Rheumatoid Arthritis Support Group

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic, inflammatory, multisystem, autoimmune disorder. It is a disabling and painful condition which can lead to substantial loss of mobility due to pain and joint destruction. The disease is also systemic in that it often also affects many extra-articular tissues throughout the body including the skin, blood vessels, heart, lungs, and...

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bigiblue 09/18/2009

Well. After having one flare after another, I called and told my Rheumy that the Darvocet just keeps me groggy and my flares are really bad. He put me on a 15day taper off starting at 15 mg. I did'nt want to get back on Pred, but I think my Body is craving it and addicted to it. I made it one month without it, but was in pain constanly. The pred is what drove my Liver up too so I'll have to be careful and not stay on it too long.
I just took my first dose of 15mg and I know tomorrow I'll be dancing again. Oh well it's either that or lay in Bed all day. What do you all think?
bigi

deleted_user 09/18/2009

I just finished my pred taper and already I am miserable. Actually I was miserable by the time I got down to 5mg. I don't think I will last long without it even though I hate it. So do what your body needs. Hope you're back to clicking your heels in no time!

deleted_user 09/18/2009

I think we do what we have to do to manage the illness for ourselves, Bigi. You know your goal is to be off prednisone, so until you get to the place with other meds that will allow that, you may need some to tide you over - do you know what dosage is the minimum for you to be able to function? maybe once you know that you may feel better, if you know you can take 3mg daily instead of 15 to keep things working. or maybe you need the 15 mg a day to keep things working - your body will tell you.

Tort

deleted_user 09/18/2009

I'm on 5mg of prednisone and I want to go down to 2mg. I'm feeling pretty good right now but I'm still sort of scared to drop down.

Linda

songbirdj 09/18/2009

I have just started 7.5 from 15 then 10. Rheumy wants me to try to go off all the way, but I am scared. I am pretty sure I won't be able to do it.
On the other hand, I have gained 12lbs in two months and I REALLY REALLY REALLY want to be off the stuff.
Hopefully the MtX will kick in in the meantime. That would rock!

Jess

bigiblue 09/18/2009

I know this drug was used in the 60's. So if there is anyone out there who is still on it please let us know. The longest that I have aver known for someone to be on it is my friend. He has been on it for 12 Years. he takes 8 mg of Medrol. I know I need to be off it but hey I also want to live anext to normal life and I feel like if I am going to die then I at least want some kind of life before I have to go. Depressing thought. I'm not really depressed yet (thank God), but sometimes hjust feel blue. I know only you all can understand. Thanks for that..
I will say a special prayer for each and everyone of you tonight, for heeling or at least a painfree weekend.
bigi

lycesq 09/18/2009

B - yes, prednisone is not the ideal solution but sometimes it's enough to have something to help us through the day.

Big hugs to you.

Lynne

thinksRAstinks 09/18/2009

I think we all have to do what we have to do. Listen to your body. What's right for one person is wrong for another and vice versa. Try to get to 7 mgs. or less. According to my dr. that is a safe level to take very long term.

deleted_user 09/19/2009

I tapered to 2.5 prednisone, lost 12 pounds! But SED rate jumped from near normal low 30s to 85 in one month. Back to just 5 mgs. We'll see what next lab shows. gained back 9 pounds, and don't feel much better yet after two weeks. Oh well. Do what we need to.
Vee

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