prednisone ween

[dersert1030]

when do you feel better after prednisone stopage

[Chelle0801]

You may not. Prednisone covers a lot of discomfort by suppressing your disease. It’s a great quick fix. The problem is that, for long term use, it’s terrible with side effects that can be far reaching. If you have managed to wean yourself off, congratulations! You’ve done your body a huge service.

I was on prednisone for almost three years, starting at 80mg initially (per day) down to 60mg then 40mg and finally at 20mg for a little over two years. Aside from all the weight I had gained, it wasn’t having the same impact it once did and I was concerned about my use leading to osteoporosis. I spoke with my doctor and he said he would support my weaning off it or staying on it. My labs were all exceeding the range of testing and I had to be able to work to support myself. Prednisone helped me get through a long, rough spell.

Ultimately, I weaned off it and felt like crap pretty much daily, for almost two years, with bad days and really bad days. Today, I’ve been prednisone free for three years. I’ve lost 31LB of the 54LB I’d gained and after several months in physical therapy, I’m back in a gym.

I have good days and I have bad days. I take meds daily, plaquenil twice a day and enbrel weekly, but I will never take prednisone again if I can help it. If I get as bad as I was five years ago, you can bet I would start taking it again.

[Gloria814 in reply to Chelle0801]

excellent comment and so true. I hope you never have to go back on this powerful drug with devastating side effects. However sometimes it is necessary but best for short term use if possible

[dersert1030 in reply to Gloria814]

Thanks,down to 3mg. and its been hell,not going up now.........

[Chelle0801 in reply to Gloria814]

Without Prednisone, I could not have continued working. It’s not an addictive drug by any means, but I depended on it to function. I am thankful it helped, but I’m more thankful I’m off it.

[dersert1030 in reply to Chelle0801]

been down to 5mg. the last year,not as good as 8mg. but got down to 4mg. started to feel it. down to 3mg. a couple of weeks ago ,and hurt bad,but i will fight it out....been on it 4 years-no more................

[Chelle0801 in reply to dersert1030]

You can do it! I wish you well!

[Gloria814 in reply to dersert1030]

best wishes, I have heard from so many how difficult it is for those final decreases in dosage.