everybody's fav topic - prednisone

I have been put on steroids for the first time (started on IV steroids 3 weeks ago, 2 weeks on 40mg, now tapered to 30 mg).

My doc said it would be a 10 week course of steroids. But does he actually have any idea? Is this all one big sad experiment? It seems like in the real world, people go on steroids and just stay on for months and months until their body finally randomly let's them off the hook. Has anyone actually gotten down from 40 mg in 10 weeks?

To tell you the truth, the side effects haven't been so bad so far. I think maybe my face is kind of puffy, I have insomnia and I'm definitely kind of moody, but I also have a lot of energy and feel generally well. I have actually even lost a little weight due to the fact that I'm still recovering and not eating my normal diet and eating less. But I am terrified that any day now the effects will just hit me and I'll blow up like a balloon and get acne and hair all over my face. Likely? I am also worried about osteoporosis as I heard that can happen after only a few weeks. At what dose/ timing did side effects kick in? Is there ANYONE out there who DIDN'T get fat/ moon face?

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32 y/o female
Dx proctitis December 2009
8 months of symptoms but long remission with Canasa
Major flare up July 2012, 6 days in hospital
Flex sig showed pancolitis
Started steroids, asacol

I never gained any weight while on prednisone or had the moon face. The only time I got a bit "puffy" was when I was in the hospital on IV steroids. I did have the other side effects: insomnia, hair loss, moodines. Osteoporosis is definately a legitimate concern. I would have periodic bone scans done to check. My house was never so clean as to when I was on prednisone. I was a bundle of energy. That was the ONLY upside to prednisone! It's just not good to be on long term and you should not be on them for months and months.

My son has been on 2 courses of Prednisone and both times we did quick tapers. He never gained weight and didn't develop the moon face. He was actually hoping he would gain some weight, but that just didn't happen. Doctor now wants him to start Entocort, but I don't think so. Steroids have never proven to be beneficial for my son, so I don't see the point in risking the side effects if it isn't going to help him.

Just wanted to put this on the top, in case eccentric lost it.

Ive never taken it more than a month. I always do quick tapers and keep doing enemas a little longer if needed. I usually go from 40 to 0 in 2 1/2 weeks. Took it a month on a severe flare. Then stayed on rectal meds for a few more months before going to strictly maintenance meds. Id rather have withdrawal symptoms for a few days than long term side effects.... but you gotta do whats best for you