HealingWell
Search Close Search
☰

Prednisone Issues...

Support Forums
>
Rheumatoid Arthritis
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply
❬ ❬ Previous Thread |Next Thread ❭ ❭
Posted 8/11/2011 2:39 AM (GMT 0)
Hello,

I've been taking prednisone for the past few months to help with my arthritis... i did 3 round of 60mg, and then did my 4th round of 60mg but have been tapering down... at about 5mg, i just stopped taking them all together... as the side effects were becoming too much for me to handle...

now, im dealing with massive headaches, low energy, feeling tired all the time, and feeling nausious.... also, as i got lower in the dosage, i got my period and ive had it for over 2weeks now... very light, and some days just spotting... is this common?

Ive been about 4-5days without the prednisone and just started feeling sick yesterday... should i just pick back up on the meds and finish them as directed.. or are these common when finishing prednisone?

tried calling my specialist, but his office is closed until the end of the month... ughh!

Posted 8/11/2011 3:05 AM (GMT 0)
Prednisone, has a love hate type of thing for most of us here...it sure can make things better,
but then the side effects kick in...Can you try calling your regular physician and get in with
him or her til your specialist gets back...you can do a google search on prednisone to find out
the side effects, it can really mess up a period...
Well wishes to you and I hope you can get some help soon...
others will be by with better advise pay attention to them, we do care...
Posted 8/11/2011 12:34 PM (GMT 0)
I don't think you should have stopped altogether at 5 MG, my doctor told me the lower the dose the more difficult the taper becomes. At 5 MG he had me do 1/2 to 1 MG every 2 to 4 weeks depending on how I felt.
Call the doctor but maybe you will need to go right back to 5 and start your long, slow taper.
Posted 8/11/2011 3:05 PM (GMT 0)
I would not go back on the prednisone if you are finally off. Like you, I always tried to rush the last few milligrams, because the tapering was taking so very, very long. Yes, I felt horrible when tapering, no matter how slow. My head swelled horribly, I had chest pains (I actually spent 2 days in the hospital because of a possible heart attack). I also had dizziness, high blood pressure, and when coming off of very high doses diabetic problems.

Once you are off, your symptoms should start to subside in a few weeks. I wouldn't go back on the prednisone, but that is just my opinion. I hated it so much I would nearly rather die than go on prednisone. I have ulceration colitis, also, and have had to take it as a last ditch effort to control massive bleeding. I would put up with any amount of joint pain to not take that horrible medication.

I would definitely call your doctor, though. However, be sure to let him/her know YOUR wishes. Don't let them bully you into taking a medicine you know is making you feel horrible!

I've found they tend to prescribe based on what works for other patients, because that is easier than finding what may be right for you.

Good Luck!
Posted 8/11/2011 9:35 PM (GMT 0)
Not sure if would help you but Yucca Root is a natural steroid with the side effects.
I use it for many different things like arthritis, voice loss, severe poison ivy, etc.
Posted 8/22/2011 10:58 PM (GMT 0)
cool



Hello, this is my first time on this site. I stumbled upon it as I googled about moon face and prednisone. I must say, I haven't felt so well in years, except my face is a butterball. I too woke up one day with what my dear friend called Chipmunk Cheeks. I have to say, I'm not sure I care, as I feel so much better than I did without the medication. Thanks for this site. Look forward to visiting often. I am looking forward to the time I can taper down or off. There are so many comments to read. I am thrilled to get differing opinions.

NOW I need to navigate all this cool little stuff on here!
McDiesel
Posted 9/3/2011 11:09 PM (GMT 0)
Welcome McDiesel!

I realize this thread is over a week old, but read ur post on this thread!
Glad you're feeling better. There is a lot of info. you will find here. Follow
the doctor's taper instructions and don't abruptly stop the med. It will cause
acute adrenal insuffiency and land you in the hospital!
All the best!

Spicey
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply