Has Prednisone ruined my Immune System?

Last month I caught the flu, developed swelling around my joints to the point of being bedridden for more than a week, developed some sort of major penis swelling that three doctors couldn't explain and I have persisting fluid in both ears.

I just returned from overseas where I had a cosmetic procedure done, and the recovery has been horrific to say the least. I contracted a urinary tract infection, developed a ruptured external hemmorhoid, lower back pain and am also suffering from non-descript penis symptoms such as heaviness and discomfort.

My surgeon suggested that Predisone could be the cause of my weakened immune system. I never take/need more than 15mgs and this might be tapered over the course of a week, once every two months. Should this really be having such a dramatic effect on my body? This is so frustrating because I'm 20 years old, I walk daily, I eat reasonably well, I'm not overweight, I don't drink, I don't smoke and yet I get these infections all the time. My colitis is not active at the moment either.

Is anyone else in the same boat? Any suggestions? Should I work on NEVER taking prednisone? I don't take Colazal and haven't for more than a year now.

Post Edited (jc_ferrero) : 12/23/2011 10:09:45 PM (GMT-7)

     I agree with despi.  Try to stay off prednisone if possible.  I suffered with UP (ulcerative proctitis) for twelve years and for the last two years, before my operation, I was prednisone dependent.  It really ruined my overall health.  I had uncontrolled high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes and mood swings.   Other side effects were moon face and insomnia.  After my operation, I was able to wean off it within a month or so and hopefully will NEVER have to take it again.  I shouldn't have to because I have no colon or rectum .  I will forever have osteoporosis thanks to the dreaded prednisone though.  So, just a warning...my GI doctor referred to it as the best/worse drug.

     Oh...I no longer have type 2 diabetes and my blood pressure is very well controlled with only  one 25 mgm pill of toprol xl per day.  I was on three different blood pressure meds and they couldn't get it under 200/98 while on prednisone.