Steroids for Chronic pain

[Ohtobepainfree]

Wondered how many others were given steroids for pain relief, also which strength?

Was given some when had a chest infection, they really eased the pain

[Kate23]

Hi I have RA and was given Prednisalone when I had a flare...really really helped a lot..I took them for six weeks starting with 6 X 5 mg tablets for two weeks, then 5 tabs for 2 weeks, then 4. Till it tapered to zero...I was given a bone density tablet while I was on them (1 per week).?...Ps I didn't put any weight on during the 6 weeks I was on them.

[Ohtobepainfree in reply to Kate23]

Thank you Kate, really helpful information. Prednisalone 5mgs have been recommended for me to consider trying.

[Kate23 in reply to Ohtobepainfree]

You are so welcome, I read up on it before agreeing to it, I was afraid of it I have to say, but I had no negative side effects. So for me it was a positive experience and will take again when necessary... I know of two people who have been on them for a couple of years on a 5 mg per day dose. The relief from overwhelming pain happened within a few days of taking them. Good luck x

[heatherevans28]

Hi,

This would really depend on the cause of your pain. Steroids are used to fight inflammatory diseases such as chest infections (short term), rheumatoid arthritis, lupus etc. Steroids are not a "pain killer" in the conventional sense by any means.

I have lupus and so take steroids everyday. I have been on them for a few years and have reduced from 40mg to 8mg. This is to try and control my disease, alongside other very strong medications to dampen the inflammatory response. They work and keep me alive.

Sadly the side effects of long term use are horrendous. They cause weakened bones (I have osteopenia at 23) which can lead to osteoporosis. Weight gain is also a problem, because your body retains more water, the steroids redistribute fat (hunch back and a circular face) and it makes you hungry. I put on 3 stone in 2 months when I was on high doses. Luckily I fought the hunger so have lost half of that as I've reduced my dose, simply losing water. But these are only the obvious ones, it's also caused: tremors, dizziness, nausea, headaches etc etc.

For all of these reasons steroids are often used only short term and when absolutely necessary.

I hope this helps, but it is hard to advise without knowing the cause of your pain.

All the best xx

[Ohtobepainfree in reply to heatherevans28]

Thank you, my pain is due to arthritis, had surgery on both hips.

Now have degenerative discs in neck with myofacial pain syndrome. Had facet joint injections, denervation, trigger point injections, none of which have eased the pain, hence wanting to find out the pros and cons.

[Toplady]

Hi Ohtobeoainfree,

I haven't taken any steroids for my chronic pain but I just wanted to put my nose in here so to speak. I developed my chronic pain following a spontaneous fracture due to osteoporosis. When I was diagnosed, all the doctors were asking if I had a history of long term steroid use which is a big indicator for low bone density. I didn't but just wanted you to be aware of this, my pelvis literally snapped in two and damaged all the nerves surrounding it which has left me in a wheelchair. Just be careful if steroids are a long term thing for you, get your bone density checked and don't think this only is a problem for old ladies, I was only 47 when this happened to me and was very active, just make sure you understand this risks involved ok?

Look after yourself 😀

[Ohtobepainfree in reply to Toplady]

Thank you, it's the risks which concern me. Feeling like an old lady trapped in a younger ones body 😀

[Toplady in reply to Ohtobepainfree]

Know exactly what you mean, that's exactly how I feel every day, the consultant told me I had the bones of an 80yr old and I'm not even 50 yet!! 😂

[deejames]

Steroid use can reduce pain considerably if the pain is due to inflammation but the cost is too high. Osteoporosis is a significant problem and that is something we all want to avoid. I was in bliss when I had oral steroids for another condition but there is no point in being pain free at one point only to have the pain and disabling from broken bones at another.

Dee

[Ohtobepainfree in reply to deejames]

Yes, thank you, I'm at my wits end with this constant pain, can barely move or do anything. Reaching the conclusion even a few weeks break from it would be such a blessed relief. Anti inflammatory s are no longer touching the pain.

[deejames in reply to Ohtobepainfree]

I had very bad side effects initially and was mentally completely unstable for weeks. I didn't have weight gain but I was exercising like crazy because I was pain free. Having a few weeks with less pain might seem desirable but unless there is a reason ie you are going to undergo therapy that would not be possible with your pain then it will just feel worse when it comes back.

No GP is going to prescribe steroids for pain relief I am fairly sure.

Sorry. I know you are crying out for a break from pain but it's not worth it.

Hope you have a etter day

Dee

[BlueMermaid3]

Hi

I have been given Prednisole several times and every time I have had the most awful side effects.

I had very severe tremors and they made me feel really ill.

They made me incredibly nauseous etc. I had to stop them in the end.

Am I the only one that has had these type of side effects?

Lu xx

[earthwitch]

Steroids are NOT painkillers - they are highly effective antiinflammatory meds though, and sometimes, in some conditions, reducing inflammation can significantly reduce pain. If steroids do work on your pain, then you need to ask about other safer options for antiinflammatory treatment to carry on longer term.

Steroids are NOT magic pills - they may work wonders, but they come with a whole heap of pretty much inevitable side effects - the more you take and the higher the dose, the more likely you will end up with serious side effects - starting with loss of bone density (osteoporosis), through to triggering diabetes, and even adrenal crisis. There is no set amount or safe use time for steroids - some people may go years with no noticeable side effects and others will develop serious problems within months. There are times when steroids are the best drug to use, but if at all possible, if there is any other option, then steroids really should be the last resort.