Prednisone and such

[MarisaV]

Still living in Limboland, and sick nearly a year later, I asked my Doctor if he'd prescribe some prednisone. I've noticed in the past that it makes me feel better. He prescribed a medrol pack (I'm not sure if it was equivalent to the prednisone doses I'd received in the past for my neck and back).

It made an amazing difference in my fatigue. I haven't seen any relief in nearly a year. Both the physical and the mental components saw marked relief (more so on the mental side). Unlike Progil, nearly all of the energy is usable (very little jittery feeling).

The Mental Fog and confusion markedly improved.

It also markedly improved my breathing problems (another year long issue that got sever after I had shoulder surgery), and it made my vertigo better.

I sure wish cortisone/prednisone was something that I could take on a regular basis. As I've tapered off, I am starting to notice the effects wearing off... grrrrrrrrrrrr.

My question is, what does this mean? Is the relief from fatigue, just something that always happens with cortisone/prednisone, or is my reaction to it indicative of what the underlying problem might be ?

Mar

[johnnymutt]

My doc told me he actually had the spouse of some of his patients come in and ask if he would give the patient a reccuring perscription. Lol, of course he said no. I always love the way I feel on prednisone, but it certainly has some nasty side effects after long term usage. I was on it for nearly three months some years back, for a lung infliction. Later that year, I had months of trouble with water setting in my feet and legs, and had to take meds to expel the extra fluids. It went away, but it was nasty. I've heard of a lot of nasty long term usages from the stuff.

I'm glad it's picking you up, even if temporary, perfect timing for this beautiful weather.

[HVAC]

Prednisone can be used for any inflammation. I have only had it used on my lungs when my asthma gets bad.

From what I understand it is temperoray relief. But there is a bounce back affect.

It does nothing for the over all treatment of MS.

[MarisaV]

Shell,

Thanks for your input.

No. Provigil (actually, it was Nuvigil) did not provide any cognitive benefit for me whatsoever (just unusable, jittery/nervous energy).

My Doctor has given me a trial of Savella to try next. So, if this trial of predinose hasn't led to any conclusions, and can't be used continuously, I guess that's my next drug experiment.

Thanks again for your input.

Mar

[sllowe]

Hi there,

Well, it's just so hard to say what this means. Prednisone is used for some many issues, it's even prescribed in small doses for some arthritis sufferers. It's a miracle med for some.

When I was on it I had more energy, could breath better, etc. too. Unfortunately, it's not comparible to lets say an antibiotic for a 'possible' infection, i.e., you take the antibiotic, problem clears up, doesn't come back, must of been an infection.

I know this is not a perfect example, but only one I can think of momentarily.

Sorry you are still doing the limbo rock. Did you get any cog fog relief from the Provigil?

-shell