Steroids with CLL

[sheria]

Doctor has prescribed prednisolone with antibiotics for respiratory infection. Had 6 this year so far. Still on W&W. Is it safe to take. Don't have appointment with consultant till end of October.

Thank you

[Justasheet1]

Prednisone always works great for me even on therapy. It’s risky if the antibiotic is levaquin though but I’m sure the Doc knows that.

Jeff

[WalkTheLine]

Are you getting IvIg treatment? If not I strongly suggest you ask if you should be.

[Hidden]

Sounds like you’ve had a rough year. I had prednisolone and antibiotics when I had pneumonia late last year, and heam/onc was totally fine with it. He actually said in some circumstances steroids are considered a treatment for CLL so you’ll see your lymphocyte count decrease and sure enough they went back to normal for me (for a few months at least). I’m sure there are some concerns about steroids in terms of weakening the immune response etc. but I can’t speak to that-I had a very straightforward experience with them (with the antibiotics they cleared the pneumonia right up). Hope you feel better soon.

[Mick491]

Hi, this is a common treatment and I have had it several times for respiratory infections. Thankfully successful each time. Improved very quickly each time. Good luck.

Mick

[Shedman]

Hi Sheria

When did you last have your CLL blood work done?

What are your blood counts? - what is the trend?

Do you have 6 monthly haematology CLL consults? - do you have a CLL specialist? What do they say about your immune status?

I’m having immunoglobulins measured in my next blood tests prior to consult.

Your profile gives little away - for instance, some indication of age helps those that might give relevant advice here.

Are their risks in your home or workplace to respiratory health?

- at home I worry that there is some damp, some maintenance issues, and I avoid the cleaning chemicals at a workplace so much as I can.. then there is asthma - when my asthma control goes wrong, is exactly when most of my breathing complications arise, thus steroids in Feb this year.. so, do you have asthma, if so, has your medication/breathing been reviewed by an asthma specialist in the last year?