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Prednisone withdrawal??? Enlarged glands

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Crohn's Disease
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Posted 4/19/2011 9:50 AM (GMT 0)
Hi everyone. I've been looking for answers on the internet and can't find my exact symptoms, so I'm asking the experts. I was put on 40 mg of pred. for about 6 or 7 weeks because I'd developed a blockage. Had a CT scan and it showed no active Crohn's (he thinks it might be adhesions instead of inflammation) so the GI told me to taper off. I went to 10 days of 20 mg, then 10 days of 10 mg then off completely. I got "moon face" this time for the first time ever, but now that I'm off (it's been 3 days) I've had horrible headaches and swollen glands under my jawline. I look like I have the mumps. Do you think this is steroid withdrawal? I have NO insurance and it's truly breaking the budget to go to my GI and pay for all the tests. Is it possible to ride this out? I'm really hoping so. Any advice besides going back to the Dr??
Posted 4/19/2011 1:13 PM (GMT 0)
 You might have tapered off the last 10mgs too fast. My doctor cuts it down by 2mg every few weeks. I would give your doctor a call and let them know your symptoms and and see what is going on. Tapering to fast can be dangerous. You might have to go back on the pred. and do a slower taper.

Good Luck and hope you feel better.

Posted 4/19/2011 1:47 PM (GMT 0)
Dolphin is right. Sounds like you weaned off way too fast. I would suggest you talk to your doctor about this don't want you have having adrenal problems. I think you need to go back onto the Pred (low dose) and slow your wean down. Good luck!
Posted 4/19/2011 5:10 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks guys. It wasn't what I was hoping to hear, but I have called and left a message with the nurse. I just hope they don't tell me I have to come in because I CAN'T afford it. What exactly happens to your adrenal glands if you taper too fast? Do they never come back?
Posted 4/19/2011 8:11 PM (GMT 0)
The nurse called me back and said the Dr. is out of town for a week, but that she didn't think the headache or the enlarged glands had anything to do with coming off prednisone. So.....

I guess I'll ride it out and see what happens. I'd still love to know what happens to your adrenal glands or thyroid if you taper too fast, if anyone knows.
Posted 4/20/2011 3:17 AM (GMT 0)
I wonder if you had an infection that the prednisone was masking? See if you're feeling better over the next few days, that'll tell you more than anything.
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