While no one wants to be on prednisone, sometimes you don't have any other option. My doctors told me that being on 5 mg daily is no big deal, but they didn't mention being at the 10 mg forever. However, they did say something about the body producing 20 or 25 mg of natural cortisol daily, so 10 mg would still seem to be under that amount. A few things to ask your doctor--could you go up 1 mg first to see if it helps? Might switching over to hydrocortisone work? Could an additional supplement mitigate some of your current symptoms so that you can stay at 5 mg? Those were just a few thoughts, but be sure to ask your doctor. And if going back up to 10 mg is the only option, then do it. Best wishes for finding answers and relief. Keep us informed.

Hi Mccourtjs, I have been on 5mg Prednisone for four years. I have had DM for five years, and naturally the first year was high doses of steroid. My doctor told me that since I have been on 5mg Prednisone for so many years that a complete taper off probably would not happen. I will flare when I try to go below 5mg Prednisone.

You might consider seeing a GOOD endocrine doctor who helps people regulate medications like steroids, insulin, hormones etc.. to see if that specialist might be able to help adjust your meds and help you with a taper to 5mg.

Nanny might be correct on talking to the doctor about going back up 1mg to see if you will feel more stable. There are different methods for tapering off. My concern is you have taken Prednisone at 7-10mg dose for so long, you must be watchful for adrenal insufficiency. Drink a lot of water. Watch out for any drops in blood sugar & blood pressures. Talk with the doctor and work closely on the taper. Keep us posted on how you are doing. Best Wishes.

Hi McCourtjis. You have had a long and difficult struggle with this disease and no one on this forum has worked harder than you to get better. It's now about your quality of life. We all know the steriods are not great news long term, you know that too but with this illness some will be taking between 5/10 mgs of steriod for a long while. Nanny has made great suggestions and if I were where you are now I would try her suggestions, 6 mgs has to be better than 10 especially if you can feel better at that dose. You can always try another taper at a later date. Lexis who used to be on this forum successfully tapered the steriod after several years. Do what's best for you now McCourtjis, I know you will keep trying. Please let us know how you are getting on. Best wishes. Autumm

Thanks. It always helps to hear from others dealing with the same issues. I'm still at 5 mg but I'm on summer vacation from work so I can rest, but school is not far off. I appreciate all of the advice

I took the advice and went up 1 mg. I have felt a lot better. Thanks to all for your replies.

Hi McCourtjis. That is good news. Sometimes tiny steps are the answer with this disease going up or tapering down. I seem to remember tapering down by half of 1 mg tablet. There is a tool you can buy from the Pharmacist to cut the tablet into two equal parts. For now I am delighted you feel better. Best wishes. Autumm

That's great news, mccourtjs. I'm glad the 1 mg. jump is working for you. Best wishes.