Toll Prednisone Took on Your Body
What impact did Prednisone have on your body? What symptoms did you experience while on the steroid?
How was your experience weaning off the medication? Have you struggled to do so without adverse reactions? - Jodi, Team Member
I was on a high dose of prednisone for Polymyaglia Rheumatica. My blood sugars went completely out of control. I was over 700 for a couple days. In ICU for 4 days. The. High blood sugar caused me to be nearly blind as well as physically ill.
Sleeplessness some weight gain I already have Osteopenia so I worry about my bones. 10 mg isn't enough, but I don't want more.
Immediately after an emergency IVIG due to MG (general) crisis, long term regular treatment began with a 30mg per day steriod dosage. After 2 months I became constantly hungry, gained weight, my body puffed up all over with a bulging stomach, was moon-faced. The heavy steriod dosage together with Mestinon were necessary to reduce the MG symptoms so that I could function normally, I tried to keep up my spirits and control the weight gain through exercise. Was advised to wear mask constantly due to suppressed immunity (can keep my moon face hidden too lol). A thymectomy was performed 3 months after diagnosis, and since then my symptoms began to reduce, in line with my neurologist's plan to slowly reduce the meds dosage over time. 3 years on, I had weaned off all medication. Another 1 year on currently, my face and body have lost the puffiness, achieve weight loss through exercise and healthy eating. Although not in total remission, I can function pretty much normally.
To add on, throughout treatment period, I was regularly monitored for the side effects through regular blood and other tests. Given Vit D, Calcium, potassium etc to improve my readings where they became too low.
Cannot take Prednisone. It causes my heart to beat fast and out of rhythm.
