[Panorama]

I just completed the first 2-week of phase of reducing my Prednisone dose. I was taking a 60 mg dose daily for 6 weeks. In the first phase the Prednisone dose was reduced to a 40 mg daily dose. I just started the second 2-week phase, alternating daily doses of 40 mg and 30 mg.

I did not have any of the negative effects from the reduced Prednisone that others have mentioned. The swelling in my feet and ankles has reduced and is almost normal. I am considerably less manic at the 40 mg level. My affect is flatter.

My primary MG symptoms have not returned. I continue to have a strong voice and strong jaw muscles. My upper body strength is better, although my lower body strength is a bit weak. My face, lip, mouth, and tong muscles are strong. I am able to eat real food. I have not needed any aid to keep my head upright.

I started using a cane. It is very handy. I feel more confident walking with it. It is also helpful if one need to bend over and pick something up from a lower shelf in a store or get something off the floor. I really need the cane when climbing even a few stairs. The cane is also an excellent self-defense weapon. I want to get a cane designed specifically for self defense. I may take a cane self defense class. This wil be good training and exercise.

My neurologist wanted me to cut back on Mestinon. I was able to cut it out completely. I was taking one 180 mg timespan and three 60 mg non-timespan daily. I have not needed the Mestinon. If I need it in the future, I will take it. But for now I am not having the MG symptoms and do not need it.

My sleep continues to be good. Sleep was a real problem for the first three weeks on Prednisone. I was only getting 2 or 3 hours a day. My doctor prescribed Trazodone. It helped me to get to sleep, but if awakened I could not get back to sleep. The Prednisone requires frequent trips to the bathroom, even during sleep periods. I need to make these trips every 2 to 3 hours. I looked into other options. I decided on an herbal solution, one favored by George Washington and native Americans. It has been very effective. It only takes a small amount to achieve the desired effect. I still need to get up to use the bathroom every two hours, but I can get back to sleep easily. I am now getting 7 to 8 hours of sleep daily.

-Mark-