predinsolone

[Southall]

is there any harm of 5mg of predinsolone for life

if I continued on bone density check

[PMRpro]

As I said on the other post:

Probably not, many people are. It is below what is called a physiological dose, less than the amount of corticosteroid the body makes daily to be able to function and it is essential to life. It is said to be equivalent to about 7.5mg pred but the exact figure varies. If you are taking less than that your body makes a small amount to top up the dose to what is needed. So it isn't an excess - and it is excess that causes the problems.

As long as you are monitored for the potential side effects there shouldn't be a problem.

[RhondaB in reply to PMRpro]

No. I currently take 5mg a day. However I have taken as much as 80mg a day. Been on it for 9 yrs and was told I would more than likely be on it for the rest of my life, I'm 54. During the years my dosage have been up and gown. I have a very low platelet count, as low as 1.000 and the highest has been 103,000, which is good for me. And was told the normal range starts at 350,000.

[Southall in reply to RhondaB]

Thanks

Have experienced any side effects??

[Southall in reply to PMRpro]

Thanks

This is a great relief

[Sara_A]

I have been on 5 mgs for about 9 yrs non stop and go up to 15-20 mgs with a flare. So I don't think it's a problem. It's a very low maintenance dose and if it keeps ur disease under control.

[leslieliesel]

I have tapered down to 5 mg...I have to stop taking and be 2 weeks out before I can have surgery...why is that I wonder?? Have any of you had surgery while taking prednisone??

[PMRpro in reply to leslieliesel]

I know quite a few people who have had surgery while still on pred, as much as 10mg a day. Some people CAN'T stop taking it and must have the surgery - so no arguments.

It depends a bit on your condition and the surgeon. One lady was told she couldn't have a hip replacement on 10mg, a different surgeon was perfectly happy about it. Her op went like a dream, she was well enough to mobilise post-op which she wouldn't have been without the pred and she subsequently got off it altogether.

[leslieliesel]

Thank You..it really does make sense that one would be able to have surgery while on low dose 5mg of prednisone...Yet, I will still taper off and hopefully I'll be fine...nice to know it a life and death matter thought!!! xx

[KatieRL]

I've been on 6mg pred for the last 15yrs without any problem and will hopefully stay on this dose provided my SLE/kidney disease remains stable. I also take a Vit D supplement (prescribed by my doctors) which helps bone density.

One very important thing - you should definitely get your eyes checked by an Optician twice a year. Long term steroids can cause eye problems, however if you get them checked regularly, you can avoid it. Keep well xx

[misty14]

Hi south all

5 mg of prednisolone for life should be ok if as others have said your regularly checked for side effects like your bones!. A lot of Rheumy's want us down to that dose as it's currently regarded as the safe daily dose. It's one which I've never been on and trying to aspire to it at the moment!. Got to 7 mg and had a flare!. Hope that's helpful. X