Steroids have both long term and short term side effects. The long term side effects can happen after 1 use or many uses. Some of the long term side effects are:

Cataracts
Glaucoma
Cushings Disease
Diabetes
Aseptic necrosis
Osteoporosis

The more you use steroids the less effective they will become. Steroids can be helpful and sometimes necessary but steroids DO come with risks.

I have had 5 exacerbations and have only used steroids for 2 of them and the other 3 I waited out. I prefer not using steroids if at all possble.

volada, I have two canes...I hate canes. If I use anything for balance and mobility I prefer to use Trekking Poles.