Prednisone Test

[dustybrown]

I have an old bottle of prednisone that my doc prescribed to me for my asthma. I tried to get my rheumy to prescribe low dose short course prescription for my body pain- just as a trial run since I am consistently getting steroid injections in various joints for inflammation and it helps. My doc flat out said NO- it doesn't help people with fibro! I think it could help me- especially since I have a positive ANA, a RA factor (although low), and I can't live without  NSAIDs. Autoimmune disease runs rampant in my family especially arthritis. I have osteoarthritis in my spine and my shoulder. I also think there is something going on, but I think I am going to see a new rheumy for a second opinion. What do you all think about me testing the waters so to speak with the presdnisone at a very low dose?????  

[TrudieC]

I wouldn't do it.  If you go to a new rheumy (good idea) and you are on the pills they will not be able to properly diagnose, you'll have no proper beginning point for him to use and prednisone is not something you can just take for a little bit.  You need to be monitored and you need to reduce your dosage gradually when coming off.

My rheumy is in the midst of finalizing a Lupus diagnosis.  I've really been hurting and have been severely anemic.  He refused to put me on prednisone until we determine the reason for my anemia.  He needs to know which of my symptoms are due to the anemia and which are due to the Lupus.  He knows he could put me on prednisone and I would feel great but he would never know when to take me off of it.  Too many doctors give it too easily and the patients end up staying on prednisone for years which can greatly affect your bones and other areas.  Be careful and wait for the new rheumy.