Hi Penny

[Whist]

I was on pred for 3 years for p m a.I reduced very slowly but it was extremely difficult once I hit 5mgms I then reduced by half a mgm every 2 months.At each reduction I experienced break through pain .When I finally stopped I was in severe pain but I persevered with the help of pain killers heat bags It wasn't easy but I was determined After a while the pain went 18 months ago.

I have been left a borderline diabetic from the pred and also struggling between depression and low mood swings.

I am hoping as time goes by these mood swings will improve also panic attacks.

I questioned the pharmacist about these a nd she reluctantly admitted that it could cause depression in a few cases.

Whilst I was on it I was euphoric I sailed through lockdown.

Good luck with whatever you choose to do.

With very best wishes

Jean

[springcross]

Hi Whist. Did you intend to post here on the NRAS forum as I see you are a member of the Women's Health forum? It's absolutely fine if you did mean to post here but I thought I would mention it just in case.

[Whist in reply to springcross]

Not sure was replying to Penny.

[springcross in reply to Whist]

Ah, I see what's happened. It was 14 Penny who posted about Prednisolone Dosage yesterday. If you go to the actual post and click on reply, you can type your reply in the box then click on reply and Penny will get it.

[shouty]

I so identify with coming off steroids. It's really tough I'm on 5mg every other day having been on them over 2yrs & anxiety & mood swings are hard to deal with

[pippin_fort]

I am having a nightmare coming off Prednisolone. I too have been on it fairly constantly for over 3 years due to both RA and severe asthma triggered by Covid. The asthma dose is far higher than the RA dose generally and every time I have weened down I have got another chest infection/pneumonia/RA issue. I now suffer from adrenal insufficiency, not yet formally diagnosed as Addisons disease. I have been switched to hydrocortisone but things are not going very well to say the least! I am in so much pain and am waiting to see both Rheumy and endocrinologist. Respiratory consultant does not want me to take any more prednisolone and says I must now go to A&E if I think I need a nebuliser or need to use ventolin too much. Just hopeless! I call pred. The devils tic tacs!

[Whist in reply to pippin_fort]

I am so sorry that you are in so much pain it is very debilitating and depressing to be in constant pain.I came off it very slowly half a mgm a month sometimes every 2 months.Prednisone is a cheap drug but the side effects can be horrendous .Good luck

Best wishes for the future