Tapering off [Steroid] Prednisolone.

[Winterhill1940]

Good Morning Friends. I am on my second year of the above steroid. I have been trying to taper off to 4mg twice a day. I use an inhaler -twice a day. It doesn't seem to be working. Is this normal? Am I expecting too much? It takes about 2 hours every morning to feel a little better. Any advice or experience would be greatly appreciated. So glad you are here. Winterhill1940

[Caspiana]

Hello Winterhill1940 .

I am assuming your doctor has recommended you taper off Prednisone and is guiding you through this process? It's not a drug you should go off without your doctor's advice. What was your original dose?

Have you told your doctor that the inhaler isn't helpful? Sometimes you have to try a few to find the one that works well.

Best wishes.

Cas 🍀

[Winterhill1940]

Dear Caspiana. I am tapering on my Doctor's advice. Originally, I was on 16mg - 8 twice a day for more than a year. My last doctor's visit, he suggested the 4mg twice a day.[8mg]. Plus the inhaler twice a day. Perhaps I am expecting a faster result. Thank you. Winterhill1940

[Caspiana in reply to Winterhill1940]

Hello Winterhill.

I'm not quite sure what you mean about a faster result. Do you mean about your inhaler? How long have you been on this inhaler? Did you bring it up with your doctor? Sorry I'm not very helpful. I hope you get some answers soon. xx 🌷

[Winterhill1940]

Thank you. I appreciate your answer.

Winterhill 1940

[Hidden]

G'day Winterhill

Prednisolone is one of the main meds given to cover a ramp of heath issues...and over the years both my wife and myself have been on them...the reduction in the dosage is something that can only be implemented by your Dr. My usage was short term on the 3 occasions I had to take the drug so my withdrawal was relatively easy. My wife had IPF and now 1 year post transplant she is still on Prednisolone, and will be taking it for life. The only way the Dr's know when to reduce the amount is by blood tests.

If you have any concerns...ask you Dr and if you are still not satisfied get another opinion.

I wish you well

[Plumbob]

Hi WinterHill - I was on Preds at a similar dose for over 2 years when I initially started to come off them I was struggling so had to revise my reduction by 1mg a week then increased my reduction to 5mg as my body adjusted without discomfort it took me a while and now I just use them as part of an emergency pack.

Good Luck

Plumbob

[rodders1941 in reply to Plumbob]

Plumbob hi , the only Preds steroids lv used have been 5 mg , do they come in

different strengths, if so what are they? as am desperate to come off them. regards Rodders

[Winterhill1940]

Thank you Plumbob, Your message was just what I needed to hear. Indeed, it does take awhile to taper down on the Preds. So, I am figuring out what the body will be happy with. Thanks again, have a good day.

winterhill1940

[hallentine47]

Hi Winterhill1940

I have taken prednisolone for almost 3 years at varying doses. Over the last few months I have worked down from 40 mg a day to 7 and 1/2 mg a day. Consultant says come down 1 mg per month at this stage. I throw in the 1/2 of my own bat!! Steroids have done so much damage to my bones and teeth. and skin. My regular respiratory nurse tells me that even if I get off altogether the damage will not be repaired. Never the less I am determined to get off them until my next infection of course!!! Keep it up.

[Winterhill1940]

Dear Hallentine47. Thank you so much for sharing your life experience. This is exactly what I needed to hear. Yes, the hair, teeth and skin taken a beating. Like yourself, I so want to be rid of the steroids. It will happen. Have a lovely weekend.

winterhill1940

[Winterhill1940]

Yes. get off the steroids. It does tremendous damage to

all parts. I am on 8mg of preds. Researched WEB MED.

Cleveland Clinic,Mayo Clinic and all those in between.

This week I am 8mg every other day. I have to be alert

to any 'COPD" flare ups. But, I am intent on January

2020 will be the month. Courage. Above, don't look at

yourself in the mirror!

Cheers,