I took dose packs, and they helped a lot.

This post caught my attention because I got another round of them a few days ago for poison ivy reaction. Odd thing was the first two days I felt Nothing. And I've had enough of that stuff to know I was in for a big blast (24mg). On the 3rd day it hit me all at once, like the medicine wasn't evenly distributed or something. Problably a post for another day.

But, yes they worked for flaring for me.

I had to be on prednisone last winter while transitioning and waiting for Rituxan to kick in. I was on it for about 4 months, not too high of dose - 15mg. and I managed to gain 25 lbs from the cravings. Now on a diet and determined not to let it happen again.

Adrianalna,
I've been on prednisone off and on since last year when I was diagnosed. The dose depends on how bad my flare is. Right now I'm on 5 mg's a day. It really helps! Good luck!

Hi, I'm doing prednisone right now just started my second week on a trickle down pack. (thats what i call it LOL) Anyway The way it works for me is I'm super women the second to the 5th day then my aches start to return. By the day after I finish I'm pretty much back where I started. Right now i'm taking it because I had a reaction to Enbrel so the doc wanted to stop that. I'll find out Monday what the next step is. As far as weight gain, the cravings are tough but you just need to eat healthy foods lots of fruits and veggies and stay away from the junk food that will help you maintain a healthy weight. Drink lots of water!

Depending on your overall health and severity of your symptoms, some doctors will order an infusion of Solu-Medrol for a severe flare.

Prednisone has saved me. I did a dose pack and it took my swelling and most my pain for about 3 weeks. Then both started to return. Now I am on a low daily dose until the other meds work. If I didnt take prednisone I would not be functional. It is good short term until you find a more permanent solution. As for weight gain so far so good I really watch what I eat and exercise when I can. Good luck:)

Prednisone is a big help when you are in a flare and for getting your inflammation down when you are first diagnosed by your GP or rheumy.

The problem with taking steroids before you are diagnosed is that the steroids will lower your inflammation levels and skew the results of blood tests which can make it difficult to accurately diagnose you.

I hope you get some relief,

hugs jilly