Steroid tapering

[kujude]

Has anyone managed to taper steroids succesfully ? Been steroid dependant since last dec now down to one again! All symptoms back sob wheezing mucous is anyone on maintenance dose of prednisolone .thanx in anticipation .

[RichardAT]

Hiya, I was on very large doses of prednisolone for a period of several years and whenever I have them, it is always a reducing course until I reach my maintenance dose of 10mg daily. If I go below that amount problems start with my breathing. Take care, Richard.

[Hidden]

I successfully tapered off steroids at the new year after almost 2 years on them. I feel fine now although I felt pretty rubbishy for the first month off them but my body seems to have now adjusted. Tapering off took about 6 months for me. it was a very slow process and each time I reduced I did feel knocked back a little for a couple of days. It is unfortunate though that very often only a maintenace dose of steroids will do for some people - it may be that you are one of these people.

The only thing I can suggest is having a word with your GP/Consultant to see if its worth just coming off them and then trying to persevere for a few days without them to see if your body rights itself. As I said I struggled in my first couple of weeks off them and that was after reducing by 1mg every fortnight for 3 months.

Marie x

[kujude]

Thanx richard yes i' m ok on 10mg think i'll have to stay on that dose was hoping to manage without .jude.

[kujude]

Thanx marie not tapered below 5'mg one day 0 alternate days will ask about that on app thurs .jude .

[Hidden in reply to kujude]

I am not an expert by anymeans but I think that sounds like too big a jump. I went down 1mg a time every 2 weeks. Definitely speak to your doc.

marie x

[Earbud]

I am tapering off steroids at the moment. Had a couple of courses of 40 mg for 10 days and then when I came off them all the symptoms came back. Went back to doctor and he told me to take 30 mg for 7 days, 25 mg for 7 days until I got to 5 mg for 7 days and hopefully that will be the end. When I went down to 25 mg on Thursday I was fine but friday to sunday I have been pretty wobbly with weak muscles, feeling dizzy and double vision. Today I seem a bit better so will see what happens. A little shaky but hope I don't get the muscle weakness today. Cannot walk very far and muscles seem to cramp up. Everyone reacts in different ways so good luck to all those tapering.

[Hidden in reply to Earbud]

As I said - I always suffered a little bit for a couple of days when tapering. its like your body has to adjust a little to reducing meds. Good luck too - it often seems like its never going to get to 0!

Marie x

[joebloggs52 in reply to Earbud]

Hi same here so took Magnesium tablets now no cramps

[sassy59]

Pete takes two pred per day now and only raises that dose when he has a chest infection. He then has to taper off back to two gradually. I do not think he can ever be on zero steroids but who knows? Maybe one day. Good luck to you and hope all goes well. xxxx