Any Doctors out there? Steroid use /abuse

[BosomsByTheSea]

I have psoriatic arthritis which causes a lot of pain and swelling in my hands /wrists, feet and ankles. 6 months ago I gave birth to twins. I had fertility treatment which included taking prednisolone for 4 months. The prednisolone completely wiped out the swelling and pain about 4 hours after I took the first dose. It was amazing - I felt like superwoman.

Fast forward to now and the arthritis is back - I am in near constant pain. I have some steroids left from my treatment. Would it be ridiculous to VERY occasionally (say, once a month) take 15mgs of prednisolone so I can have a pain-free day?

I have painkillers (co-codamol) but they mask rather than take away the pain, and besides they make me feel a bit out of it and I don't want to take more than a couple a day as I am bf. Because of the bf other arthritis drugs are out (sulphasalazine and other NSAIDS haven't worked for me in the past anyway).

I know it does sound a bit mad, but what would be the long-term effects of occasional low-dose steroids?

Many thanks in advance.

You need to go to the drs quick. I have arthritis and am now on quite a few drugs which all work together so now I can go to the zoo and all the other stuff you do with small children. There are now lots of new drugs and some you can take together. Last summer i was given a sterold injection to help me get through the holidays. I found in the early mouths after giving birth it was a juggle between doing to much and then getting too tried and not doing enough so getting stiff. 15mgs is a lot to take best not to take them differently to how they are prescribed. The sooner you get to the drs the sooner you can get back to being in less pain. They may give you a sterold injection while you wait for a consultant appointment. If you all ready have a consultant ring him and ask for a urgent appointment. This is a very good web site www.healthtalkonline.org/Bones_joints/Rheumatoid_Arthritis

I am now get high rate mobility (so have a nice car) and a blue badge which all helps us get out and about. Good luck well done in having twins you must be really pleased feel free to message me. There is lots of baby eqipment that made my life easier
Liz

You should go and see your GP
Are you under the care of the rheumatologists?
They would be able to advise you on this type of stuff and make sure you are on maximal treatment

Thanks Liz and Darryl, sorry to hear that you are suffering too. I think I may be overdoing it - but what can you do when you have a baby (or two ?) If they need picking up, they need picking up ! (but darn all those poppers! My poo thumbs!)

I was under the care of a rheumatologist - who prescribed NAIDS but when we started the fertility treatments I stopped seeing him because the meds were incompatible with pg. We apparently will have an 18 month 'window of fertility' during which we will TTC, after that I can go back on the arthritis meds. Though I have to admit they never seemed to have much effect! Perhaps the new ones that are out will be better.

You are right that I should go to the Doc.

poor thumbs!

(but often poo thumbs too, these days)

you should go back to your doc for advice as you shouldnt just take steroids for one day. They are normally given as a short course or long term on a reducing dose. It is dangerous to just take them on a one off as they can affect your kidneys and adrenal glands.

My husband is a psoriasis/psoriatic arthritis sufferer. I know the angst over the conception/pregnancy etc from the point of view as a wife/mother and therefore understand regarding bf.

I wouldn't take any meds without medics supervision atm. Ask your rheumatologist where you can go next. DH has had to step up to more major meds (methotrexate and injectable meds) to control symptoms. It is tough/depressing and damn painful. PCTs are a pain in the neck over funding, but there are treatments that will help. If you want to ask more questions, just give me a shout.

No actual harm from taking odd dose of prenisolone but not the correct way to take it. Have you offered any 'disease modifying agents' if not there are a range of medications around for psoriatic arthritis including stuff like rituximab/infliximab - very modern drugs which are very effective for some with intractable arthritis.

Thanks all.

No, Clench - have only been given sulphasalazine (with omeprazole to protect stomach).
Maybe they came on the scene after we TTC. Are you a Doc or a sufferer?

Hi
I have MS and have been on one 4 week course of prednisolone just before christmas. I work for the NHS and asked my gp and consultant about the side effects/frequency of taking them and was told that if I needed to take them then I had to, they do have side effects and long term usage can cause bone weakness/renal problems so your GP should send you for a bone density scan before you have any more.