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Help! Feel crazy and embarrassed!

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Crohn's Disease
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Posted 3/4/2016 10:34 PM (GMT 0)
Prednisone is kicking my butt this time around! I just tapered to 35mg after a week on 40mg. I woke up this morning feeling like I got hit by a truck, then it started getting hard to breathe and I have a cough and chest pain, so I went into the ER, they did an EKG and chest X-ray both apparently clear and my O2 was perfect my lungs sound perfect, everything is fine but it still feels hard to breathe and I still have chest pain. I feel like I'm crazy, I don't know if it's because of the prednisone and it's all in my head or what's going on. Has anyone else ever experienced this? I am so embarrassed about going to the ER when I am perfectly fine!
Posted 3/5/2016 12:40 AM (GMT 0)
Could it be a panic attack?
Posted 3/5/2016 12:47 AM (GMT 0)
Could it be an anxiety attack? Prednisone can cause major anxiety, mood swings, etc.
Posted 3/5/2016 2:03 AM (GMT 0)
Highly agree with the previous posters. Prednisone can definitely cause emotional issues. This is very likely anxiety indeed, and Prednisone could very likely be the blame.
Posted 3/5/2016 3:09 AM (GMT 0)
You are probably all right. I posted not long ago about issues with anxiety and prednisone. This felt different than the usual anxiety I experience. As crazy as it sounds I feel like I convinced myself something was wrong when it wasn't, and just any ability of being reasonable. My chest still hurts and I still feel like I'm having a hard time breathing, but knowing nothing is wrong give me the ability to convince myself I'm okay. The mental toll prednisone is taking on me this time is getting to be to much, and I am only a week in! Do any of you know from your experiences if as I taper off and get down to a lower dose it will become more manageable? I feel like I have no control.
Posted 3/5/2016 4:28 AM (GMT 0)
Yes as you taper it should get better. See if your doc will give you a prescription for xanax to help you with sleep or if you have a full blown panic attack. Also, did they take blood tests? The first time I was severely anemia, I thought there was something wrong with my heart because it was racing and that can mimic a panic attack too.
Posted 3/5/2016 7:33 AM (GMT 0)
They didn't do any blood work, they really just covered the basics for going in with chest pain and shortness of breathe, just the EKG and chest X-ray. I did have the routine blood work for imuran done on Monday and they said it looked good, my white cells were slightly elevated but that's to be expected when on prednisone. I have also had pretty constant contact with my GIs office, they know about the severe anxiety but want me to try and power through. Luckily thus far sleep hasn't been much of an issue, I get at least 5 hours a night so I can't complain. (Although I would gladly accept more!) I am trying to find ways to rationalize what's me and what's prednisone. Thank you for the hope, I feel more ready to take on the weeks knowing it will get better as they go on!
Posted 3/6/2016 3:02 AM (GMT 0)
I've had this before years ago when on Pred. A few times actually. The first time it hit I thought I was having a stroke or heart attack or something. Symptoms where shortness of breath and chest pains and I swear my lips felt kind of numb like to a degree. It was weird and scary actually ... Went to the ER and after a bunch of tests with EKG hooked up to me and such this doctor guy comes in and starts asking me what my name is, do I know what day it is, where do I live, am I feeling angry or afraid.... I was like wait, who are you? They called the hospital psychiatrist in on me, haha. So I literally just up and walked out the door on him without answering.

The next time it hit I just powered through it as you say. I recall having some nights where it was hard to fall asleep - or I was afraid to fall asleep because I felt like I would stop breathing or something.

Anyway, once I stop Pred all that fun stuff goes away.

PS - I learned after the second or third time on Pred that putting on meditation music, deep breathing and relaxing worked well as goofy as it sounds. The idea being just to relax and calm yourself to fall asleep or feel more calm.
Posted 3/7/2016 5:12 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you! That is exactaly how I felt! And it still happens on and off! I feel like I have this looming feeling of doom, where I'm constantly scared there is something serious wrong even though there isn't! My mom has been encouraging me to try meditation, I may just have to do that!
Posted 3/7/2016 10:24 PM (GMT 0)
Moship, sorry you are going through this. Steroids can make you really anxious and panicky. You can get mood swings too. I have experienced it with steroids and 6mp. So definitely different meds can mess with your mind and body. There's an all natural homeopathic spray called Bach's Rescue remedy. They also have it in a tincture and other forms. You can buy it at a health food store and I think Walgreens and cvs carries it too. Or you can order it. It's only a couple bucks. This has helped with my anxiety in the past. Obviously if things get really bad, see if your dr will prescribe Xanax or something until things get a little better. 💜
Posted 3/7/2016 10:49 PM (GMT 0)
I get crazy muscle spasms on that high of a dose. They get better as I taper. I can feel them in my back and chest, they shoot up towards my neck and head. It's awful. Maybe that's what your getting? But yes they also can cause anxiety. Not a fun drug for sure.
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