Prednisone side effects on partner

@carolhl12024 Carol, have you been able to work with his care team to manage his medications better?

Are you familiar with our group for caregivers of people with dementia and other cognitive issues? You can find support here as you navigate the ever-changing moods of your partner:
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/how-to-find-balance-while-caregiving/
Please reach out, we are all here to listen and support you.

Moonface, weight gain, thinning skin and bruising, personality changes, lack of libido & inability to orgasam and a whole host of reactions deep inside the body, are hallmarks of steroids. They can often keep us alive, but you're stuck between that damn rock and hard place. Make your doctors aware of just how bad this is. Get more help if you can. Good luck

There should be more honesty in what the drugs given actually do.
We never hear about it. Instead , I've seen doctors "cover up" what is actually
happening. My husband was given 60mg of Prednisone as a "preventative" . The 60 mg would then taper to nothing over a period of months. He would then take Actemra. His legs began to swell with fluid . They remained that way until both medications ended. He could no longer walk well, or play tennis as before . He is 82. The Vennous Insufficiency doctor asked him if he had been "sitting" ? He was conveniently ignoring the fact that he COULDN'T WALK FROM FLUID BUILD UP. He put "sitting down" in his diagnosis , as if we were either unable to read or to old to actually understand what he did?

I searched this topic this morning. Been married almost 24 years to my husband. In 2014 he developed rage and anger toward me for no reason. He was having false memories, paranoid behavior accusing me of stealing his money, telling me I was wrong all the time about things I was factually correct about. It began to wear me down.
Last year he had an event, to remove clots from his lungs since then he's had a strange acute and severe pain in the left side of his head. The doctor just put him on steroids 3 days ago. I told him to be aware of insomnia, irritation, etc. Lastnight over nothing, he flew into a rage and it's still there today. His anger and rage has ratcheted up by a factor of 10. I can't leave, I broke my femur and am still in recovery. I suggested he go stay at his brother's house until he finishes the meds but that caused him to get even worse.
I keep thinking all of this might have something to do with whatever is now causing that ear pain, so I'm trying to undertsand that. However, I fear for my safety now as another fall would be very bad. He's irrational I can't talk any sense into himm. He is incapable of realizing what this is doing to us. I'm at my wit's end.

Also on prednisone ,high dosage. Am following an Anti Inflammatory diet..and hope it will help side effects! Good luck

@inlimbo
Have you spoken to his brother? If he is violent and you feel threatened, you could look into having him removed from the home you share. Have you reached out to any of the domestic violence support entities or social services?

I definitely have a love hate relationship with steroids. When you really need them, for example during a flare, they are magical. But, I suffer moonface, get grumpy, gain weight, loose sleep. Etc. They are a bitter pill for sure. And the after effects last for months.

I wonder why they are keeping him on steroids so long? I'm no doctor, but I would-be tempted to get a second opinion. And be clear about the whole picture. There are more and more options out there. And, that’s a whole lot of side effect to contend with. Quality of life matters, for you and for him.

@sweetundine I have been on steroids for 10 years for my lungs. I truly can relate to you. I wanted to share with you when they wean off or down, it can make you very moody.

I'm so sorry - for both of you. I've been on steroids for 7 years and my poor husband has suffered alongside me on the increases and tapers. He tries to ignore the moods, but he and the kids have all noticed that I am irritable and go from 0-60 in a hot minute. The high doses are bad, the tapers are terrible, and everything in between isn't wonderful either. They don't call steroids "Black Magic" for no reason - it can make you feel like you're doing better in the short-term, but long-term it can eat away at your soul until you no longer recognize the person you used to be.

Have you tried talking to his doctors about the mood swings and irritability? Maybe they can try to adjust the dose or add something to address the mood variability. I'd also suggest perhaps addressing your own needs. As a caregiver, you can't burn out or you'll be no good to him either. Perhaps find a therapist who can guide you through what you're dealing with. There are therapists who specialize in dealing in chronic illness for the patient as well as caregiver. If not a therapist, perhaps a local support group. Don't forget to take care of yourself as you matter too. XO