A few quick questions

Star2001

Hello. It's been a while. I will come back in a day or so to explain my current situation but, just to get me through this wierd day, can anyone tell me what to expect on Prednisolone (15mg for 14 days, 10 for 14 days then 5 for 14 days) - dramatic relief? many side effects?
And, as I am starting my first DMARD, how long do you think it might take before the nurse sends for me? Is there usually another long wait ahead? Sorry if I'm being vague but just taking things in and want to get the first week covered.
Thankyou.

stickywicket

Hello again, Star2001. I can't answer your second question as I was started on methotrexate over 10 years ago and seem to remember it was a matter of Take this script to the hospital pharmacy.

But pred is a different matter. People react differently and it doesn't work for all. However, give me 15 mgs for 10 days and I will spring clean your house, walk 5 miles per day and party all night. That's a slight exaggeration but you get my drift.

They have presumably been given to tide you over until the metotrexate starts working, which can be as much as a couple of months.

All I can say is, enjoy it while it lasts. I know I would.

tillytop

Hello Star

For me, oral pred has always worked miraculously and quickly and I have always been able to rely on it to give dramatic relief within a matter of hours - depending on the level of inflammation and the dose of course. I don't know your current situation, but 15mg is a reasonable dose so I really hope it will help you. In terms of side effects, I wouldn't expect many over the fairly short course you have been prescribed. For me, anything over about 10mg tends to keep me awake, but then if you take yours in the morning, as is usually recommended, hopefully you will find that isn't a problem for you.

In terms of the wait for the DMARD - that's a bit of a "how long is a piece of string" question because I guess it depends on how organised your rheumatology dept is. Hopefully you won't have to wait too long because the sooner you can get started the better, since DMARDS tend to take a while to get into your system.

Really hope the pred helps you - and good luck with the DMARD.

Tillyxxx

frogmorton

Hi Star

just popping in to see if you have started on the oral steoids??? and if you have noticed anything??

Like Sticky l was given a prescription and a leaflet and went home to start my DMRAD straight away.

Sounds like good practise though so you will 'know' the rheumatology nurses straight away.

Love

Toni xx

dreamdaisy

Pred. I love pred. I took a dose of 20mgs at 2pm on a dreary day in late February 2007 and by 6pm I could not believe the difference. Gorgeous, gorgeous stuff. From the doses you mention and the timescale I doubt that side effects will be a factor, but I hope it helps you feel better. As for the DMARDs, I was given a prescription and off I went, got it and started. I wish you well and I hope things settle for you soon. DD

barbara12

Hi Star
Sorry I cant help with the meds, but I just want add my support and wish you well with them x

julie47

Hi Star

I remember about 20 years ago that I took a course of steroid tablet and was weaned off them like you, but I can not remember the name. I do remember though that they were marvelous.

I want to wish you well and hope that the new med helps.

Take care
Juliepf x

Star2001

Hello again and thanks for all the advice and messages of support I took a couple of days to get used to things as, despite having been keen to get started with some sort of "proper" treatment, when the consultant finally told me what was going on and what he intended to do I was a bit overwhelmed. How silly is that when I had already been told we were looking at RA? Anyway, a few things have happened since I was here last. Different pains and swollen leg as well as my painful fingers (I am used to the pain in my hands now I think but it's not nice at all) but lately not much worse than usual. I saw the consultant finally this week and he scanned my hands while I was in his room as the swelling he noticed was not consistant with the results of my last scan. Immediately he said that, yes, I have RA and he pointed out all the fluid between my joints which showed up on the screen and the red parts which were inflammation sites. He is starting me on Sulfasalazine (I have to go and see the nurse for that when she sends for me) and gave me Prednisolone to take for six weeks to dampen the inflammation down. I took my first 15mg dose this morning and, from some of the replies I've had, I expect good things! I think I had got it into my head that this could rumble on for ages as a suspected diagnosis rather than a firm one despite what I was told at my first appointment because some of my tests seemed to be normal or borderline. I had started to wonder if it was fairly normal to have painful hands at my age but deep down I knew it wasn't the osteoarthritis. That particular pain is reserved for my knees, ankles and fingertips! Anyway, that's it now, I know where I am going but will still need to ask questions along the way. I would love to hear how people have managed the side effects of Sulfasalazine and Prednisolone. I am going to presume I won't get any
Thanks again to all of you for replying. Hope you are all having a decent day. I expect to be up and at it in a few hours if this steroid is a s good as you say! xx

elnafinn

Hi Star

My friend is wonderwoman on the Prednisolone.

I hope you have a good weekend.

Elna x

Star2001

Ha ha! Thanks Elna, I'm gonna have to get moving now as I seem to be sitting here waiting for the miracle to occur I am so stiff and painful this morning. You have a good weekend too xx

frogmorton

Hi Star

glad you are getting treated so quickly as you say some people's diagnoses rumble and rumble!!!

there is a difference between OA and Inflammatory pain l agree 100% although l have trouble defining it in words.

I hope things ease for you soon, but expect the 'miracle' in a day or so eh? I do hope it helps you loads.

Very good attitude as far as the sulfa is concerned. Chances are you will be fine. If you do have any issues pop in here or 'search' the old sulfa threads to see what others have done.

Love and luck

Toni xx

Star2001

Thanks Toni. I think you're right, it may take a while to kick in. Am not much easier yet today and have indigestion despite taking the steroid after breakfast but I'm up and about and putting it out of my mind. Yes I do feel lucky to have such a relatively quick and easy diagnosis. I would wish that for all those in here. When I have a bit more time I am going to take your advise and find out as much about Sulphasalazine and Prednisolone as I can from this site, there's so much to read. I hope you are having a good day? xx

suzygirl

Hi Pred can cause indigestion issues, if it continues mention it to your doc as they will give you a stomach protector. Are you taking the enteric coated ones? Make sure you ask for those they are gentler on the stomach.

I took sulfa, just had mild nausea, headaches and luminous wee!!! Apart from that fine, although I have had to come off due to a reaction. Waiting to be put on a new med now.

Give the pred a couple of days to kick in, it has a lot of work to do!!! Also when you feel better try not to overdo it, tempting as it is!!

Hope you feel some relief soon

Star2001

Hi. Thanks for the advice Yes I am taking the enteric coated tablets so that should help and the indigestion seems to have settled now anyway. Sorry that the Sulfa didn't agree with you in the end and I hope you soon get something that works well for you.

frogmorton

Hi Star

Suzy is right about the stomach protecting meds. l take lanzoprazole 30mg and wouldn't be without them!

I am doing fine and hope things are a bit better for you today??

Love

Toni xx

Star2001

Hi Toni. Am still aching but ever hopeful! No indigestion today though so that's a positive. Glad you are ok