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Prednisone side effects

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Posted 10/24/2014 2:49 AM (GMT 0)
Hi everyone. I am new to this forum and would like to ask a question regarding prednisone side effects. I was recently hospitalized due to lupus flare up. I was swollen throughout my body including water around the lungs and heart. I was put on a regimen of 60 mg/prednisone along with 40 mg/furosemide to reduce the swelling after 2 days in the hospital. All tests on the fluids and lab work showed nothing so the conclusion was lupus flare up. I was released after 5 days. I stayed on these amounts for 1 week and 2 days. Then dr changed my furosemide to HCTZ 37.5 mg and the prednisone to 40 mg. I am now in the process of tapering down. Tomorrow I start on 30 mg prednisone and same for the HCTZ. I see my rheumatologist on Tuesday and hopefully he will take me off prednisone along with the HCTZ. So question is, does anyone have my side effects? They are, tingling of bottom of feet, tingling of fingers, feeling a little disoriented, difficulty walking, evening fevers, weakness, muscle weakness and lower abdominal cramps in the morning? The abdominal cramps are the worst in the morning when I'm starting my day. I have to sit down in order for the pain to go away. Today, my cramps lasted most of the day and just felt weak all over along with very sleepy and tired. If someone knows something or experiencing these conditions I would appreciate a little bit of advice on what you did to stop these. How long do these conditions last after you're taken off also?
Thank you for all your thoughts on this matter.
Posted 10/24/2014 3:06 AM (GMT 0)
Treatment of lupus is long term, usually in years. Same for using HCTZ. Both have side effects, particularly prednisone and most docs will put their patient on some other drug that is better tolerated long term and slowly, slowly taper pred.

I was on pred for 6 years and also Imuran. Been off both for more than 3 years but lupus is acting up again and I might have to start them again...hope not. I take HCTZ and lisinopril for my kidneys but will be on those forever.

Bill
Posted 10/24/2014 3:14 AM (GMT 0)
Thank you Bill. I've had lupus since 1980. I've been in remission since 1985. I've had no problems whatsoever until now. Prior to this I was taking low dose of prednisone in low dose for about 10 years. I was tapered but don't remember ever having these kinds of side effects. I guess age defies everything. But I feel confident I will be back in remission soon. I just need to get off these pills!
Posted 10/24/2014 1:30 PM (GMT 0)
Prednisone can have terrible side effects for some people. The worst I had was hypertension. Not a drug you want to be on any longer than you have to. Hope you get things under control. Discouraging to be in remission all the years and then flare. I went through something similar this summer after 8 years in remission.

Bill
Posted 10/24/2014 6:17 PM (GMT 0)
the only symptom I had with prednisone was abdominal pain.

I'm wondering if the other symptoms is more organ involvement from your lupus.
IV been having tingling in hands and feet also tripping/dropping things. As well as memory loss and headaches and my rheumy is wondering if my nerves and brain are starting to be involved.
Maybe if you don't see a change when he takes you off the prednisone, its worth mentioning,
Or maybe even mention your symptoms to him anyway I'm sure he would jump onto the thought process of more organ involvement if your symptoms match.
I wish you all the best, I know how horrible pericarditis and nerve involvement is I hope they get you on a medicine that works!
Gentle hugs,
Leesha
Posted 10/25/2014 5:12 AM (GMT 0)
Hello. I am new here too. And newly diagnosed with Lupus and the doctor is still sending me for MRI's to R/O MS. I sure hope I don't have a double whammy! She wanted 3 MRI's. The mid back, the neck, and the head. She ordered open MRI. Oh my gosh! I couldn't do it. I am very claustrophobic and she tried to put some Freddie kruger looking mask on me. So far I was able to do the neck. I am going to take Xanax and go back and see if I can do it. Anyway, I digress! I have almost ALL your symptoms maggy2win. Especially the tingling. I have a horrible tingling and itch on my back. My left leg and foot feels asleep all the time (sometimes worse than others), feeling a little disoriented, weakness, My joints are swollen especially my right thumb which they want to give me a steroid shot in it...oh but those are just my regular symptoms, Now I get it, you were asking about medicine side effects. SEE, my brain is very slow and half the time I am confised...lol. I am sorry you have those side effects, especially the tummy troubles...I wouldn't like that at all. I sure hopr your doctor stops you medicine and you feel better soon!
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