Prednisone is a synthetic corticosteroid drug that is used to
treat a variety of conditions. In
my case, I was on it for several years as part of the issues infections I
fought from 2009 through 2013. I
had fluid accumulation in the brain and a type of inflammation in
both eyes.
Essentially, Prednisone mimicked my body’s natural hormones, which the adrenal glands produce. When
prescribed in significant doses, Prednisone helps suppress
inflammation. I also called
it the pregnant zone, as it really impacted me with weight gain. I have been off the medicine for over
two years, and I am finally feeling closer to normal again!
What I have experienced is
withdrawal. I think my body and
brain became dependent on Prednisone for everyday functioning. I was not a high dose, only 30-40 mg
per day.
When I went off Prednisone,
it was cold turkey. I had significant withdrawal
issues. They say it takes time for the body to make cortical on its
own again. Cortisol stimulates gluconeogenesis (glucose formation), activating antistress and anti-inflammatory pathways. For a few years, I have had significant
inflammatory issues! I think this
was a major cause. I also have
many issues I believe are related to Prednisone withdrawal. They include:
- Weight gain is the most dreaded side–effects of steroid use. In addition to causing weight gain, Prednisone leads to a redistribution of body fat to undesirable places, particularly the face, back of the neck, and abdomen. I have never been heavier than when I was on or coming off Prednisone!
- My recent history of intense abdominal pain is a common withdrawal symptom. The pain when I stopped taking Prednisone was debilitating at times. Now, it is just a little pain, occasionally.
- I often felt depressed! My anxiety level was sky-high. My son was driven nuts by my anxiety, yet I could never tell him of the issues I was having. It is my problem, not his.
- The worst has been severe body aches. I felt, at times, I was unable to move.
- As part of three withdrawals, I would have dizziness at a life-impacting level.
- The most pressing issue was fatigue. I am expected to deal with extreme fatigue and low energy levels, as I no longer have adequate amounts of cortisol to provide the body with energy.
- I do not have headaches, but in the past few years, I have had some headaches that would hurt more if I so much as blinked.
- Another issue is suicidal thoughts. While I never thought about actually taking the next step, I would rush across a bridge as I thought about leaping off the side. This was really bad when I first discontinued Prednisone use.
- A frustrating issue was muscle weakness and the overall sense of malaise.
I
have read quite a bit about Prednisone withdrawal. In some cases, it has taken 12 to 24 months before experiencing a complete “recovery”
back to homeostasis. I am 28 months old, and finally, I feel like an end is in
sight. I hope I am right and
things will look up in 2017. Only
more time will tell.
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