pulse dose of pred and self medicating

January 9, 2007

Steve,

I have also used a short high dose of pred (30-50 mg x 1-3 days) at times

when I was having a really bad time of it. Usually this is when I get a cold

and it just settles in the lungs. As much as I hate pred, it's such a

blessing when you really need it.

My doctor told me the same thing - that it is safe to do one day or a couple

of days like this instead of doing a traditional 60/50/40/30/20/10 type of

taper over several days. That pulse concept was evidently something that was

accepted as a treatment option in the past 5-8 years or so because that is

about when we discussed it after he prescribed it for me one time and I used

it subsequently. Since then I have also heard the same things from my

horses' vets about pulse tx now being acceptable.

I have discussed with my Dr what types of self treatement he/she feels OK

with me selecting for myself. I always make sure to report any self

medication I have done since my last visit so they (I have both a Dr and a

CNP) can keep track of my issues. If I am ever in doubt, I call the office

and 90% of the time a nurse will ask the Dr and call me back with

instructions. If I am very sick, they will make me come in based on my

description over the phone.

I feel really blessed to have such great medical providers. I hope you all

have them as well. If you don't, it's in your best interest to seek out

someone better.

Leena

Note: I am not a Dr nor am I recommending anyone self medicate. You should

talk to your Dr about what they agree you can do on your own and what you

must come to them for.

Steve wrote:

> The doctor said this short pulse dose would not

> hurt me in the long run and I did not have to taper down either. So I

> figured I would do the same thing.

>

> Has anyone else made the decision like this to self medicate to relieve

> your asthma symptoms? Is this OK to do? Should I inform my allergist

> about this the next time I see her or let it go since I feel a little

> better now?

>

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