: 269.17.13/1210 - Release Date: 5/01/2008 > 11:46 AM > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 10, 2008 Report Share Posted March 10, 2008 Dee I hope you feel better soon. I understand your feelings about the Prednisone. I have been off of them about 3 weeks this time. I always wait to see how long I last.lol Being on Prednisone is no fun but at least you are on a low dose (of course no dose is better) and that is good. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. the WV hillbilly LOVE IS IN ALL THINGS AND IN ALL THINGS IS LOVE [ ] Prednisone Good Morning everyone. It's been awhile. I read the message board every day and follow closely each and every one of you. Hope this finds all well and happy. Started Prednisone this morning. Only 10mg but I just am FIGHTING with the idea and struggling with expectations of the side effects. It was the drug I wanted to avoid the most. It helps to read each of your expriences and I KNOW it's to keep from decompensating but I just dread the side effects. Wish I could have avoided this one. I'm feeling well - liver enzymes just keep climbing and so that's why the prednisone but itching has stopped with the Urso and that's 1500mg a day. Started the esophogeal varices but it's at a very minimal so I was given Nolodal 10mg. to help with the portal hypertension. Go to Banner Institute every month for now - checking the prednisone. I really should be totally grateful instead of full of dread. Not happy with my attitude about this but it is what it is. Have a good day my friends. Dee ____________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _ Looking for last minute shopping deals? Find them fast with Search. http://tools. search.. com/newsearch/ category. php?category= shopping Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 25, 2008 Report Share Posted April 25, 2008 Dear , Please, please be very careful with Prednisone. I too felt so good when I started taking it that I didn't want to stop. My rheumy said it was ok, because I was only take 5 mg and gave me a longstanding prescription. My regular Dr. didn't want me to take it, but gave in because my rheumy is from Stanford Univ. and very educated on the new treatments. well to make a long story short. I gained 60 lbs in a few months. I took it for only 3 years, and thought I knew and weighed all the side affects. wrong! First I had to have cataract surgery at 58! Then I broke my right leg, and it took a little long to heal, but still I took the Prednisone, it also helped my allergies and I was feeling fine. then I tripped and fell, I broke ribs on one side and was given counseling by the ER DR> Because I had so many healed rib fractures they thought I was a victim of domestic violence. I did not know about any of it! I also shattered my left femur just below the ball of the hip. It shattered so badly that I had to have surgery to fix it and now have rods, screws and spikes in my upper leg. The bad part is that it still hasn't healed - 6 months+ and the Dr. told me to get in shape to have surgery in sept. of this year. they are going to do a bone graft and i have to be in good shape. When the Dr. inserted the rod, he tapped my knee and it shattered, too. It all may have happened anyway, but not as bad, if I hadn't been taking Pred. I get very frustrated and it always hurt, I feel the space between the 2 bones rocking back and forth. SO PLEASE BE CAREFUL, HINDSIGHT DOESN'T HELP. GENTLE HUGS & PRAYERS, CAROL M. IN CA Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 25, 2008 Report Share Posted April 25, 2008 , I always keep some at home just in case...and coincidently tonight I had to take it because my pain is back and I don't have coverage for Enbrel anymore.Five hours ago, my pain is gone. Obviously tomorrow will be back, but works like magic for me. Just beware of side effects and long term use. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 26, 2008 Report Share Posted April 26, 2008 , I too agree with Carol. Be careful with the use of pred. I know you feel better using it and it so nice to be free of pain but the side effect can be terrible. Unfortunately, I am a long-term user of predisone. And have been on 5 mg. For a very long time and have tried to wean off that amt. but have found it impossible. I am fortunate in that it has not caused weight gain and am slim which is a plus for the PA. I've had 2 stress fractures but both have healed well with no problems. Last summer I had a bad fall and broke my pelvis in 2 places and healed within a normal time and my bone scans are consistently showing improving bone quality due to loads of calcium and fosmax. I guess my best advice is just to work with a team of good doctors rheumy, gp, ortho and any others for other conditions that may apply and make sure all are supplied with all of the information from each other. Too often all of the information gathered is not shared and it needs to be. Good luck! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 26, 2008 Report Share Posted April 26, 2008 , I love Prednisone. It is a miracle drug. Unfortunately, it takes a huge toll on your body and should not be used for long periods of time. After a recent horrible flare, I was put on a round of Prednisone for two weeks. Like usual it worked like a charm. Almost all of my pain was taken away. The doctor prescribed me a little bit extra to keep on hand in case I need it but I haven't used any since then. It's for extreme emergencies only. If your on Prednisone, and your pain decreases, it's the medicine working. For me, usually the day after I stop taking it, my pain begins again and I'm back to the way I was before. I was lucky because the Prednisone didn't make me feel any hungrier and I didn't gain any weight from it but you do have to be careful. Give the MTX time, I've been on it for 7 months now, just bumped up to 8 tablets a week. It's working, it just takes a while. Hang in there! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 26, 2008 Report Share Posted April 26, 2008 This is all so true. I have a niece with severe ulcerative colitis and she has HAD to go on Prednisone on a number of occasions (never for years, as in your case, but sometimes for several months) and even in her early 30s is showing signs of arthritis/bone damage. When I was first diagnosed, I discussed my rheumatologist's recommendation with my primary care physician because I had such concerns about the side-effects of Enbrel, she went over each - the pros and cons; but Prednisone was absolutely at the bottom of the list. One of those " don't do it except as an absolutely last resort " and even then, only for a short period of time. Prednisone is a very deceptive drug: it makes you feel so good while it's absolutely devastating your body. And years of experience with this drug dictates that it WILL do damage; there is no doubt. Joanna Hoelscher Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 26, 2008 Report Share Posted April 26, 2008 Thank you all for you wise advice. I too was hesitant to take it. I knew the risks, but the pain was so severe that I was crying all the time. I after Prednisone the pain is gone, but I'll admit that I hate the side effects. I'm hungry all the time, I feel bloated and puffy. I'm hyper and wired, and have difficult going to sleep. I've been having weird active dreams with lots of colors and action. Its like my brain is so wired it can't sleep. So I go from one problem to another. Before I couldn't sleep because I was in too much pain. I would get up to go to the bathroom and cry all the way there and back. I was using a cane. I want to get off the Prednisone as soon as possible. I'm alreay at risk for osteoporosis and I know the risk. I just needed some relief from the pain for a little while. I wish that it didn't work so well. I see my rheumy on Thursday. I'm hoping that we can develop a plan of action to ween me off the Prednisone. If we stop the Prednisone then I will have only been on it two weeks. I can't take these side effects much longer, but I don't want to go back to that horrible pain. I wish there was an easy answer. I've only been on the methotrexate a month, so I doubt it is working yet. I think the next step will probably be Remicade, Enbrel, or Humira. I guess I'll find out Thursday when I see my rheumy. I'll keep you posted. Thanks. " Sheridan " <sksherid@...> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 27, 2008 Report Share Posted April 27, 2008 I haven't read everyone's posts regarding prednisone - but I have experience with it and would like to share. For a long time I didn't have insurance and there was no rheumatologist here when I moved to Colorado 4 years ago. I found a wonderful family practitioner - young and kind and totally unaware that PA existed. I introduced him to the life of a patient inflicted with PS, PA and Fibro (and the depression that tags along with it), and the chronic pain I endured daily. I was in constant pain and my flares never stopped - always full on. As we all know, if you can't take anti-inflammatories to relieve some of your pain, if you can't tolerate methotrexate, can't afford the Enbrel, Humira, etc., or have other physical conditions that make taking these drugs impossible (heart issues) - well, Prednisone seems to be the only option. I can't recall if I took Prednisone when I lived in Kansas but if I did it was only for short periods of time (took Enbrel when I had insurance - but when that ended . . . But when I moved to Colorado, there was no rheumatologist within 100 miles of where I lived, so I began a regime of Prednisone that was a constant, everyday drug I had to take in order to function. Over a 3 yr period of time my dosage kept creeping up - built up a tolerance - started with 10 mgs - then 10, then 30 - got to 60 mgs daily for a while, then down to 40 mgs, tried 30 mgs but pain started coming back and I had to increase it. I gained 40 lbs (I don't know about anyone else but I was constantly hungry - envied the cows grazing the pastures on my way to work) - there just wasn't enough food around - had a moon face - and I just couldn't kick this " Prednisone " habit. Every time I tried to cut back my dosage, I experienced aches, muscle pains, had flu like symptoms, felt exhausted and was literally unable to function at my job. Finally realizing that despite taking my daily 60 mgs of pred, my PA was vigorously progressing. I needed to take the big step and quit - so I did - cold turkey. I do not recommend this nor did my doctor - cold turkey is extremely dangerous and I would suggest that if anyone needed to stop taking the drug that they be followed carefully by their physicians, tapering down slowly. Anyway, for me, tapering down was as bad a quitting smoking, so I just stopped. Then, a new rheumy came to town so I made an appointment and by the time I got in, I had lost the moon face - lost the 40 lbs, actually lived through the withdrawal and got through the rough physical symptoms (lasted about 3 weeks). I thought my new rheumy was going to drop over dead when she read my file. She told me that 60 mgs, let alone 40, was way off the chart. I told her what a rough time I had stopping the drug and that, long term, I really didn't think it was helping me at all. Her honest-to-God words to me were " she saw no benefit in taking Prednisone - the long term use was extremely harmful - and although she disapproved of how I stopped taking it, she was glad I did it. " This is a very conservative but open-minded physician. She understands, she listens, we talk extensively about the risks of the other drugs that treat PA - the downside of having fibro - and she understands that I am a chronic pain sufferer.Now I've been off prednisone for over 1 year. I've had a spinal fusion (last September) and bowel obstruction in January. So I've had a couple of other health issues that have interfered with medicating my PA. When I saw her last week I told her my last dose of Humira didn't seem effective, I had signs (scales and outbreaks) of psoriasis that was creeping back, and by looking at the bumps on my knuckles , painful feet, swollen knees (I know the signs)- I was in for a major flare. She told me there were two options - I could buck up and try to deal with this major flare that would more than likely only get worse and I would probably lose the handle I had regarding pain control, lose any benefit I had gained with Humira - or - I could begin a short term regime of Prednisone to get a hold on it, stop the psoriasis from spreading further on my scalp and legs and get a handle on the flare. On the pred, she figured the flare would be in control by the end of the second week. I was really upset - she knew that I went through alot getting off that drug - how I never wanted to use it again - she already told be that she thought the drug sucked and did more damage than good. Tears began to form - she knew I was afraid. BUT - then she assured me that I wouldn't fall back into the never-ending cycle I experienced before. We would closely monitor the next 2 weeks - I would start on 15 mg for 5 days, 10 for 5 days, 5 for 5 days and then stop. I wouldn't have to go through the withdrawals - but this was what I had to do to avoid weeks of suffering. Now I'm not saying that prednisone is the devil drug. Carefully monitored - low dosage on a short term basis - I believe it is helpful. I do feel better; symptoms of the flare are still there but have not increased. I am not a doctor - I am just like everyone else who participates in the forum - I'm only a patient that has had these diseases for 22 years. I've tried alot of drugs, topical creams, vitamins, witch doctors (just kidding). I began the short term routine 5 days ago and the flare is subsiding. I have continued with my Humira. My family physician is the only one managing my pain meds - I get no pain medication from my rheumy or orthopedist - my therapist (you know depression is a part of this) knows all my docs, all my meds - I make certain each of them know what the other knows. Everyone is in the loop. We have an open forum - at my suggestion - since being a chronic pain sufferer can sometimes send the wrong messages and red flags to doctors not educated in PA and chronic pain. I believe that most of us suffering from PA, fibro, and depression have to take pain meds and it's a relief not having to constantly explain why our pain level is never zero and that it's essential for us to have pain medication for relief - that we want the same quality of life others enjoy - like getting out of bed in the morning and being able to stand on our feet, let the dog out. (It hurts my feet to stand up first thing in the morning). I truly believe that small doses of Prednisone - short term - can be beneficial. But please be careful - educate yourself so you can educate your doctors. Be very aware that high doses of this drug on a regular basis will most certainly harm your organs, bones - you will have heart issues down the line and it's a given that you will continue to build a tolerance. Be certain that the physician prescribing prednisone long term has a really good reason for doing it - that you've exhausted the alternatives - and have health checkups and bone density exams to track the adverse side effects of pred. My docs are pleased that I take an active role in my health - I research new things - I get on the internet to learn of new extended release pains and their side effects - helpful tools that could make my life easier. I use to have a fairly impressive career , I made alot of money - and now I'm disabled, live on SSDI and am very thankful to have Medicaid. Life changes . . . things happen . . . and I've learned to deal with it the best I can. Oh well - Okay - on a lighter note - I forgot the upside of Predisone. My house is spotless - I've even ironed my sheets - energy is great. So I'm taking advantage of it now, I know this is short lived - but so will my flare. Best wishes to you - good luck. I join all of you in prayer that someday someone will come up with a cure - but in the meantime - this lady in Colorado feels your pain and will never say " Look on the bright side. " I feel like hitting people that say that - but my knuckles hurt too much. Try to find your sense of humor - pet a puppy - do whatever it takes to make you happy, makes you smile, surround yourself with good people, don't hide inside your house. These are my gifts to you (it cost hundreds of dollars in therapy to get here). I know you will sense a difference - positive energy, good karma, all that stuff. By doing these little things, hard times won't seem so unbearable - and always remember you are never alone. Thank God for the forum we've been gifted - being able to share our stories and knowing that regardless of where we live, we are never alone. HAPPY SUNDAY MORNING! Kathy in Durango. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 27, 2008 Report Share Posted April 27, 2008 Hello, I am so glad that you have gotten some relief from the pain. I will tell you a bit of what is going on with me and also my experience with Prednisone. In my opinion, Prednisone is the absolute best anti inflammatory drug there is, but I so wish I could get off it for good and I will give you the advice not to take it unless absolutely necessary The high dose I was on brought on symptoms that I may never recover from, From my eyes to mental health issues. As far as being hungry, that is part it. I used A diabetic diet and I actually lost weight on Prednisone Hard to believe, my doctors were amazed. I just found the right things I could eat and boy did I eat them. I was starving all the time. and ate compulsively but not sugar and non sugar things. I was really strict to it.. I was so afraid of the diabetes and my doctor said I would gain a lot of weight on the pred. I might suggest if you are craving sweets you find some sugar free things you can indulge in. lol.. I love sugar free jello with whip. I also like a low carb yogurt, blueberries, strawberries, etc. I really had to work on diet when I was on a high dose of pred. It brought on pred induced diabetes. I have totally lost the desire to keep up with that diet once I got the diabetes under control when the dose of prednisone went down.. . I started on prednisone a few years ago for another inflammatory disease in my liver. It does work works wonderful on joint pain and the PA too.. The ps. dries up, I don't hurt.. etc.. . I had to get back on a higher dose recently when I was nearly weaned from it because of the flares with skin and pain from the PA. . I was on a large dose 40mg for 8 months for my liver and titrated down after the liver enzymes got under control I was down to 2 but had to bump it up to 10 and now am on 5. I see a rheumy tomorrow. Hopefully he can give me some answers As of now I have been treated for the PA by my MD, dermatologist . But it's time to see the rheumy. I am in a lot of pain nearly every day in the past few months even with the Humira, Prednisone & the Tramadol I take for pain. I was out of the Tramadol for 2 days and I was in bad shape with pain. I also use ladicane patches not sure of the sp. My hubby had to put them on just a few minutes ago. They help too and of course good ole ice. :-) That has always helped the pain get under control too. I wake up nearly every day knowing that i will go trough the pain relief regiment, and I wait for it all to take effect, but I am getting used to it. And those wonderful days when I feel no pain, I praise God for.I feel overjoyed. Like you, I'm tried and fatigued much of the time.. Last week I had a burst of energy and I overdid it but could not help myself. I always pay for it later. :-( I have just decided that it's my lot in life and I will try to live as pain free as I can and accept the things I cannot change - This disease sucks (sorry to be so blunt) Honesty I think I have developed a high tolerance for drugs as the Humira worked well when I started out. I was on a higher dose of Prednisone too, so who knows. I don't want to take a narcotic med but I am afraid it will come to that, at least at times. The Tramadol works to a point but sometimes it just doesn't so it and I suffer. I am eager to hear what the rheumy says, but also afraid he will say that I am doing most all I can. :-( I hope you get the help you need. I advise that you get off the Prednisone as soon as you can and stay off it unless it is absolutely necessary. I would work with a pain management doctor if you have that kind of care available and try not to take the Prednisone. Even in low does it can cause problems. Sorry to be so against it, but it's a devil in disguise. Sorry to run on and on, hope this helped some. Judy in KY Have a Blessed Day! Judy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 27, 2008 Report Share Posted April 27, 2008 Thanks to all of you for your wonderful advice. It is wonderful to have people like you all around to help me learn more about this disease. My brother also has PA, but he lives in another state and his is very controlled on Humira. I hope that I will have the same success with the biologicals as he has. After a lot of thought and a great deal of research, I decided not to take my Prednisone this morning. I was on a low dose 10mg and I had only been on it 10 days. The side effects were so horrible and the fear of what it was doing to my body was really affecting me. I almost wanted the pain back. So I decided that I would stop taking it for now and see what I can do to manage the pain on my own. Its amazing, it stops working as fast as it starts working, and I might regret my decision when I wake up in the morning. I know I had to do it. I will keep some Prednisone around when I need a few days relief, and I'm sure that will happen every once and a while. Dealing with this pain is exhausting and most of the time you go through the day OK accepting your limitations. But after a while you will do anything to make the pain go away for just a little while. I'll use the Prednisone only in those situations when I'm desperate for relief. In the meantime I'm going to see my rheumy on Thursday and hopefully start Humira or Remicade soon. I'm also hoping that after a few months the Methotrexate will start to work and I'll get the long term relief that I so desire. I know that I will have to deal with this the rest of my life and that prospect scares me. I'm only 34. But it scares me less than thinking about what the Prednisone is doing to me. Hearing all your stories threw me into action and I appreciate it. I'm going to force myself to get to the gym to hydrotherapy every couple of days. I'm going to concentrate on my diet. Removing all inflammatory foods and increasing the amount of anti-inflammatory foods and spices. Increasing the amount of calcium in my diet, I'm extremely at risk for osteoporosis. Another reason Prednisone scares me. In addition I'm borderline diabetic and have to watch my diet close. I can control my blood sugars if I concentrate on the proper diet. And I still need to loose weight. So here is what I'm challenged to do. Hopefully we can all help each other through living with pain, changing our lives in a positive way to help us deal with this horrible disease. Changing how we eat and how we live to make things better. Thanks to all of you. " Sheridan " <sksherid@...> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 27, 2008 Report Share Posted April 27, 2008 Kathy -- Have you ever tried methotrexate with your Humira? They've found that both are more effective together for PA in many cases. I'm taking both right now.... Patty Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 27, 2008 Report Share Posted April 27, 2008 Wow! After reading posts by you and Kathy, I'm avoiding Prednisone. Patty Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 28, 2008 Report Share Posted April 28, 2008 Hi There I have had a lot of success from a drug called Arava.It seems to keep the flareups from getting major. I tried Prednisone and gained 35 pounds in a month and a half. I went off it and lost the weight. I have also been on Humira but the rheumy thought I had taken it long enough so he took me off it. I went back on Arava and haven't noticed any problems from the switch. I am supposed to take codeine four times a day for pain. I don't usually take that much but I do average about three times a day.The only problem with codeine is constipation.I will admit that the pain has been more progressive than it used to be,but so far I have been able to suck it up. Walt Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 28, 2008 Report Share Posted April 28, 2008 Isn't it dangerous to stop taking prednisone suddenly? I think you should talk to your doctor before stopping this drug! regards, sherry z Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 28, 2008 Report Share Posted April 28, 2008 : I think long term, your decision not to rely on Prednisone is a wise one. However, I really urge you not to stop or start any PsA drug without checking with your rheumatologist first. You haven't been on Prednisone very long but it's my understanding that it is one of those drugs that you usually need to be weaned off of gradually. Also, it's not really occasional short-term/low-dose use that does the real damage - it's being on it longer term, especially at high doses. But even short term, it's normally not just something you can take like aspirin - whenever you feel the need. I'm glad you're seeing your rheumy on Thursday. You really must discuss all this with him/her. We are dealing with powerful drugs when we have this disease and need to do so under our doctor's watchful eye. All of them have their risks, though Prednisone is one where we KNOW it will damage our bodies. Most of the rest have the potential to do harm to us but that potential is very low - at least as far as we know now. Hopefully, we will not find out in ten or twenty years that the biologics, for instance, can cause long-term harm just like Prednisone. Remember, also, that even the biologics don't work overnight for many of us; but they do work!!! I know this is hard to hear but it just may take a while to find the right drug or drug combo for you, but there will be light at the end of the tunnel. Hopefully, you wil be a new person before you know it . . . . . Joanna Hoelscher Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 28, 2008 Report Share Posted April 28, 2008 Yes it is very important not to stop drugs without consulting your doctor. Especially Prednisone. Withdrawal can be horrible if stopped abruptly with muscle spasms and other symptoms. I did a bunch of research before deciding to stop the medicine. I'm a clinical research coordinator with a degree in biology and have worked in biomedical research for 11 years. I was on a very low dose 10mg for only 10 days. It takes about 2 weeks before your body becomes dependent on the Prednisone for its cortisone production. It probably would have been better to take 5mg for a few days just for safety sake. But I had no withdrawal side effects and I feel awesome! None of those horrible side effects and the pain is less intense than before Prednisone. Please don't do what I did. Prednisone can be very dangerous if you don't taper your medicine especially if you are at a dose higher than 10mg and have been on it longer than 14 days. As many commercials say. " Don't try this at home. " I think that my brain just needed some time to renew its coping mechanisms. As you all know chronic pain can wear you down and sometimes you just need some relief before you go crazy. I will do everything in my power to never take Prednisone again, but there will be a day when I can't take the pain any more and I need some relief for a few days just to cope. I think it can be helpful for those situations. Now I'm going to concentrate on researching the other options and learning as much as possible about the biologics. I have found that education is power and we must learn everything that we can to deal with our disease. Thanks for your sound advice. " Sheridan " <sksherid@...> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 29, 2008 Report Share Posted July 29, 2008 - why not add a DMARD and then as it begins to work you can leave out the prednisone. Ask your rheumy about it. Ask about MTX, or Enbrel, Humira or Remicade. " S. Zorzi " <szorzi_1999@...> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You are posting as a guest. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.