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...

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Lungs & Respiration
/ COPD & Emphysema Support Group

Prredisone

mikkar
mikkar
Just curious to know how long some of you have been on Predisone and if you have you had any side effects. I have been on it (dosages go up and down depending on what is going on!) for a few years now. My doctor says it is the reason I have gained so much weight, probably caused the recently diagnosed Diabetes, and is also giving me eye issues. Dr. is trying to get me weaned off it, but it is a slow process.

I am sure this has already been discussed, but since I am fairly new here, I felt the need to ask. Looking forward to your answers and what your experiences have been.

Take care everyone!
deleted_user
deleted_user
Prednisone can be considered a "wonder drug" when helping with COPD/ Emphysema flare-ups (exacerbations); pneumonia; and severe lung problems. Most doctors use Prednisone for 10 days only; starting at a high dose and tapering down. Sometimes, two 10 day taper down doses are needed.
The bad thing about steroids (which no doctor warned me of) are the side effects. Cataracts in both my eyes now. Osteoporosis from years of steroid use. Breaking down and chipping of my teeth. Weight gain. There are many side effects to using Prednisone for long periods-----or when using other steroids.
When COPD/Emphysema has become severe enough; there is no choice left. Take steroids to breathe, or do not use steroids and do not breathe.
I hope others respond to your post with their own experiences. I can only write about my own personal use of Prednisone and other steroid medications. I wish you the very best. Blessings.
mikkar
mikkar
So true - breathe or don't breathe. Oh my, how could I have forgotten the cataracts? Especially since I just had cataract surgery 2 weeks ago! Silly me! Glaucoma, too and high pressure in both eyes.
deleted_user
deleted_user
I'm new on this board but have been on the pulmonary embolism board for over two years. The clots are disappearing but the COPD has progressed from mild to moderate. I am still on Warfarin for life.

I had prednisone when the PCP thought I was wheezing too much. He ignored the fact that it made my blood pressure go up; my blood sugar went up and I was weak and fatigued. I don't think I personally want to do that again.

My cardiologist is having other tests done in the near future and I am, for the moment, using Advair twice a day.
deleted_user
deleted_user
I have been on pred on and off for about 5 years. I have a love hate relationship with this drug. I take it for my lupus as well as copd. I'm normally on the drug for 3/4 weeks at a time. Starting at 30mg for I week than 20mg for a week 10mg for 1 or 2 weeks followed by 5 mg for 1 or 2 weeks depending on how I'm doing.

Every time I have a course of pred I gain 7/8 lbs then I spend the next few weeks loosing 2/4 lbs which leaves me keeping the extra lbs. Its a life saving drug but it dose carry nasty side effects
deleted_user
deleted_user
Nasty withdrawals.But well worth putting up with for the relief gained.