Prednisone use

I have been on prednisone sinse 2016 . I was on a daily dose for about 2 years then went to 3 times a wk. The end of Oct I suffered from bronchitis that sent me into a severe exacerbation that put me in the hospital for 2 days. Now I'm back on it full time again . Prednisone and Singulair have been very helpful for me on top of my inhalers.

Prednisone is hard on my system. I have been on it again now for 6 months due to an autoimmune disorder. I get what my doctor calls "Moon face" and gain a lot of weight while on it. Sort term it is not bad, but having to be on it full time, and using other steroids at the same time is miserable to me. See if the doctor can give you another medication instead of prednisone, but if that is the best solution, then I would do what the doctor says.

I was hospitalized Jan 11-14 and given Prednisone in addition to my Trelegy Elipta, and albuterol and atrivent nebulizer treatment. Was prescribed the dosepak to ween off for a week. I started feeling bad with various symptoms fearing pneumonia which I've had twice before but no fever. Took my temp and it was 96.5 which concerned me. With research discovered that in older patients with underlying conditions a lower temp can be a sign of pneumonia. So went to ER, battery of tests including CT with contrast. Good news, no Covid, flu or signs of pneumonia. However I could not walk more than 2 or 3 ft without severe SOB. And my WBC was slightly increased. Admitted Jan 24-26. Put on Prednisone and antibiotic, xanax, clonazepam depending on anxiety level, magnesium iv. Given prednisone Rx 20 mg, instructions to take 2 with breakfast. I was able to start walking thru my home with short rest stops. But by 3rd day noticed my breathing got much more difficult in evening. Breathing exercises, anxiety med, Oxycodone for pain, didnt help. And no. Those medications dont effect my breathing negatively they improve it. I had asked my pulmonologist for "emergency " prednisone to have at home last June after my second major exasperation with pneumonia. They are 10mg. I started taking 1 of those at about 7 or 8 at night and it stopped me from having more severe breathing problems all night. So in my case Prednisone really helps, I dont get the moon face, it actually gives me some extra energy and I wish it would make me gain weight cause my weight still drops even with high calorie protein shakes n lots of small meals. I'm currently in Palliative care but have been recommended to start hospice. But that's another story. Send good thoughts this way cause I'm fighting this as hard as I can to be here in April for the birth of my first grandchild.

At one point during my COPD journey I was on 60mg of Prednisone daily plus higher doses IV when exacerbations put me in hospital on ventilator. I eventually was weened off. Daily Prednisone is bad for your health. I now don't have many teeth left due to too much Prednisone use. My hair has changed and skin is much more dry. The occasional use is important for correcting breathing problems but only a limited amount. Hope this was helpful for you.