My doc put me on prednisone Fall 2008. Although I am not a stranger to it, since I have asthma, it was definitely a pain to get used to.

First it was the rapid heart beats, then the night sweats, then the appetite urges, then here comes the weight.

I was sleeping erratically because every time I laid down I couldn't go to sleep because my heart beating would wake me up, and trust me when I say this was aggravating because I can sleep through a hurricane. Then once I finally went to sleep I was sweating so bad my sheets would stick to me. So I learned to take my pill when I woke up so by night the pounding would stop and to ALWAYS have a fan on.

The next thing I knew I had an appetite that would put a pregnant woman to shame. I would wake up in the middle of the night wanting a hot fudge sundae or a third helping of dinner. Before I knew it I was gaining 3 to 5 pounds a week. I went from 185 to 225 in about 4 months. I got to the point where I had to take hoodia to curb my appetite.

Even though it has been about 8 months since I have been off of Prednisone and I still have another 10lbs to lose.

As far as the medical benefit, i did not see any difference so I tapered myself off the drug which seemed very long and agonizing. NOTE: If you just stop taking it cold turkey, it is not only dangerous, but the withdrawal symptoms are VERY unbearable.

Hope this helps!

Stephanie