Thread: Could it be?
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Old 05-20-2014, 10:56 PM
en bloc's Avatar
en bloc en bloc is offline
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en bloc en bloc is offline
Senior Member
en bloc's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Shenandoah Mountains, VA
Posts: 1,250
10 yr Member
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I think you know my opinion on whether the steroids is causing the high BP, high cholesterol, ketones, and of course it is causing the osteoporosis. I would say it's very possible on the first three, and probable/likely on the last one...which was the entire reason for getting off Cymbalta.

125mg every other week is significant...very significant. Do you mind sharing your dose of IVIG? I wonder if you can possibly drop the steroids down, while still getting the benefit of no/limited reactions (which is the purpose). I would discuss with your doctor about minimally dropping the steroids before your next infusion...and see how you do. If ok, then drop more the next time...and so on.

Have you had problems with reactions (ANY) either during or after the infusion? If not, then I bet you can drop that dose considerably without effecting the benefit. I'm not saying to eliminate it (cause you need it)...I'm saying to use the LEAST amount possible to achieve the same infusion goals.

I would also use your last bone density as a base to compare with another in 6 months or so (with a lower dose steroids) and see if your bone density improves. I would also journal your BP readings and cholesterol numbers & ketones and see how they improve as you drop steroid amounts. The proof is in the pudding, as they say. It can't hurt to try.
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