True, prednisone sucks.
I use it for 2 years (and 4 months) now. My highest being 25 mg, my lowest 10 mg. That doesn't seem like much, but I weigh less then 100 pounds.
Until now, it caused me to have loads of problems.

Yes, it helps. It may even help you survive. But it sure comes with a price!

Anyway, my docs tell my my reaction is quite unusual.
And I do know people who use it for over decades and are just happy to use it!

For prednisone, it's something you have to try for yourself...sometimes it helps with a minimal of side effects, that's great! Althoughnplease keep in mind, osteoporosis and high blood pressure are two side effects that may occur, but you don't notice them immediatly...so I guess regular visits to the gp isn't expendable. And maybe a standard dosage of bisfosfonates to prevent the osteoporosis?

If you take Prednisone or equivalent, you HAVE to take Calcium AND vitamin D3 supplements + biphosphates or equivalent.
You also HAVE to take a bone density test at the beginning of the treatment in order to have a reference status and REPEAT that test every 2 years and adapt the prescriptions according to the results.
Prescribing Pred without those precautions is not professional...
Maurice.

After my ex-neuro placed me on prednisone, my internist immediately increased my Calcium+D to 1200 units daily, vitamin D3 to 1000 units daily and vitamin B12 to 1000 units daily (I had been taking calcium for years just not that high dosage). He also ordered my first bone density test in April 2010. He was right on top of what might happen. Unfortunately he retired in 2011 but his replacement appears to be taking good care of everything.

When my bone scan in April of 2012 showed the osteoporosis, he immediately placed me on Fosamax but I think things were already in motion with the weakening of my spine.

I'm truly scared about the condition of my spine. I hope that changing my orthopaedic doctor will give me some direction.

Southern Bell