Why no more steroids after 9 years?

[jeannec01]

My dr. put me on oral steroids back in 2009 and NOW I have been told that my lungs are clear! How can that be? I was told I had COPD and that I needed these inhalers to be able to breathe properly. What could have happened in 9 years for this to no longer be the case?

[corriena]

Not that strange lot of people are on both but the Dr's dont like to prescribe long term oral steroids un less they real have to anymore but common untill recently (in the uk)

[lKeith]

jeannee01

Hi, if your results indicate that you have clear lungs you should be pleased. To make sure tho' you could seek a 2nd opinion either from within the NHS or an outside private clinic.

IKeith

[Hidden]

Don’t stop all at once! It needs tapering very carefully. Go to your GP asap.

Good luck and take care x

[jeannec01 in reply to Hidden]

Thanks for that info. I will definitely check first with my dr. before completely eliminating them.

[Hidden in reply to jeannec01]

Don’t want to alarm you but as you may know it is a very slow process and you have to be guided through.

You also need to be checked for adrenal glands insufficiency. Because your natural cortisol is replaced by steroids intake, your adrenal glands stop producing it.

I went through all this so I am just talking from experience. I actually have adrenal glands insufficiency and have been put on a daily biological dose of prednisone.

So take good care of yourself x

Fran

[jeannec01]

Over here in the States, we refer to "oral" steroids and inhalers interchangeably. Since I posted the comment, I have seen my dr. and he has given me a better one which I am using. My bronchial tubes narrow upon exertion and that is why I experience shortness of breath. That is what I was told. But my lungs remain clear.

[jeannec01]

Would you please elaborate on your comment that "clear lungs" doesn't necessarily mean that COPD is cured? I am just now learning some of these fine details about the lungs and would like to know more of what you meant.