I began my dosage in November 2011 at 20 mgs per diem for 2weeks, followed by 10mgs daily for 2 weeks, followed by 7.5 mgs per diem to today.
I am to continue at 7.5 mgs per diem until end of January when a reassessment will occur. In addition to Prednisone, it was recommended that I take Ribogen ( D-ribose) one tsp per diem and I did this up until January 4th, 2012. I am now in a trial usage of MaxiEnergy, an herbal cocktail supplement that includes D-Ribose, Alpha Lipoic Acid, COq10, Acetyl-L Carnitine,Creatine Monohydrate, L-Carnosine and Ascorbic Acid (chewable).
PN symptoms in my hands have markedly diminished since November but I still manifest PN symptoms in my feet. I am hopeful the improvement will continue.

Do you think prednisone is helping or the supplements are making things better? Hope you continue to feel better! Blessings,Jan

The Prednisone is effective in reducing the inflammation in the nerve axons as well as in other sites in the body (joints, muscles etc.) The supplements help to boost the energy levels. As we age, cellular production of ATP decreases and D-Ribose helps to replace ATP levels, promoting healthier cells. Without control of the inflammatory process, nerve cell and general cellular regeneration would be much slower. In concert, these two administrations appear to be helping.

Terry, Did you gain a lot of weight from the steroids?

To the contrary, I lost weight. This was largely due to changes in diet and exercise. As I understand, Prednisone in low dosage does not normally cause weight gain or the other negative side effects attributed to this drug. It can be dangerous as long term use can supplant adrenalin production and teach the body to rely on the drug for normal adrenal gland functioning. This is generally considered by physicians in prescribing the drug. So we are being vigilant and weighing the risks in this process.

I had to google per diem

Interesting they started high and tapered down, why is that?

Thanks Terry I may discuss this with my rheumo. I am in some kind of flare right now and looking for something that may work.

So sorry, per diem is Latin for per day. I understand that the tapered regimen was ordered to more easily monitor the immediate effects of the Prednisone on the inflammatory process. As every body reacts slightly differently, it was easier for the specialist to determine the appropriate dosage. I had weekly contact with him,reporting my progress. The results and level of side effects determined the dosage. In the beginning I experienced asthma-like symptoms which diminished as my body began to tolerate, and the dosage reduced. Keep in mind that this is a dangerous drug if taken over the long term, but because of it's effectiveness in reducing inflammation, the risks were acceptable.

Finding a low maintenance dose of prednisone, is also done for some elderly arthritis patients. The dose is typically done every other day, at 2.5 or 5mg on the alternate day. This prevents suppression of the adrenal glands, and other negative things like osteoporosis risk, while still providing some anti-inflammatory
relief.

I really appreciate you, Terry, for coming on our board here and sharing your vaccine injury and how it is being treated. I think you are very lucky to have your doctor, identify it for what it was, and be open.
Some doctors, would pooh pooh, it and brush it off leaving the patient to suffer. (some doctors here in US don't like to get involved!)

Is this treatment long term eg, many years? I cant see it being short term unless there is a remission. Great post by the way, it makes total sense for me especially since my flares always occur with visible although minor swelling of the toes where its most noticeable. I know its not water because my ankles legs and knees are fine.