Anyone experienced this symptom

[Louie1]

Hi just looking for some advice .I have just had the worst flare up of RA in the 15 years since been diagnosed.apparently it has been caused by tonsillitis.my doctor prescribed prednisolone at 20mg per day for a week (I’ve never had to take steroids before) and it has definitely calmed everything down .my questions are had anyone suffered so severe swelling of the fingertips that fluid blisters appeared on all fingers(thought I might actually lose my fingertips) ? Also is it safe to just stop the steroids after the 7 days .any advice greatly appreciated.

[sylvi]

Please follow your drs advice. He has given them to you for a reason. If you want to stop them discuss it with your dr fisrt. Hugs. xxx

[helixhelix]

Never had that! Sounds horrid….

Steroid tapers are usually for people who have been taking large doses for 3 months or more. If the doc gave you a 7 day supply then that’s what you should take…

[Moomin8]

Definitely agree with comments on here. I've had weekly courses of pred - all absolutely OK. Hope you are feeling better soon 😊

[janmary]

Were you on anti biotics? They can cause skin reactions…

[Louie1 in reply to janmary]

No I wasn’t at the time .the blisters are seemingly because synovial fluid has nowhere to go as fingers so swollen .thanks

[AgedCrone]

ALWAYS. Only take the steroid dosage under the instructions of your doctor.Some people who have been on them long term have arrangements with their doctor to vary the dose…but rule of thumb is take as directed.

If your GP said 7 days that should be the amount he prescribed.

As you have developed these very unusual symptoms you should (if you haven’t already) contact your doctor to ask what you should do ASAP.

Steroids are not to be messed with….I could tell you tales that would make your hair curl about steroid side effects,

Hope your fingers get sorted soon.

[K9910]

I’m sorry to hear of this blister side effect. News to me. I’ve been on really large doses of Prednisolone (80mg) but am now on a lower dose of 7.5mg. Lowering your dose takes a lot of time. You can’t just stop it at one shot. Done only in very slow increments. The consequences include drop in blood pressure, blood sugar, your hormone producing adrenal gland to stop working, joint pain, nausea, etc.