First day on the prednisone taper...is this normal?

[lovemy6monkeys]

Yesterday was my last day of the 3 day steroid infusion. Today is when I start the prednisone taper (4 20mg pills for 3 days). Also, today my DH had to go back to work so I'm on my own with the kids, and trying to do a big candy order due tomorrow.

I'm feeling very tired, and my heartbeat seems rapid. Not horribly, but it is racing. I'm still experiencing the vertigo, mostly staggering like I'm drunk. I also feel a bit twitchy.

I just finished my lunch and I'm going to try to rest for the remainder of the day.

I just want to double check that this is normal and I'm not having a bad reaction or anything.

Thanks!
~Jess

[Ginosmommy]

I had a similar reaction to the IV steriods and the pills I would get hot flashes and my heart would race, I always had to sit down and at least rest for about a half an hour before I felt okay. I was on 4 pills for 11 days then tapered down, so I was feeling this for a long time, plus I never felt like eating while taking them. But it made me feel great and even cleared up my arthritis while I was on them!

I hope you feel better soon!

MeLissa

[lovemy6monkeys]

Lulu,

LOL, chocolate is my candy of choice too :-)

I did cancel the baby's checkup. I'll try to reschedule that in a week or so. As of right now I'm just trying to rest up for my MS walk on Sunday. Everything else is just going to have to wait until later.

My sister brought all kinds of easy foods for the kids, things I don't ever buy (I'm so mean LOL) so the kids are loving it. They just had Easy Mac for the first time for lunch. My hubby is in charge of dinners, and I just need to make it through the next little while.

Thank you for the help & support! I guess I had a 'Hollywood' version of the IV steroids, where I was hooked up, looking all brave and hopeful, for 3 days and then everything was all better. Not so much so far LOL. I'll just keep plugging away...channel my inner Annie and sing The Sun'll Come Out Tomorrow :-)

~Jess

[Lulu54]

Jess,
I want to get right to the important stuff - what kind of candy? I always prefer chocolates.  LOL

Seriously, please be caution of your health and don't feel guilty if you say no to special projects or have to reschedule the well-child checkup.  

take and care keep feeling better,
Lulu

[lovemy6monkeys]

Lovemybostons,

I have not lost my taste, but my mouth is soooo dry! During the IV's they gave me wintergreen lifesavers to suck on because of the metal taste, but within a few hours the metal taste was gone.

I'm honestly just not really hungry. I'm eating like normal, just because I worry if i don't it'll make the tired and shakiness worse, but I could probably eat less and not miss it.

Did your doctor give you anything to help you sleep or to help settle your tummy? I've had prilosec (sp?) two pills daily during the IV treatment, and once a day during the oral steroids. Also a sleeping pill, one to two a day at bedtime, along with my normal neurontin at bedtime.

I'm hoping tomorrow I feel more improved. The baby has a well child checkup, and I'm not sure if I'm ok to take her or not. I'm leaning towards not...I hate to cancel, but I am not feeling like I'm safe to be driving and carrying the baby all around (along with entertaining my 3 & 5 year old at the doctors too)

I hope you get some great sleep tonight and feel much better tomorrow!
~Jess

[LoveMyBostons]

Can I ask when your ability to taste finally returned? Mine isn't as bad as last week but I'm still not tasting normally.

[LoveMyBostons]

I had a 5-day treatment last week. Now I'm on the taper down prednisone like you.

I definitely felt worse while on the treatment. I also have had a fast heartbeat. This week I have WAY more energy then I'm used to. It's nice because I don't crash when I get home from work anymore.

This was my first round of IV steroids though so I'm not an expert on what is considered "normal." I did feel like I would never fall asleep because both my heart and mind seemed to always be racing.

[tonyad]

   Good for you for getting a little nap in :)   A few of those a day helps
a lot......hope you get to feeling better w/ the balance issues.

Hugs,
~Tonya

[lovemy6monkeys]

Thanks for the replies! I managed a 20 minute nap, which helped. I'm just moving slowly and I think my husband will be on dinner duty again tonight. And I'm leaning on the kids for a bit more help then i usually do. They've all been such troopers. I'm very blessed :-)

Grannyjo, I hope you feel better soon!

Ren, I just posted to your update on Julie. I hope she feels better quick too!
~Jess

[GrannyJo6]

I frecently finished a 5 day infusion of the solumedrol and yes, the fatigue must be normal, because I wasn't that tired before. I was really helped by it and didn't get a taper off pack. My neuro gave me something for anxiety and something to help me sleep at night, both of which have helped. He told me that it stays in your system for 4 -6 weeks. I have to wait for an MRI because the solumedrol can interfere with the contrast dye. So, get as much rest as you can. I am still taking at least a 2 hr nap every day and it has been only 3 weeks since I finished. Best wishes!

[rendean]

Your reaction is within the "normal" range to my understanding. Some people get worse before they feel improvement. Such is the case for me.

Julie (of Sarahsmom 46) was told today by her neuro that her new leg pain is a rebound effect due to the Solu-Medrol and it will go away.

You still need to take it easy and rest when you can.

Hope you feel better soon!
Ren