Long term effects of stopping medrol prednisolone

[AnonLupi]

HelloI was one Medrol for well over 8 years a d with help from my rheumatologist I have now stopped it (after taking 1.5 years to taper off.) I took my last dose around Christmas. Since then my belly is bigger, I've had a lot of diarrhea and vomiting. I have also cut down significantly from fairly heavy drinking. Yesterday I was,out and couldn't stop vomiting, today I actually pooed myself and I feel embarrassed and upset. Anyone have advice or similar experiences? I haven't told my rheumatologist because I'm desperate not to start medrol again.

[AnonLupi]

methylprednisolone*

[PMRpro]

Wile in the final stages of tapering, was your adrenal function checked by at least a basal cortisol level being done (cortisol assayed on a morning blood sample taken between 8am and midday) and preferably a synacthen test? What you are describing could be due to adrenal insufficiency and if it continues to worsen, you could experience an adrenal crisis,

While you take any corticosteroid, your adrenal glands do not produce any or as much cortisol because the presence of corticosteroid in the blood suppresses the signalling. As you taper the dose, the production of cortisol must increase or you become ill. But that can take a great deal longer than most doctors appreciate and in some cases doesn't happen at all. It must be checked.

[AnonLupi in reply to PMRpro]

Thank you so much x

[AnonLupi in reply to PMRpro]

My rheumatologist sent me to a stomach doctor but nothing was found wrong. I have emailed and asked for test. I really appreciate that