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starting prednisone tomorrow

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Posted 10/22/2007 2:12 PM (GMT -7)
Just wondering if anyone could give me any information about what to expect when going on steroids (prednisone). Tomorrow i will start taking 20 mg twice a day. I have heard about all the bad side effects and am really nervous to start. please give me any advice to reduce symptoms and keep my spirits high. Thanks so much!!!
Posted 10/22/2007 3:44 PM (GMT -7)
Ive been on it for about 3 weeks with no complaints. So far so good here on Prednisone!
Posted 10/22/2007 4:37 PM (GMT -7)
I've been on and off it the past 1.5 years.  On 20mg now.  Increased appetite, a bit of insomnia, that's about it here.  Never even any big weight gain from it.  Nothing but good.

Posted 10/22/2007 4:41 PM (GMT -7)
Pred. really helped get me out of two flares. Side effects wise I had insomnia, head in the clouds feeling and I actually had weight loss. Let us know how you are doing!
Posted 10/22/2007 5:11 PM (GMT -7)
I'm glad to hear the positive feedback from you folks too. I know its easy to get caught up on the POSSIBLE side effects. Just because there are side effects doesn't mean we'll get them although they are possible. I was at 40mg for a week, then 30mg for a week, then 40 for 4 days and starting tomorrow I'm tapering to 35 / day. Then my doc wants an update Friday which I think he'll take me to 30 again. Anyway, pred and asacol is treating me good so far imo.
Posted 10/22/2007 7:11 PM (GMT -7)
Hi mxb203! I was very, very worried about going on prednisone, too. I started on 40 for two weeks and have decreased by 5 mg. per week and will be on 15 this Wednesday! Looking back, the prednisone "knocked" my flare out within a few days and although I have had an increase in the munchies and sometimes rather 'hyper' energy, I'm glad I took it and would probably take it again, if needed. I did have hot flashes vs. night sweats and even though the doctor didn't think I needed more calcium, I have been taking the Viactiv chews (winn-dixie brand) just in case. Keep us posted!
Posted 10/23/2007 8:05 AM (GMT -7)
I started at 60 mg a day and for me muscle pain in my calves, crying (probably b/c I was in the worst flare of my life) and hot flashes.  now that I am tapering 60mg one day 40 the next etc.  mostly it's just the muscle pain and hot flashes, which are not too terrible.  I just got my appetite back so I hope I don't gain weight, haven't yet and has been 1.5 mos, though I was really sick.

Posted 10/23/2007 11:43 AM (GMT -7)
Doses that start at 40 mg and taper quickly probably won't cause any obvious side effects. I actually felt great starting at 40 and tapering 5 mg each week. The flare I was having stopped immediately and I felt energized. Check out the book Coping With Prednisone to learn more:

http://www.amazon.com/Coping-Prednisone-Other-Cortisone-Related-Medicines/dp/0312195702/ref=pd_bbs_2/105-1230798-0579644?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1193164911&sr=8-2
Posted 10/23/2007 12:08 PM (GMT -7)
Mxb203,

I have been on and off, mostly on Pred for the past 3 years, the side effects for me were insomnia, mood swings and being hyperactive but for me, they got my flares under control so I believe it was worth it, make sure you take a calcium supplement and last but not least welcome to HealingWell, take care.

Dave
Posted 10/23/2007 5:58 PM (GMT -7)
pred is great and awful. great because usually knocks a flare on its a**, but awful because of side effects. here are my thoughts:
* a responsible GI uses pred as little as possible.
*don't rush the taper b/c that is penny wise but pound foolish
*side effects: after a few weeks I srtarted having insomnia (AI had to take ambien to get past it), couldn't ever sit still, and some aches. that was about it while on it at high doses. then, when tapering, some acne and gained about 5 pounds.
*REMEMBER: as long as you aren't on it way too long, the side effects will pass. they are depressing at the time, but they do pass.
good luck. be kind to yuorself. don't freak out. it is a super useful drug (when not used often)
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