Keeping in mind, I'm still a "Newbie," (140 days since diagnoses) and I haven't read a great deal about Steroids in general... I must say I really enjoyed this book! Others, who are more well read, or who have extensive research experience, may find it naive and/or amateurish. However, I found the fact that it is written by two sisters (one who is diagnosed with and living with a debilitating chronic illness, and the other, a well respected doctor at a major Boston hospital, helping her navigate though the disease and treatment) added a very human touch... one that I could relate to. You are often given two perspectives, of the same situation, which makes it quite interesting and a bit humorous. This edition is the "revised and updated" version, so both authors are able to look back retrospectively and explain why they thought/felt something, that at the time seemed appropriate, but perhaps today doesn't hold true.
Easy to read, informative (if you are not already an expert) and relatable.
We just took several bin bags of books to a Charity shop. It hardly made an impact. Every time I try to sort them I end up curled in a corner with a discovered book. I love books!
BOOKS !!! - we harbour 1000's of them !! - we have TRIED to stop collecting any more and I seriously 'attempt' to recycle any non-library books I have just finished - but can't part with our vintage children's books, AND the art, photography, philosophy, medical, psycholgy, biographies, poetry books - um well ALL of them really .... 'digital' ones just don't 'do it' for me I like to hold them - I even like the 'smell' of them despite the fact I choke on paper 'dust' - it's truly one GREAT addiction I intend to KEEP !
I love real books! I like holding a book and the way it feels... and the way it smells. I resisted kindle for so very long until I broke down a few months ago...
Yep! I recognise that! ( do you, like me, struggle with passwords for everything too?! I'm quite looking forward to being microchipped one day in the future!).
It’s not on Kindle but can be got cheaply on Amazon. I guess you are on Prednisalone being in the U.K. Prednisone operates a bit differently in that I think the body has to convert it into the Prednisalone that we take. Not sure how much that impacts on the effects. Also, there have been studies since the book was first published. Some of them good news like the one PMRPro posted about long term side effects. Will probably give it a whirl though. Thanks!
Yes, there are slight differences between Prednisone and Prednisalone, so not sure how that impacts the "coping" strategies... I just found it interesting and entertaining, and I like the written by two sisters, personal aspect of it.
The only real difference is that prednisone must be processed by the liver to form prednisolone which is the active form - which means the effects are due to the same substance. The doses are directly equivalent. Someone with liver problems may find prednisolone works better than prednisone but some people find one manufacturer's pred works better than that from another manufacturer - then it is mostly to do with the fillers used to form the tablets. Methylprednisolone is a different structure - the methyl group attached to it is said to make it more effective. But it also increases the potential for side effects - as I found to my cost!
I'm reading so much and firmly believe you have to make change or things stay the same. This can, however, lead me to confusion - for example, I read somewhere organic apple cider vinegar was good for ? (goodness knows what....steroid brain) and have concocted a disgusting drink to which I add turmeric, cinnamon and lemon. But yesterday, due to current oral thrush nightmare, I find I should avoid this on a candida diet. Sometimes I fear for my sanity. What I can say is I shall be ditching the disgusting drink for the time being! And I shall put this book on my reading list! I am a bird with a small brain and it seems easily befuddled. Enjoy the bank holiday! Im off on a wet dog walk now.... X
Pongo 13 - its not just small brained birds that are befuddled tho-One Green Planet.org tells me that apple cider vinegar ( with the Mother) is a wonderful REMEDY for thrush!!! And I do believe that for me it has worked. I add a tablespoon to every litre of water that I am drinking throughout the day and hardly taste it at that dilution, it has also (touch wood) got rid of the acid reflux which I was plagued with last year!
I'm also about to brave the elements on a dog walk- between my daughters and I our 5 spaniels are going stir crazy! X
The thought of drinking even 20ml of vinegar in water before dinner doesn't appeal greatly - the report of the woman who drank 250ml per day is just mind-boggling!
Very interesting article, especially in relation to blood glucose control in Type 2 diabetes. Salads with oil and vinegar dressing - my favourite lunch. Thanks for this info.
Mine too - providing the salad leaves are something more exciting than iceberg! I'm in Malta on holiday - you can have iceberg or something local resembling romaine. The appartment doesn't have a salad spinner so unfortunately, iceberg it is!
Not feeling TOO sorry for your leafy deprivation since the sun must be shining in Malta. You could revert to the old tea towel method of 'salad spinning' as a last resort. Anything rather than iceberg... Enjoy your holiday!
The only tea-towel they provide is a towelling one...
The sun IS shining - but it is pretty windy. Onto our balcony today for the first time - usually it is sheltered! But infinitely preferable to the UK this week. Home is similar sun to here now - except minus whatever overnight so the mornings will be perishing.
When I was tapering off lanzaprozole I took a dessertspoon full everyday for a few weeks and it seemed to help And was okay with it neat. I have cooked with Apple cyder vinegar for years. No idea if it does me any good generally but I like the sourness tinge.
I just finished the book. I found it lacking in the technical sense. I had the feeling it was “dumbed down”. And many parts were vague. That may have been because it was for such a specific disorder. But it offered good resources. My favourite part was where the doctor told her sister (as she was looking to change doctors) to be sure & check the doctors medical school. When she finally got around to it, the doctor responded. “Belgium. I couldn’t get into any school in the US.” The best part - he was super!
Hi ConventCassieYes, I totally agree, which is kind of why I enjoyed it so much!
I read a lot of medical/technical/research type abstracts (on PMR/GCA) that go right over my head... Or I have to spend a huge amount of time researching the language or studies they reference, that I forget the gist of the piece I'm reading!
I did mention that people more well read (on the subject matter) than me, or who have had extensive "research" experience, may find it naive and/or amateurish; happy you read it though, ...and yes, that Belgium trained doctor was brilliant!
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80 mg of prednisone now recommend 
Very High blood pressure
Tapering with a high ESR Reading?
very high cholesterol 
