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Prednisone Taper

Posted by ktgirl @ktgirl, Feb 12, 2023

Is it wise to take a prednisone taper three weeks after TKA? I have RA and my elbows and other joints are aching so bad I can hardly lift anything. My rheumatologist asked if I wanted a prednisone taper starting at 20 mgs. for 5 days and so on until I'm down to 5 mgs. I asked the surgeon and he said it would be ok but I'm worried it will slow the healing of my knee. After two weeks I can flex my knee to 120 degrees so I'm happy with my progress. I don't want to jeopardize the outcome. I had to be off my Orencia for almost 7 months because of a wound that wouldn't heal so I could have the surgery. What do you all think??

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Mentor
Sue, Volunteer Mentor | @sueinmn | Feb 12, 2023

@ktgirl - Oops, just posted a long response and my computer "ate it." After 5 joint replacement surgeries and numerous other joint surgeries, I was advised to stay off steroids for 12 weeks if possible, 6 weeks minimum. My daughter had to resume hers (for severe asthma) 2 weeks after surgery on a fracture - at 14 months, she still has only 80% healing and cannot have the hardware removed.

So it definitely suppresses healing - can you wait a few more weeks?
Sue

REPLY
1 reply
ktgirl | @ktgirl | Feb 12, 2023
In reply to @sueinmn "@ktgirl - Oops, just posted a long response and my computer "ate it." After 5 joint..." + (show)
@sueinmn

@ktgirl - Oops, just posted a long response and my computer "ate it." After 5 joint replacement surgeries and numerous other joint surgeries, I was advised to stay off steroids for 12 weeks if possible, 6 weeks minimum. My daughter had to resume hers (for severe asthma) 2 weeks after surgery on a fracture - at 14 months, she still has only 80% healing and cannot have the hardware removed.

So it definitely suppresses healing - can you wait a few more weeks?
Sue

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I do see my rheumatologist March 2nd so I will try and wait until then. Like I said I don't want to slow down the healing process. I'm not sure what he will suggest as far as taking Orencia again.
So you have had many joint surgeries. Have you had anything done to an elbow? I had surgery on my left elbow a couple years ago to clean out that joint. The surgeon at Mayo worked for three hours on it and it didn't help at all. I'm sure the next step is a replacement. I really don't want to do that.

REPLY
1 reply
Mentor
Sue, Volunteer Mentor | @sueinmn | Feb 12, 2023
In reply to @ktgirl "I do see my rheumatologist March 2nd so I will try and wait until then. Like..." + (show)
@ktgirl

I do see my rheumatologist March 2nd so I will try and wait until then. Like I said I don't want to slow down the healing process. I'm not sure what he will suggest as far as taking Orencia again.
So you have had many joint surgeries. Have you had anything done to an elbow? I had surgery on my left elbow a couple years ago to clean out that joint. The surgeon at Mayo worked for three hours on it and it didn't help at all. I'm sure the next step is a replacement. I really don't want to do that.

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Not yet - according to my ortho surgeon, you and I are in the "unlucky 10%" of arthritis patients with elbows affected. So far injections , stretch & strengthen and caution have worked for me.
Good luck maaking it to 6 weeks...
Sue

REPLY
1 reply
blm1007blm1007 | @blm1007blm1007 | Feb 29 8:59pm
In reply to @sueinmn "Not yet - according to my ortho surgeon, you and I are in the "unlucky 10%"..." + (show)
@sueinmn

Not yet - according to my ortho surgeon, you and I are in the "unlucky 10%" of arthritis patients with elbows affected. So far injections , stretch & strengthen and caution have worked for me.
Good luck maaking it to 6 weeks...
Sue

Jump to this post

Sue not sure where to post this but the question if about Prednisone.
I believe I read that you have had ear problems in the past.
I had Covid for the first time this month and per my UT Tyler pulmonologists direction, I took Paxlovid. Was too frightened not to with the BE. I believe it, the Paxlovid, did help in bringing up and out a very light yellow/green mucus.
Since finishing the Paxlovid for the Covid I had a temporary mild shooting pain in the ear which has come and gone quickly. However my one ear feels like it is “clogged.” Had congestion in the nostril for a few days…that is not happening any longer….no longer feel like there is gunk in my nostrils that needs to be blown out. However because I do have a feeling of my ear being “clogged” since the Covid and Paxlovid I went to a ENT (Ear only, specialist) and he indicated fluid/inflammation in the Eustachian tube. He has suggested Afrin Nasal Spray, Saline Nasal Spray and Prednisone. I asked if I could use a Netti Pot instead of the Saline Nasal Spray, he O.K’d that.
I am not on Anti-biotics for infections at this time nor any other medications.
I do the Vest and 7% saline solution 2x a day….missed a couple of times this week due to just learning how to handle it all with consideration for things that come up some days that affect ones time in the day and causes me to be off track.
I will probably start the Afrin and the Netti Pot in the next day or two however I am holding off on the Prednisone. I also want to let my UT pulmonologist understand what is going on and the suggestion of the Prednisone before I start it.
Sue with your experiences, understandings etc. what is your opinion/belief and thoughts about the Afrin/Netti Pot and mostly Prednisone for the ENT's diagnosis and prescription for the problem?

REPLY
1 reply
Mentor
Sue, Volunteer Mentor | @sueinmn | Feb 29 9:36pm
In reply to @blm1007blm1007 "Sue not sure where to post this but the question if about Prednisone. I believe I..." + (show)
@blm1007blm1007

Sue not sure where to post this but the question if about Prednisone.
I believe I read that you have had ear problems in the past.
I had Covid for the first time this month and per my UT Tyler pulmonologists direction, I took Paxlovid. Was too frightened not to with the BE. I believe it, the Paxlovid, did help in bringing up and out a very light yellow/green mucus.
Since finishing the Paxlovid for the Covid I had a temporary mild shooting pain in the ear which has come and gone quickly. However my one ear feels like it is “clogged.” Had congestion in the nostril for a few days…that is not happening any longer….no longer feel like there is gunk in my nostrils that needs to be blown out. However because I do have a feeling of my ear being “clogged” since the Covid and Paxlovid I went to a ENT (Ear only, specialist) and he indicated fluid/inflammation in the Eustachian tube. He has suggested Afrin Nasal Spray, Saline Nasal Spray and Prednisone. I asked if I could use a Netti Pot instead of the Saline Nasal Spray, he O.K’d that.
I am not on Anti-biotics for infections at this time nor any other medications.
I do the Vest and 7% saline solution 2x a day….missed a couple of times this week due to just learning how to handle it all with consideration for things that come up some days that affect ones time in the day and causes me to be off track.
I will probably start the Afrin and the Netti Pot in the next day or two however I am holding off on the Prednisone. I also want to let my UT pulmonologist understand what is going on and the suggestion of the Prednisone before I start it.
Sue with your experiences, understandings etc. what is your opinion/belief and thoughts about the Afrin/Netti Pot and mostly Prednisone for the ENT's diagnosis and prescription for the problem?

Jump to this post

Sorry, this really is a question for your pulmonologist and ENT. I have had many years of ear/sinus issues, and have fond what works for one does not necessarily work for someone else, even in my own family.

When it comes to treatments, I try to listen to my body, and try doctor's recommendations one at a time so I know what is helping or what I may be reacting to.
Do you think that might work for you?
Sue

REPLY
1 reply
blm1007blm1007 | @blm1007blm1007 | Mar 1 7:17am
In reply to @sueinmn "Sorry, this really is a question for your pulmonologist and ENT. I have had many years..." + (show)
@sueinmn

Sorry, this really is a question for your pulmonologist and ENT. I have had many years of ear/sinus issues, and have fond what works for one does not necessarily work for someone else, even in my own family.

When it comes to treatments, I try to listen to my body, and try doctor's recommendations one at a time so I know what is helping or what I may be reacting to.
Do you think that might work for you?
Sue

Jump to this post

Thanks Sue for the reply.
As always per your experiences and other individual's statements...we all experience meds etc. differently.
Yes, one at a time.
Going to concentrate on natural remedy with the common supplements for inflammation/cold and therefore ones that are always O.K./approved by PCP etc. etc. I only take supplements that we do understand, chemically, that we need or are typically suggested by REPUTABLE medical facilities and doctors. Have an enjoyable weekend.

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