I think you are making the right move by seeing an Endo. MD to help you with tapering off the Pred. Like I said, it is very hard to do. The longer you have been on it, and the higher the dose makes a difference.
I take a different type of steroid (Cortef), which is less of a synthetic steroid and because I am now allergic to Pred. But I've tapered off of both (or tried to) in the past. I know the feeling of having no energy, and when you have a flare it makes matters worse. I hope you're still going to see the Rheum. because of the RA.
If you're going to do a taper, make a log in Excel on the computer to help you keep track of your dose, symptoms, dates, etc. You can then make a copy to bring to the MD's off. as well.
You hang in there as well. :-)
Thanks again for the reply Foggy2. My cardiologist sent me to a rheumatoid arthritis specialist and he is controlling the taper. The RA doctor mention that if the fatigue and other symptoms do not improve quickly (now that I have been tapering for 6 months already) he may send me to an Endo. I think the time has come.
I can hardly find the energy to do anything and this has been going on since around the 4-5 mg mark of the taper.
Foggy2: I see that you have tapered off of prednisone before?
I am hanging in there.
Thanks again!
If you are finding it that difficult to taper that quickly at 1 mg at a time, talk to your Endo and ask him/her if you can do 0.5 mg instead since it is more tolerable.
Believe me, I know how bad tapering is!!! Hang in there.
Thank you for the reply. I would have never thought prednisone withdrawal would be so difficult. I am hangin' in there and staying positive. Thank you very much Foggy2. It seems the fatigue is the hardest to deal with. I have never experienced fatigue in such an extreme fashion.
I am concerned with the last month which will be 1mg every other day.
So far it seems I am just one of those people that do better dropping .5mg at a time. Now that I think back I should have been dropping.5mg since I hit 5mg in the taper.
Thanks again and take care.
Thanks again
Withdrawal from any steroid is extremely difficult, even if done slowly. They symptoms you described are typical...and you feel like crap. But hang in there and know that you are not alone. It's a difficult road, but try to keep a positive attitude.