Prednisone!

[lizzy16]

I'm down to 15mg a day so only 3 weeks of pred to go. The night sweats are still rampant, I hate them!! and my energy levels are down this week (although this may be the anemia).. now all of a sudden my teeth are very sensitive to cold foods, I was reading on another thread that this can also be the pred! Now my delicious banana smoothie will have to sit for a couple of minutes! Sigh.

Had more time off work due to exhaustion and I have to have a meeting with HR next week to discuss reducing my hours and workload until I'm feeling better. At least work are being as understanding and accommodating as they can, especially since I've only been with the company since August (I have been totally upfront with them every step of the way which is helping me). I was starting to feel guilty about not coping (I feel like I'm "pulling a sickie" even though I'm so tired) but have kicked those ideas - I'm not coping, that's ok to admit and I will reduce my load until I can cope. :yfaint:

The D has calmed down but I'm still having some painful movements, the frequency and urgency has slowed as well and I have more good days than bad days. Really hoping the Asacol will kick in by the time I'm off the pred and I can keep improving. Going on a mini break to Cornwall next week to visit friends, hopefully I can chill out, relax a bit and eat some good fish and seafood (my favourite safe foods).

 

[goldenholds]

Currently on an 8 week taper, starting at 40mgs. Will be down to 30mgs tomorrow. I have found it makes me more hyper and turned me into a chatterbox. I am usually quiet, so thats not such a bad thing. It cured my night sweats, cleared up my acne that was all over my upper body and very swollen and painful, cleared up my mouth ulcers, is reducing the bleeding and D, and helping somewhat with the freq and urgency. I have tons more energy than before taking it and most of all it has cured my joint problems that nearly had me immobile. Overall its been very positive for me.

The only problem is the side affects, so I want to get off this as soon as possible and stay of it. It has made my face fatter, but as I have lost 40 lbs so far this year, to most people I just look like I always did. The side affects I worry about the most is diabetes and high blood pressure as they are already running in my family. I don't need any more hep getting those.

Best of luck everyone.

 

[SarahAnne]

Down to 10mg today!

:mario2:

 

[JudithC]

Good luck SarahAnne

 

[Paul Cronk]

Hi Everyone,

My Crohn's is in control and I have been in remission from gut problems 2 months after a short course of Prednisone. My related joint pain problem went away too but comes back gradually. Anyway, my GP, Rheumatologist, Gastro man and indeed my Pharmacist (who is a personal friend) all seem to agree that a short course of Prednisone (say 40mg 4 days and then 20 mg 2 days), even as much as once a month (and I envisage more like every two months) would not cause any significant side effects. I had no problems with the last course.

Would anybody disagree or want to warn me off?

Thanks people.

 

[Angrybird]

Hi Paul, my first couple of times on the pred was short and sweet and helped me gain the massive amount weight I had lost and I got my energy back. The last cople of times I was on it 12months and 18 months+ respectivly and gained even more weight, spots etc. My main concern is the potential long term affect on bone density and gaining all the weight, therefore I now stay away from it and even when my last colonscopy showed a stricture and inflammafion I refused steroids. Personally I think if you have a good record of short bouts that you can wean off quickly there isn't a major issue, however if you struggle with this I would stay away.

SarahAnne - congrats on getting down to 10mg!

 

[SarahAnne]

I have thinning of the abdominal wall, which makes me more prone to developing hernias. My surgeon said it is from being on prednisone. I also have some bone density loss. I will be very hesitant to go back on it when I finally taper off. These are side effects that are permanent, and I'm not even 35 yet. Scary.