Prednisone side affects from long use

[irishrose1]

I am taking prednisone since July. I was on 40 mg now on 30 mg a day. I have the swelling in face and neck, pain in shoulders and chest and back, extreme shortness of breath, thin skin, sugar level increase. I am however very concerned with my latest side affects of severe abdominal pain especially after eating, vomiting and diarrhea. I have had this for a month and know I am dehydrated as well. I am afraid to eat knowing what will happen, I eat light meals but still have the pain eating at all. I have no insurance as I lost my job due to my last hospitalization in July, so trying to get to a dr or having tests done will not be an option, I did go to the clinic here and was put on Flagyl (this is the 3rd time) which does not seem to help. My pulse oxygen level was 93 at rest and I just have no enregy. I have tried acidolphilus after taking flagyl but it did not help. The dr yesterday put me on nexium for 5 days then will start 30 mg of prevacid which has not helped in the past. I really appreciate any suggestions as I really do not care to have a 4th stay in the hospital this year. Thanks...

[Sunny602]

I can certainly sympathize with you....while I was on long term steroids, the puffiness along with stomach problems were terrible. Steroids are really harsh on the GI tract, it is good that the doc has you on Nexium/Prevacid to help block acid production. Maybe you need higher amounts of the medications to fully block the acid, I personally have to take double the dose while on Prednisone due to the pain.  I hated prednisone and dread it to this day whenever any doctor mentions even putting me on that med due to the numerous side effects that it caused in my case.
I would ask the doc if you can double up on the Nexium, if it is very severe, then maybe you need a few tests to make sure nothing serious is going on with you.
I hope you get relief soon,
Sunny

[oppm00]

I have been on 60mg of Prednisone of the past 6 weeks. I also take Preacid daily. I do get cramps after eating. The cramps are hit and miss. The only real side effect so far is controlling bowel mmovements. When it is time to go, it really is time to go. There is an herbal supplement that you may want to try. they call it Nack. You can purchase it at GNC. Take1 600mg tablet twice daily. For energy I find that Rockstar energy drink once a day seems to help.