Off steroids

[Karenblue]

Iv bin off steroids for 3 weeks now feel weakness tied etc wot I do go back on them or not

[sassy59]

Hi Karenblue, please contact your doctor and take advice. Explain exactly how you feel.

Hope you get the help you need. Xxxx

[Hidden]

I don’t know how long you’d been on them Karen but it’s possible your adrenal glands have become used to synthetic steroids & stopped producing enough natural cortisol. This is called “adrenal insufficiency”. The first symptoms are extreme tiredness, muscle weakness & loss of appetite. Please therefore contact your gp TODAY. It’s easily treated but potentially very dangerous if allowed to continue.

[Karenblue in reply to Hidden]

Iv bin on them since November tapered off n on since but this is the longest iv bin of them dr said it’s up to me what to do I feel like I’m not alive just don’t no what to do take them or not iv copd

[Hidden in reply to Karenblue]

Karen, I’m taking the risk of worrying you but would rather you knew that this is potentially very serious.

You’ve been on steroids long term so before stopping them you should’ve been referred for a special blood test called a Synacthen test. This shows whether your adrenal glands are producing enough cortisol for your body to function. I’m not medically qualified but I do have adrenal insufficiency & think you should play safe & carry on with the prednisone. A low dose of 5mg is enough to cover what your body should be producing but an endocrinologist might suggest more.

I’m amazed your gp is ignoring this. Adrenal insufficiency, left untreated, can reach a point where you lose consciousness. It’s called an “Addisonian crisis” & is recognised as a medical emergency. Do you live alone? Don’t risk this happening, re-start the prednisone until you can explain to your gp exactly how bad you feel. I remember being too weak to stand or lift a cup of tea, & within another few hours I couldn’t even speak & was losing consciousness. The trouble is, it happens slowly at first, it affects the brain so you can’t think straight & don’t realise the danger you’re in. My husband called 999 and the paramedics gave me life-saving treatment on the spot. If I’d been alone, I wouldn’t be here today.

[Karenblue in reply to Hidden]

Omg that must of bin scary no dr did not say abt blood test maybe il ask her I feel a bit stronger today tho x