Lung Rumble- Should I take Prednisone?

Good morning @fractured. I think that you already know your answer? A lot of people take low dose prednisone as a means to status quo. It doesn't mean the beginning of the end. It just means that your doctor thinks that you will b e more comfortable and hopefully more active.
Are you concerned that because of Covid or avoiding getting it that there will be a conflict?

@merpreb No- I'm not connecting the prednisone with covid. I'm pretty much quarintined. I'm more worried about adding a medication if not 100% needed. I guess I'm just scared because I never really felt this crackling before. My doctor said it could be that it has always been there but because I was so active my lung was able to drain without me really feeling it. I just don't want to be on prednisone forever! I had blood work a couple weeks ago and it all looked great. I just don't know if I should give it a little more time before starting it. You know,, once your one prednisone you can't just stop. How much lung crackling do you deal with before treating it? lol- it's overwhelming!! Doesn't help that I have extra time on my hands to think about every breath i take, hahaha

Fracturedd,
I believe you should have a belter/clarifying conversation with your Doctor;
I have been on a low dose prednisone for four years & counting (as high as 60 an as low as 7.5, now steady at at 10).
My immune system, while not as strong as I would like, has improved. The reason for your taking this medication is the reason not to delay.
My lung disease is in check due to the protocol.
Believe in your Doctor or find one that give you the confidence to follow their directions.
You should be your own advocate, not your own doctor.

Maybe you could have a video call with your doctor if you don't want to go out. I think all doctors are doing this now and insurance is covering it. Good luck!

@nla4625 My last phone "visit" was a couple weeks ago. We discussed the prednisone. She said if my lung "rumble" came back after i was fully weaned off she would consider putting me on a low dose long term. So here we are... Thank you!!

@spudmato I believe in my doctor. I sincerley respect her. I actually think she is brillant. I guess I feel like I could be doing more physcially, but for whatever reason I'm not. If anything she is a better doctor than I am a patient.. I hate that I don't feel well. I just emailed her so i guess if she says to start it I will. My low dose was 2.5 every other day.

Fracturedd,
You performing the basics of a good patient, caring for and about yourself.
That seems like a very acceptable "low dose" and likely has minimal side effects, if any.
You seem aware that regular exercise is beneficial to your situation, you might want to clear the program with your doctor.

Best,
John

Thank you! @spudmato Yesterday-one of the doctors emailed me back and suggested I hold off- unless it doesn't get better or worsens. Today I feel ok- I think. The office must be really busy because I'm getting mixed advice... Oh well, could be worse I suppose.

@fracturedd- I'm worried about those mixed messages that you are getting. This isn't good. I think that, at this point, you need to get your information from your doctor or his nurse. You can't make educated decisions without accurate information. Agree?

@merpreb Yes, I agree. I'm not really sure why her nurse had to consult with a PA istead of my pulmonologist. However-I'm actually feeling better! Minimal rumble yesterday, slept through the night without much interruption, and woke up and my lung felt pretty clear. I always make the suggestions to my doctor then she will approve or state why she dosen't approve. Mostly we agree. Is this not normal? I mean this is a "childhod disease", I'm now 42, but I feel like doctors really don't know how to treat me... so they mostly just monitor me. It really is strange..The hardest part is my Rheumatologist who I had a wonderful relationship with just transferred out of state at the begining of the pandemic. They really balanced each other out and that made me feel good. I don't know- I'm just gonna think positive for today- my blood work looked perfect last month so I hope that is a good indication. I'm 1year behind on my cat scan...