Prednisone is the Debbil.

[oblongmelon]

it makes me puffy

[johnnymk]

I had a real problem with asthma this winter. The allergist put me on prednisone regimens three times. I can't believe how fast my face and gut swelled up. It was really noticeable.

Unfortunately, it's the only medication that works.

I feel for you.

[Thesifer]

My mom had to take that for years, and had the same problem. She finally got off of it. I'm not sure how. Also your body will become physically Addicted to it.

[Markel]

I was once put on prednisone for three days (due to a mystery rash). I remember getting a little swolen, but I felt absolutely terrific! I could bound out of bed in the morning ready to face the day (I am normally NOT a morning person). I know I was on a steroid high, but it was somewhat discouraging knowing that I wouldn't keep feeling that way.

[molecularfire]

Yeah, prednisone has some pretty bad side-effects. It makes you gain weight, kills your bones, gives you ulcers, etc... but it does wonders with a lot of different diseases.

[Thesifer]

Yeah, prednisone has some pretty bad side-effects. It makes you gain weight, kills your bones, gives you ulcers, etc... but it does wonders with a lot of different diseases.

Sometimes the diseases are better than the side effects.

[Houdini]

Yeah, prednisone has some pretty bad side-effects. It makes you gain weight, kills your bones, gives you ulcers, etc... but it does wonders with a lot of different diseases.

:stupid:

Often it's used as a short-term pulse, which usually does not cause the aformentioned side-effects, except for maybe the euphoric/unable-to-sleep feeling.

[molecularfire]

Sometimes the diseases are better than the side effects.
You're completely right. Depends on the disease and he side-effects.

[Houdini]

You're completely right. Depends on the disease and he side-effects.

Yup. I agree. I've seen people have really, really, really bad reactions to meds prescribed by docs who don't know what they're doing, mainly with psych meds. Fixing their mistakes is a real PITA, especially when they call you at 4am when you're at home trying to sleep.

Still, presdnisone isn't really that bad for short term use. Take it with food and maybe an antacid like Pepsid or something to avoind the GI problems, which are usually the worst. Long term, you do get very puffy and have a few hormonal problems, as the drug replaces and then feedback inhibition kicks in.

I hope you can get off it soon though. The edema and other side effects must really be a bear.

-disclaimer - same as mf's. yes, i'm a doc, but don't take any real advice from me without consulting with your local doctor. I'm just some guy on a message board trying to help.

[Markel]

...the euphoric...feeling.
That's the effect I had.

[Houdini]

That's the effect I had.

Yeah, you're all jittery and can't sleep, etc. I've taken short pulses for migraine terminatinon before. You feel like you can do about anything, and you have so much energy you have to do something!

[Markel]

Yeah, you're all jittery and can't sleep, etc. I've taken short pulses for migraine terminatinon before. You feel like you can do about anything, and you have so much energy you have to do something!
I didn't have trouble sleeping - I just felt euphoric.

[molecularfire]

You sure it was the prednisone and not the 6 joints you had just before that?