Prednisone

[Crankshaft]

I am coming out of a bad time of suffering from the flu even though I got the jab. Finding it hard to get myself motivated again. The only medication that gives me a taste of normality is 30 mg prednisone. Can one not take this all the time to give one some quality of life?

[sassy59]

You can but are at risk of osteoporosis plus other side effects. Speak to your doctor about gradual reduction. Pete takes 10mg each day. Xxx

[peege]

It takes a while to recover from flu even for normally healthy people. It's very unfortunate you got a version of flu not covered by this years vaccination. Hope you get well soon, in the meantime take it easy, drink plenty of fluids. Personally I drink copious amounts of effervesant Vitamin C 1000mg on occasions like yours just to whack my immune system back in to shape. I only take predict as a last resort, cannot bear it. To take it all the time: weight gain, thinning of bones & skin.

All the best. P

[watergazer]

if you take prednisone all the time it will affect your bones, skin and also there's weight gain and maybe lack of sleep- I'd rather not take it and try to supplement with vitamins such as vitamin B complex, omega 3 and vitamin C with D. Have you tried taking manuka honey? It is expensive, however I do find it is beneficial to me. There are different strengths and a higher one is better if you are feeling really fatigued and poorly.

Take care.

[Hayley_]

It definitely isn’t something you want to be on long term. Especially high doses. Long term use causes more problems than it solves. Try not to let yourself become mentally dependent on it.

[Stumpy55]

Hello Crankshaft, sorry to hear you've not been well and hoping your on the mend. Maybe ask your doctor for an emergency pack as backup to flu and chest infections. Do you suffer from COPD? How is your breathing? ✋️😊

[Crankshaft in reply to Stumpy55]

Thanks Stumpy, I suppose I have not really come to terms with this COPD but am pretty well recovered sort of back to normal. Just haven’t the energy back yet . Really don’t think life’s going to be the same again as we all know that there is no cure for this dreadful disease. Just have to thank God for the odd Good day. Hope you are feeling well yourself and thanks for your post.

[Stumpy55 in reply to Crankshaft]

Hello Crankshaft, yes this illness is dreadful but as time goes by you find your own way forward and learning what feels right for you. For example, when I'm having a bad day with my breathing, I talk to myself saying slowly, slowly whilst I'm getting my breathing back into normal rytham . Sounds silly but I find it works. That's what my husband says, but on occasion when he's not here that's what I do. I've learnt lots being on this forum, and it's good to know your not on your own. Good to talk to you too, please stay Intouch.✋️😊

[Beth1949]

I had been taking 40mg of predisone for years, with little of the side effects (weight gain). I also knew the risks of taking for so long (I take calcium supplements and have my eyes checked regularly). Predisone was the only med that kept me from being completely sick and tired. I have bronchiectasis.

For the past year, my health has improved and under control and I've been able to decrease the daily dosage down to 10mg per day. Due to the decrease of this anti-inflammatory med, I have noticed an increase in joint pain (most likely arthritis, I'm 68). But that's a small price to pay for being able to decrease the predisone.

[Noonadragon in reply to Beth1949]

That's good to know.. I know everyone is different but now I've lost my fear of prednisone

[charlie73]

Hi Crankshaft I’ve been on that medication and I was told only to take it for 3 days, unless directed by your GP or the hospital to take it more as it makes your bones very brittle. I hope this helps! Have a merry Xmas and a happy new year🦋🎄

[RaspinRon in reply to charlie73]

Hi Crankshaft, I’ve had IPF for 7 years and been on prednisone from day one. The dose has been up and down as needed, I’m now on 10mg a day permanently as a maintenance dose. Never had any side effects other than sleep loss. You should have a bone density test at your local hospital and be taking calcium carbonate tablets daily. A regular eye test is recommended. I did request titration off prednisone a year ago but I started to go down hill so went back on 10mg daily.

[timCHP]

Hi. I’ve been taking 15mg Pred for a few years as I have PF and we’re trying to cut it back as the long term side effects are not good. Even if you cope with the weight gain and mood swings, it’s bad for your joints and bones and suppresses healing. So you want to avoid if you can. ... Also, my GP caught flu and he had just finished training for a marathon so he was the fittest he’d ever been. It was 10 weeks before he felt he was recovered, so if you are not in perfect shape it could take months to get back to normal after a proper dose of the flu. Good luck!

[Noonadragon]

I wear a mask everywhere I go. People look at me like I'm crazy but I don't care cause I wanna live. When I get back home I scrub myself down. After you've endured this setback be careful. All those healthy people are dangerous during flu season. Get well quick and live well