Guest guest Posted September 24, 2009 Report Share Posted September 24, 2009 Hello, all. I started using oxygen 24/7 around July 4th, and I've now been on Prednisone (40mg) for about six weeks. I thought some of you might like to hear how that's going, so...... Between the oxy and the prednisone, I'm feeling much better. I have more energy, more stamina. I had been feeling tired and listless, taking naps and sleeping for ten hours nightly. When I got up, I didn't feel well; I was tired, and by the time I walked down the flight of stairs to the kitchen, I had to sit and rest. After a few days of taking the prednisone, I started feeling anxious, jittery, headachy, nauseaus and hungry - all at the same time. Sleep was difficult because I kept waking up, and for a while I was sleeping 5-6 interrupted hours a night - no napping. I have been taking Trazadone for sleep for several years at 100 mg nightly; that's now been increased to 150 nightly, and I'm sleeping much better. Because of the nighttime oxy, I now wake up feeling pretty good. I am much less jittery/anxious although have lots of nervous energy, which I put to good use cleaning, gardening and cooking mostly. (I am retired.) I'm still hungrier than I had been before the prednisone, but less so now. I have gained five pounds in six weeks, and I need to work on NOT gaining more. I still get headaches, but they are transient and mild - I usually just wait 'em out. The nausea is gone completely, and has been for weeks. My blood sugar level is good: 92. I don't have much swelling. Cholesterol is higher than usual; always has been high and I'm not sure if the last reading was a blip or, if not, what is causing it. May have nothing to do with the prednisone. My face is rounder than it has ever been, but doesn't look too bad. My local pulmodude, my rheumy and my GP all are " pleased " with how I am doing. I will see the Emory pulmodude in early November, and unless something goes wrong, will stay at this dosage of prednisone until at least then. To counteract some of the potential harm that could be caused by the prednisone, the rheumy has me taking 1200 mg of calcium daily, as well as Fossimax once weekly. That's about all I can think to tell you. May your life be filled with love. B Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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