Steroids and lung problems

I was in ICU in July 07 and October 07 for two different bouts of bilateral pneumonia, with a final diagnosis of a shrug and "I don't know" from my pulmonologist. I was receiving 120mg of an IV corticocosteroid for a couple of weeks after bronchoscopy and open lung biopsy. The diagnosis has varied from hypersensitivity pneumonitis to pulmonary fibrosis, and Mayo clinic believes it is bronchiolytic organizing pneumonia. I state all this to say I have no idea whether I am posting this in the right forum, except that the prednisone I am on seems to be causing one new problem after another.
I am currently weaning down on the prednisone and have gone from 60 mg down to 20 since I got out of the hospital.
I am diabetic, from the prednisone, and while  have 2 or 3 hour bursts of energy, I really, really need 2 hour naps during the day. My insomnia is driving me bonkers, and i have no idea how I am going to go back to work.
Prednisone probably saved my life, from what I have been told, but it has a price.
--herdingcats--


This discussion is related to Aspergillosis and prednisone.

[Dr. Kokil Mathur]

Hi
Thanks for writing to the forum!
It is true that steroid apart from being the wonder drug in some cases comes with a lot of side effects. When you have your bursts of hyperactivity, use the time to do your exercises, walk, and yoga and deep breathing exercises. The combination will relax your mind but make your body tired. This will allow you to take a nap during the day. Also you can delay your bedtime by an hour or two or get up earlier for yoga and meditation so that you can be tired enough for a nap during the day. Relax! One has to weigh the pros and cons of a medication. In your case it did more good than harm. It saved your life! So take charge of it and move on!
Hope this helps. Please let me know if there is any thing else and do keep me posted. Take care!