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[primrose123]

Has anyone ever been put on an 8 week course of oral steroids, tapering them down each week for asthma inflammation, due to regular flair ups? & also would taking vitamin D 2000iu be beneficial whilst taking them? Would there be lots of side effects & weight gain taking this amount of steroid, & would it make a difference when course finished? If anyone has any advice regarding this amount of steroid, it will be greatly received..Thank you...

[Poobah]

The oral steroid treatment would be up to your doctor. I haven't been on such a long course but do prefer a longer course than 5 days and a lower dose than 40mg, just because it suits me. The benefits wear off about 2 weeks after I finish. Definitely take VitD3 2000iu, but throughout the winter, until you can get some daily exposure to summer sun. I take it all year round and am only just in the adequate range. I don't get enough summer sun as I have very fair skin and tend to use sunblock.

I believe anyone considered clinically extremely vulnerable will be prescribed VitD3 from the new year, but at 800iu. I've taken it for 8 years at 2000iu. I had my vitD levels checked privately just recently as I wanted to know if my dose was working. I'm now taking 3000iu plus boron to aid absorption. VitKmk7 is also a good cofactor to vitD3. And there may also be a benefit as an asthmatic, as research suggests that good VitD3 levels has a dampening effect on asthma flare ups.nhs.uk/news/heart-and-lungs...

[primrose123 in reply to Poobah]

Thank you so much Poobah for responding to me,I too have been on regular courses of 40mg prednisolone for 5 days & like yourself after a few weeks my symptoms return, that is the reason my doctor has prescribed this much longer course, but I have to taper down each week until the course has finished, thank you too for your sound advice on Vitamin D Poobah, I have now started taking them now too..I wish you much happiness & good health for the future Poobah.. Take care,& stay safe...x

[mylungshateme]

Hey, yes I had exact same regime about 18 months ago my best advice re steroids is take in morn as early as poss so not to affect sleep too much.

Absolutely take vitamin d strengthens you against covid too I've been taking it since April. 🙂

[primrose123 in reply to mylungshateme]

Many thanks for your kind reply mylungshateme,I was quite apprehensive about taking such a large amount of steroids as when I am on a 5 day of 40mg (8 per day) my ankles swell quite badly, did your ankles swell mylungshateme?I have now also started on the Vitamin D tablets too, so thank you for your advice on that too.. I hope all goes well for you in 2021 & you keep good health mylungshateme.. Take care, & stay safe...x

[mylungshateme in reply to primrose123]

Hi primrose123, I've been on prednisolone for a year now so the whole of me swelled up 🤣😂 and lots of different side effects! But when I was on them for 8 + 12 weeks not too bad obviously the longer your on them the more side affects for some people.

I would do a little diary maybe so can try pin point if steroids or not for next time.

Just make the most of more energy try an do gentle exercise like yoga or meditation to help you sleep at night. But even when you can't sleep at least you have an end in sight 🙂. Just be kind to yourself, if your struggling on them in any way, shape or form contact your gp straight away. Good luck lovely.

[primrose123 in reply to mylungshateme]

Thank you so much mylungshateme fir your kind & comforting word's, you have made me feel so much better. I hope all goes well for you & that 2021 is a Good & Healthy year for you...x

[Karate109]

Hi, I took 40mg of oral steroids for 12 weeks a couple of years ago and had headaches for a few weeks but it felt great to be able to breath easily and have so much energy that I put up with headaches. I remember having a terrible hunger all the time and did put some weight on which I lost after I finished tablets. Unfortunately after a couple of weeks of finishing tablets my asthma was back to being uncontrolled. My usual peak flow is between 120 to 140. Even when I was on steroids it never got above 200. But it felt good to have energy and no coughing for several weeks whilst on tablets. Have never taken vitamin D. Good luck and hope the oral steroids give you some relief and energy.

[primrose123 in reply to Karate109]

Thank you Karate109 for your kind reply,I am sorry that you suffered headaches when you were on long term steroids, my problem even on short 5 day courses is my ankles swell up very badly, but hopefully as I have to taper the steroid intake down each week, it may help a little, I think Karate109 like myself you should go on the Vitamin D tablets as there are some glowing reports regarding this Vitamin.. Hope 2021 is a good year for you & I wish you good health & much happiness for the future..x

[Karate109]

Will give the vitamin d tablets a chance. Wishing you good health and happiness in 2021 and hope you have a lovely healthy Christmas x

[primrose123 in reply to Karate109]

Thank you, Karate109, Wishing you a Very Happy Christmas too..x