COPD & Emphysema Support Group
COPD is a progressive disease characterized by airflow obstruction or limitation. Emphysema is characterized by loss of elasticity of the lung tissue, destruction of structures supporting the alveoli and of capillaries feeding the alveoli. Both have symptoms that include shortness of breath, among other respiratory troubles. If you are a COPD or Emphysema sufferer, join...
I am on prednisone for the sixth day now and it is great as usual but the side effects are horrible---im wondering if there is something else that would replace the prednisone for flare-ups....it is really getting to me--the side effects are throwing my balance off and I feel really weird.never had it this bad am seeing a new dr. in 3 days. Do any of you have problems with side effects from this medicine
I try to take as little as possible, where I use to think this is the only thing that would get rid of my lung inflammation, now I do not even consider it unless I am in pain from the inflammation, then I do the short shot, five days , same dose, then quit.
I posted a comment a few days ago from Johns Hopkins that stated their research proved that the short (untapered) dose works just as well as the longer (tapered) 10-14 day dose, and you get less steroids.
My doctor use to prescribe me a "just in case" script of 20 mgs, but after finding out all the bad stuff it does, like I said I wait and if nothing else works, I do the short one.
It takes a few days for your immune system to get back in shape either way, and in the meantime you are more likely to catch something, even more so than your regular copd daily health.
So again welcome, if you want to join us in any discussion please feel free to do so. We welcome everyone, and try to help when we can. We all have an opinion and do not mind giving it!!! lol
First was back in the 1980's for Ulcerative Colitis. It affected me so badly that I had to take Zanax to keep my sanity.
The idea of taking it then was to lower my immune system since UC is an auto immune disorder.
It did nothing, I eventually had surgery.
Four years ago when I first developed respiratory problems I took smaller doses, but it still made life difficult. As long as I took it, my 02 sats were normal. As soon as i stopped, they dropped below 88 again.
This site (Arthritis Guy) has a humorous take on Prednisone. (If there can be one....)
http://www.rheumatoidarthritisguy.com/
If you have RA or know someone who does there is a lot of information and humor on this site.
You will see a medicine bottle of Prednisone, and the further description of..
"Satan's Tic-Tacs".
I couldn't agree more! :o)
Take care,
Linda In CA