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        New Message Board Archives >> Medications, Treatments, Therapies 2004 >> More Prednisone side effects
        
(Message started by: UN_SOLVED on Aug 3^rd, 2004, 5:17am)

Title: More Prednisone side effects
Post by UN_SOLVED on Aug 3^rd, 2004, 5:17am

The last 3 times i've done Prednisone, my legs hurt, my knees hurt, my legs swell and my ankles are starting to look like basketballs. It hurts to walk very much. Can't wear socks or shoes. Not to mention the heartburn is killin' me !

Even though I can bearly walk right now ... it's holding back the beast somewhat. Attacks have decreased in frequency and intensity.

Boy, Am I glad we have Prednisone [smiley=huh.gif]

Hope this swelling doesn't get any worse ... not sure what I should (or can) do about it . Anyone else have leg / ankle pain and / or swelling ?? How big are these puppies going to get ??

Unsolved (BIGFOOT)

Title: Re: More Prednisone side effects
Post by Robert_C. on Aug 3^rd, 2004, 6:42am

Un-Solved,

Really sorry to hear that. I get no more benefice from it then you but not with these side effects. I just get speedy all the time (which means even more trouble sleeping).

It's a love/hate :-/ relationship. It helps but it messes-up your immune system.

Robert

Title: Re: More Prednisone side effects
Post by E-Double on Aug 3^rd, 2004, 7:50am

The only side effect I had from the predwas the good old heartburn for which I took prilocec every morning and continued even when taper was finished. It helped massively after the first few days of fire

and how can I forget the 25 lbs. gained in 2 1/2 weeks.(the depakote I'm sure assisted) which gave me MOON FACE.

Other than that nuttin.

I sure hope you get some relief!!!
Best to ya and if ever in NY give a holla!
Eric

Title: Re: More Prednisone side effects
Post by Superpain on Aug 3^rd, 2004, 4:22pm

Sorry to hear you've developed cankles... ;;D

Hey, as long as you don't break out like I did! :o

I looked like I had small pox for about 2 months afterwards.

Title: Re: More Prednisone side effects
Post by forgetfulnot on Aug 3^rd, 2004, 5:07pm

Unsolved, try this, with doc. perm. of course. Maxzide, I use 25mg. helped me alot.

Big Foot Lee

Title: Re: More Prednisone side effects
Post by UN_SOLVED on Aug 3^rd, 2004, 5:27pm

hmmm... never heard of Maxzide.
Maxzide Side effects may include:
Abdominal pain, anemia, breathing difficulty, change in potassium level (causing symptoms such as numbness, tingling, muscle weakness, slow heart rate, shock), constipation, diabetes, diarrhea, dizziness, dizziness when standing up, dry mouth, fatigue, headache, hives, impotence, irregular heartbeat, kidney stones, muscle cramps, nausea, rash, sensitivity to light, strong allergic reaction (localized hives, itching, and swelling or, in severe cases, shock), vomiting, weakness, yellow eyes and skin "
http://www.healthsquare.com/newrx/dya1150.htm

Sounds like what I'm trying to avoid [smiley=huh.gif]

I'll ask my neuro. Glad it helps you.

Thanks,

Unsolved

Title: Re: More Prednisone side effects
Post by CarrieBethRN on Aug 3^rd, 2004, 6:01pm

on 08/03/04 at 17:27:53, UN_SOLVED wrote:

I think that is the list of total adverse effects listed for this drug, at least that is what I see in my nursing drug reference. Here is what it says for side effects:

Expected: Increase in urine frequency/volume.
Frequent: Potassium depletion.
Occasional: Postural hypotension, headache, GI disturbances, photosensitivity reaction.

The potassium depletion would occur as a result of the diuretic effect. Potassium is one of the electrolytes first to go with the use of diuretics, so sometimes that level needs to be monitored. Postural hypotension could also come from dehydration, as could headache. I guess with that one you'd have to pick your battles!

I've been given Lasix before to fight massive edema from who knows what, and it was one of the things that kept me in the cardiac ICU last summer (yeah, I'm 23 lmao). Those diuretics can get a little scary when the electrolytes go out the window! They do make some that are potassium sparing.

I don't know if any of this info helps!

Carrie

Title: Re: More Prednisone side effects
Post by IndianaJohn on Aug 3^rd, 2004, 7:34pm

Unsolved,

It sounds like it's making you miserable. The info CarrieBeth sounds important. If your not getting rid of the fluids it could mean trouble, I'd at least call the doc.

My only side effect was wanting to eat everything in sight. Along with some interesting mood swings....

Best Wishes for you!

Title: Re: More Prednisone side effects
Post by don on Aug 3^rd, 2004, 10:25pm

I think the swelling thing is water rentention. Check with your Doc, maybe some kind of diuretic will help.

Title: side effects
Post by denisebyrd on Aug 4^th, 2004, 7:38pm

Yeah, I can relate. I have the basketball ankles and the leg swelling, hard time walking , big fat belly and FULL moon face. I have gained about 50 lbs. since May. Been headache free since my Doc started weaning and back to the beast, but not as bad as before. Just wondering if anyone out there experienced increse in blood pressure with the prednisone therapy. Also my Doc wants to test me for diabetes since steroid therapy can predispose you to this. Shit!!! like I need something else.

Title: Re: More Prednisone side effects
Post by notseinfeld on Aug 5^th, 2004, 9:13am

Hey Sasquatch---

Are you on the 80mg taper down to 0 over 10 days? That sounds like pretty heavy swelling to me or are ya just playing Mr. Refractory for all the attention ;;D

Prednisone has treated me side-effect free several times during this misery but have never taken doses >80/day.

Seems swelling would indicate a circulatory blockage or impediment. Are you a smoker? Getting perhaps *some* exercise other than the perfunctory head banging?

Here's hoping something works WELL for you....

Title: Re: More Prednisone side effects
Post by UN_SOLVED on Aug 5^th, 2004, 4:17pm

uhh,,,Prednisone @ 80 mg a day .... that's what I started off with when I got out of the hospital. Got LOTS of Solu Medrol IV there too (which doc said was equivalant to about 400 mg of Prednisone per day for 3 days).

Unsolved

Prednisone is now wearing off and the beast is pissed !

Title: Re: More Prednisone side effects
Post by CarrieBethRN on Aug 5^th, 2004, 7:56pm

I learned a new one today in class...Males can get Gynomastia...aka...enlarged breasts!

:o

Title: Re: More Prednisone side effects
Post by Robert_C. on Aug 5^th, 2004, 8:14pm

Quote:

Are you on the 80mg taper down to 0 over 10 days

Starting at 60mg use to work for me but right now I'm on 80mg for 7 days, 60mg for 7days and going down 10 days after that.

I guess my doc got really tired of me... :-/

I still don't have any major side effects at that dosage.

Robert

Title: Re: More Prednisone side effects
Post by UN_SOLVED on Aug 5^th, 2004, 9:33pm

on 08/05/04 at 19:56:17, CarrieBethRN wrote:

I learned a new one today in class...Males can get Gynomastia...aka...enlarged breasts!

:o

I'm gonna need a bra ? Is that what you're saying ?

[smiley=bag.gif]

Unsolved

Title: Re: More Prednisone side effects
Post by E-Double on Aug 5^th, 2004, 11:16pm

on 08/05/04 at 21:33:51, UN_SOLVED wrote:

I'm gonna need a bra ? Is that what you're saying ?

[smiley=bag.gif]

Unsolved

I bet you'll have awesome Tits!

Title: Re: More Prednisone side effects
Post by Big Dan on Aug 5^th, 2004, 11:43pm

Never fear the Man-Titties...

I mean yeah, you can play with 'em for a while... but they loose their appeal after about 1 hour...

Watcha need is a Bro....

-Big Bro

Title: Re: More Prednisone side effects
Post by thebbz on Aug 6^th, 2004, 2:11am

Prednipoison, the lesser of two evils, hips hurt knees , da boobies grow, get acne all over, baking cookies at three in the morinig. Helps with the CH crash diet once or twice a year, by the time the prednipoison gets to working good I 've lost 20lbs. Better that the altermative. BB

Title: Re: More Prednisone side effects
Post by don on Aug 6^th, 2004, 9:15am

Quote:

I still don't have any major side effects at that dosage.

Have your Papa Ginos coupons at the ready.

Title: Re: More Prednisone side effects
Post by E-Double on Aug 6^th, 2004, 11:15am

Quote:

prednipoison gets to working good I 've lost 20lbs.

Lucky B$%#%rd :) I gained 20+

I'd gladly go back on if I were to lose weight.

Seriously though, I hope all are having a relatively decent day so far.

Later,
Eric

Title: Re: More Prednisone side effects
Post by CarrieBethRN on Aug 6^th, 2004, 11:35am

And another!!!

Went to the rheumatologist today, and he wants me to get a dexa scan for bone density. He said normally I wouldn't need it until I'm 50 years old, but because of spending a lot of time on prednisone over the past few years, I need to get one now.

Gotta love meds!

Carrie

Title: Re: More Prednisone side effects
Post by E-Double on Aug 6^th, 2004, 12:54pm

on 08/06/04 at 11:35:09, CarrieBethRN wrote:

Jeez Carrie that sucks!! and completely sucks for Michael as well. I guess I was really lucky to not experience anything but weight gain.
Sorry to hear all this.

But the question still remains.....
How are everyone's breasts?

Be well ;;D

Eric

Title: Re: More Prednisone side effects
Post by don on Aug 6^th, 2004, 1:33pm

Quote:

How are everyone's breasts?

Firm and lucscious. Thank you for asking.

Title: Re: More Prednisone side effects
Post by E-Double on Aug 6^th, 2004, 1:42pm

on 08/06/04 at 13:33:51, don wrote:

Firm and lucscious. Thank you for asking.

LOL
Looking forward to meeting someday my friend ;;D
Always a pleasure and that is just how I was brought up! Be consciencious of others ;)

Title: Re: More Prednisone side effects
Post by UN_SOLVED on Aug 6^th, 2004, 2:51pm

I do as much steriods as anyone does. Doc says I'm going to 'fall down and break my hip." He says i'm going to end up 'in a wheelchair'....but i've never been asked to go have a bone density test...
[smiley=huh.gif]

Unsolved

Title: Re: More Prednisone side effects
Post by E-Double on Aug 6^th, 2004, 2:58pm

on 08/06/04 at 14:51:08, UN_SOLVED wrote:

To my knowledge women are more prone to bone density problems.
I truly worry for ya though. Sincerely!
Especially after reading about Dave E.
wow!! I'm sure you got the best care going on and as allways wishing you as much pain free time as possible!

eric

Title: Re: More Prednisone side effects
Post by CarrieBethRN on Aug 6^th, 2004, 3:11pm

Yeah it's typically more of a problem with women than men (the bone density). My neuro has never requested one despite the pretty high use of steroids over the last several years. It was because I went to the rheumatologist today for some other pretty intense problems going on, and he felt that I really needed to get the scan. Probably cuz they are the ones who deal with the osteoporosis patients. Why would the neuro give a damn? It's not his problem if I get holes all in my bones and break my hip. Then it becomes someone else's problem.

Sorry to sound so bitter about this. I'm having a really bad day.

Title: Re: More Prednisone side effects
Post by JDH on Aug 6^th, 2004, 4:18pm

on 08/05/04 at 21:33:51, UN_SOLVED wrote:

I'm gonna need a bra ? Is that what you're saying ?

[smiley=bag.gif]

Unsolved

LMFAO Michael!
After meeting you I can just picture you saying that.

Be careful with with those steroids.

Jim

Title: Re: More Prednisone side effects
Post by goldensky on Aug 6^th, 2004, 9:07pm

I was on the 5 day plan of prednisone and on the 6th day. I went to the hospital in an ambulance. Severe potassium depletion. Very scary for my mother and daughter. I felt as if i was melting into the floor. My limbs were heavy and tunnel vision became totally blind. I do not remember the ambulance ride. I regained consciousness 4 hours later. The ER Dr. said to tell future Drs. I had an allergic reaction; resulting in bizarre speech.
Oh, it did work on the CH.

Title: Re: More Prednisone side effects
Post by forgetfulnot on Aug 7^th, 2004, 2:36pm

Prednisone is horrible when used long term, weak joints, and brittle bones, bla bla bla. I have broken ribs picking up a 20 lb bag of charcoal. The Maxzide I discussed is in fact a diuretic and some precautions need to be taken however I never had any of the sides the cover your ass package insert had on it. My shoe size declined from EE to C in a week, my ankles are back to normal.

Lee