Unsuccessful Prednisone Taper
Has your doctor directed you to taper your prednisone, and your body rejected the withdrawal?
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At what point in the taper process did your body start showing signs of not tolerating it? What were the withdrawal symptoms? How slowly and what mg were you tapering off of the prednisone.
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"If you were on a high dose of prednisone for a long duration of time, you may be at risk of certain symptoms if you discontinue the drug too quickly. These can include:
Pain and aches
Headaches
Fatigue and weakness
Loss of appetite
These side effects can occur because your production of cortisol, your body's natural stress hormone, has been disrupted when taking prednisone.
When you are on prednisone, the body decreases cortisol production. Cortisol is not all bad; we need a certain level to be healthy. By tapering down slowly, you allow your body time to increase its cortisol production slowly and therefore minimize any potential withdrawal effects." https://myasthenia-gravis.com/clinical/prednisone-withdrawal
My neuro tried to start weaning me off steroids and I felt okay for a few days and then bam, pain in my neck, shoulders and arms so intense I had to take pain medication for it. I reported it to my doctor and he didn't believe this was related to the MG so he ordered a ct scan and I have a severe cervical stenosis that needs surgery to repair. I assume the steroids were masking the issues with it. I am back on the same dosage and hoping to try weaning off the steroids once the surgery is done. I am discouraged and over it.
We will be thinking about you during this difficult time and sending many good thoughts your way. Here are some articles about surgery precautions and tips with MG individuals: https://myasthenia-gravis.com/living/multiple-surgeries, https://myasthenia-gravis.com/living/surgery-preparation, https://myasthenia-gravis.com/living/neurologist-surgery-consult - Jodi, Team Member
