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Prednisone side effect or something else?

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Posted 4/16/2008 3:05 AM (GMT 0)
I've been taking 6 mg Entocort for about 6 months, but I've been flaring for the last three weeks.  I saw the GI on Monday, and he stopped the Entocort and started me on 60 mg of Prednisone.  I expected to feel like crap, I've had some prednisone therapy before, but never at this high a dose.

I took it yesterday and today, and tonight I'm having pressure in my chest, with my heart pounding hard.  My blood pressure is 130/90, which is high for me.  My hip and knee joints are hurting, and I have a killer headache.  I expected that, but the chest thing has me worried.  Is that common with higher doses of steroids?  I'm not sure I can tolerate it.  I am totally winded just walking across the room.

Thanks for any help.

 

Posted 4/16/2008 3:10 AM (GMT 0)
I don't know about "pressure" in the chest, but I've never been on that high of a dose either. When I have taken the higher doses my heart beats so strongly that I can see and feel it. It drives me nuts. My bp always goes up substantially on pretty much any dose. How long are you on at that dose?
Posted 4/16/2008 3:19 AM (GMT 0)
I also had rapid heartbeat and elavated BP on higher pred doses, but don't fool around with chest pressure or SOB, They could be caused by the rapid heartbeat or a heart problem.
Posted 4/16/2008 3:41 AM (GMT 0)

sr5599 said...
I don't know about "pressure" in the chest, but I've never been on that high of a dose either. When I have taken the higher doses my heart beats so strongly that I can see and feel it. It drives me nuts. My bp always goes up substantially on pretty much any dose. How long are you on at that dose?

I'm on a trial for five days to see if it helps, then I'm supposed to refill it.  I don't think I'm going to do it.  I plan to call in to the office tomorrow first thing to ask if I should drop it already.

I want to feel better, but I'm not sure this is the way for me. 

Posted 4/16/2008 4:38 AM (GMT 0)
I had a flare in 2004 and was put on prednisone. I had been on it randomly many times in the 80's and early 90's. This time, within 48 hours of starting the pred I had a killer of all headaches. My blood pressure skyrocketed to 225/120. I had a hypertensive crisis from the pred that landed me on a guerney getting IV meds to get my BP down to a safe level. Please report your symptoms and get into your doc and get evaluated.
Posted 4/16/2008 7:32 AM (GMT 0)
You should definitely report the symptoms to your doc. The first time I was put on pred. they tried 60mgs and all I did was jitter and shake, heart felt like it was beating out of my chest and I couldn't sleep to save my life. Called my doc and told him, found out he just put me on too high a dosage. He knocked it down to 40 at first and I felt alot better. I hope this helps some.
Posted 4/16/2008 4:07 PM (GMT 0)
 

You should definietly tell your doc. I have gone as high as 90 -100 mgs prednisone and was convinced my heart would jump out of my chest.  I was okay, I needed it to control the disease but i know how uncomfortable it could be. Tell your doc and avoid too much caffeine.  Hang in there.

ajz

Posted 4/16/2008 11:59 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Perhaps a lower dose ask your Dr. hope you feel beeter soon .lol gail
Posted 4/17/2008 4:40 PM (GMT 0)
The nurse finally called me back. The doctor said to stop the prednisone, go back on 9 mg of Entocort, and take Benedryl to combat the pred. side effects. I took the 60 mg. of pred. on Monday and Tuesday only. It's Thursday now, and my bp is still up, my heart is still throbbing, and I feel really terrible.

Thanks for the replies.
Posted 4/17/2008 5:16 PM (GMT 0)
I had the feeling that someone was sitting on my chest and like my heart was going to thump through me but it eased off the lower the dose, hope your feeling better soon.
Posted 4/17/2008 10:45 PM (GMT 0)
Is your heart pounding or hurting right now? Fast pounding is a side effect of too much steroids but to have chest pain or short of breath may be worrisome. Is it getting any better? If the chest pain and SOB are there, maybe go to the ED?
I would really push this one.
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