Connect
← Return to The pros and cons of Prednisone
Discussion
The pros and cons of Prednisone
Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) | Last Active: Jun 14 10:13am | Replies (34)Comment receiving replies
Thanks for your kind response and I agree with you. I guess the subject matter really struck a nerve with a lot of people and I do understand it is a controversial subject!
It is hard not to have an opinion on this when I’ve had multiple medical issues where I needed prednisone. I have tried methotrexate and Arava and now my doctor would like me to try Actemra so I can get off the prednisone. Although it has helped my pain, the main adverse effect I have right now is fatigue… I’m always taking naps which is out of the norm for me and I will discuss this on my next doctor visit.. I suspect my poor adrenals are exhausted but we shall see.
Thanks again for your insight.
Replies to "Thanks for your kind response and I agree with you. I guess the subject matter really..."
Connect
Controversial subjects don't have to be toxic. A "healthy debate" is a good thing. I still get a laugh when I think about a "self proclaimed PMR expert" and long term Prednisone user like me. I never identified myself as an expert and I still don't.
That person disagreed with everything even disputing my personal experience with Actemra. We actually had more in common when compared with our differences. I weathered that person's disagreement with me. The one time I "respectfully disagreed" --- the person translated that to mean I was being disrespectful. Go figure!
Whether or not you try Actemra is a personal choice. If you do ... I hope it works for you.
My adrenals were struggling but Actemra allowed me to stay on a 3 mg dose for a long time. My 7 mg dose was a huge hurdle to overcome. I suspect that was related to my adrenals because my fatigue was off the charts. My flares often occurred at 7 mg of prednisone. My cortisol level was low but that wasn't discovered until I was on 3 mg prednisone.
Apparently, cortisol levels aren't accurate until you reach a 3 mg dose of prednisone and then only if you can hold your prednisone dose for a couple of days. Even that is debatable but that's what my endocrinologist told me.