Hi

Can anyone give me any advice about taking Prednisolone. I have been diagnosed with RA about 3 months ago. I have ben taking Sulfasalazine, Methotrexate and Meloxicam.

Also take omeprazole as stomach protector and propanalol for migraine. Consultant wants me to stop taking Meloicam and start taking 7.5mg Prednisolone daily. The list of possible side effects is frightening. Is anyone taking this steroid that can help me

Thanks

Rosie

Hi Rosie

Pleased to hear that you have been offered prednisolone, it really will give you a break from the symptoms of RA and chance for your body to recover. However as Jenni says it is a short term measure and will only control symptoms of inflammation, pain, fatigue, it will not control the RA.

I have taken prednisolone in various amounts constantly since I was diagnosed 22+years ago (that was the treatment back then!) and am currently on a 3mg maintenance dose. There are lots of side effects but for a short period of 7.5mg you shouldn't experience problems (your appetite may increase though!). Like Jenni, I have experienced problems due to long term use and a couple of years ago had to have the lenses in each eye replaced due to steroid damage ... that said I can now see without contacts!! A blessing in disguise

You are on a good combination of treatment. Hope it works well for you

Lyn x

Hi

I've been taking Prednisalone for just 1 week now and feel really unwell. I have felt sick since I started on these meds and the pain
smack in between my eyes/forehead is driving me nuts. Today when I went to take the meds I felt a real aversion to them
and every inch of me was rebelling against them - so I listened to my body and have decided against the steroids.

I previously had injection with no ill effects buty tablet form is a no go for me. I have suffered with migraine for 40+ years and really dont
want persistent head pain back in my life. So now I feel a failure!! just wallowing in self pity cos I feel so crap. Spoke to my rheummy nurse
and she agreed I should stop taking them - slowly!

Anyone else out there have problems with tablet form??

Rosie

Rosie

Don't beat yourself up about not taking the steriod tablets. Unfortunately we are all unique and what works for one does not necessarily work for another. You are being very sensible in listening to your body. It really is trial and error with this disease and you will find something which suits you.

Take care

Jackie
xx

Hello Rosie,
I was surprised to hear they want to put you on steroids. I have been on them for over 10 years and have been trying to stop them for over half of that time. My Rheumatologist keeps telling me they should never have started me on them as once you are on them they are hard, if not impossible, to stop. Also while they help with pain they are not the be all and end all. With me they have been blamed on my loss of strength I have difficulty doing nearly everything which needs a bit of strength. I have to ask my wife to open virtually any bottle or tin. They also thin down the walls of the veins and I also find small blood vessels break leaving me with purple patches on my arms and hands.
Meloxicam is probably not strong enough it is usually an anti inflamatory used in the begining of the disease and now there are far better ones as the disease progresses.
Hope this is of some help.
Clive