Went to the dr
Question:
My pain management dr is a family physician who is interested in chronic pain management. Seems the rheumies I’ve seen are always eager to offer prednisone, cortisone shots or other types of steroids instead of pain meds. Never made sense to me. Also, the rheumies I’ve seen have never offered sleep meds or anything else like that even though the sleep disorder goes along with the fibro. Pain meds have given me my life back. I can somewhat function again. I’ve done the whole physical therapy route, hot baths, exercise, etc….. but when I hurt, I hurt. And thank goodness I don’t have to hoard my meds for special occasions. My dr is amazing!!!! His patients are very blessed to have him!!! Nicole
Response:
The other one was Norflex. Thanks for the info. I see my dr on the 21st. I hope the steroids help you until then. Dawn "Nicole H" <nhighto…@bak.rr.comREMOVE> wrote in message
news:Cetna.296568$9G.31243522@twister.socal.rr.com… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Yes I get muscle relaxers and pain meds from my pain dr. I’ve been in his > pain management program for over 5 months…. this is the first flare I’ve > ever asked for steroids! That’s how long and how bad it was. I was maxed > out on my pain meds due to the tylenol and my pain dr is 2 hrs away so I > couldn’t make the drive up there. I see him the 29th of this month. > I’ve been using Zanaflex 4mg two to three times a day for a couple years > now. Zanaflex has worked the best for me so far. > Nicole > "kendawn" <kend…@samlink.com> wrote in message > news:lslna.60$V2.3190@eagle.america.net… > > Hi Nicole, > > Did you get your muscle relaxers from your pain management dr? What do > you > > take and does it help? I’ve tried flexeril and something else and neither > > did much good. > > TIA, > > Dawn > > "Nicole H" <nhighto…@bak.rr.comREMOVE> wrote in message > > news:vi9na.286474$9G.30203620@twister.socal.rr.com… > > > No, we said the big cortisone shot IM are 3 in a lifetime… and also > > > mentioned that into joints, isn’t much more. I think he’s just being > > > cautious….. I’m going to ask my pain management dr about it and see > what > > > he says. > > > The rheumies here will give you an IM cortisone shot every month rather > > than > > > give pain meds…. I already take lots of pain meds and muscle > > relaxers….. > > > this was the first time I have ever asked for steroids. That’s how bad > > I’m > > > flaring! Ugh > > > Nicole > > > "J" <BlueGr…@example.com> wrote in message > > > news:3E9CDF28.59E92676@execulink.com… > > > > Hi nicole, > > > > I’m sorry about the troubles you’re having with doctor. > > > > The 3/lifetime is in joints. I get them in my shoulder. > > > > he’s a very mixed up doctor, in my opinion. (unless you’re talking > about > > > in the > > > > joints). > > > > Hugs > > > > J > > > > Nicole H wrote: > > > > > The dr who manages my lupus isn’t a rheumy… I’ll start with that. > > The > > > > > rheumies here are horrible! > > > > > the dr I saw, said he’d give me a cortisone shot, but to remember > that > > I > > > can > > > > > only have 3 in a lifetime. I laughed and said a rheumy will give me > a > > > > > cortisone shot every month. > > > > > Anyways….. I decided to try the Medrol Dose Pack instead. If I > > still > > > > > don’t feel better by Thurs/Fri, I can go back in and get the shot. > He > > > told > > > > > me not to wait this long. > > > > > To be honest, I HATE steroids…. hate them! But I have been > feeling > > > so > > > > > bad, I don’t care. > > > > > I’m so worried about the side effects I’m tired of feeling this way > > too. > > > > > Know what I mean? > > > > > Thanks for the info!!! > > > > > Nicole
Response:
Shelagh wrote: > No one should have to endure unrelenting pain; especially having tried > all the alternatives without any let up. The meds are available through > the doctors and up here in BC in Canada, they are very strictly > prescribed through triplicate scripts which go through the BCMA for > screening to make sure no one gets what they don’t *need or becomes an > *addict due to sloppy doctoring. > I do understand ‘rebound’ with narcotics but there is a way of avoiding > that too…. *drug ‘holidays’ lessen the chances of that happening. > I take prednisone and chloroquin but due to my physical problems -aside > from lupus – I have moderate to severe pain ongoing which progressively > worsens (and always will) and am treated for it appropriately. It is > because of that that I live a quality filled life.
Drug holidays are a good idea, Shelagh. Glad your doctors are reasonable about that. And glad their protrocol gives you a quality filled life. I guess there is sloppy doctoring out there and/or street drug problems. (probably here too). My niece’s (now) ex-boyfriend tore up our family for over several years, over pain meds and his messes. No idea where he is since she got him out of her life, I’m glad about that, but he was a charming young man and I think of him often. Hope he’s okay. J
Response:
I don’t know the dosage. We didn’t get that far. He made his suggestions and I took it into consideration and accepted his offer. But I trust him and I know I don’t trust the rhuemies around here. I am feeling so much better, it’s truly amazing! I slept like a brick last night. I’m sorry you don’t find relie with pain meds. I would be bed ridden without them. My children are young, I’m young and so is my dh. We’re entitled to a life and we try to live it to it’s fullest, making adjustments when needed….. but suffering every day is not good for the body or the soul. Nicole
Response:
BJ wrote: > You are wise to avoid the pred, if at all possible. I could be wrong, but I > am getting the impression that the drug is offered more readily in the U.S. > than it would be in Canada. The rheumies in Sask won’t give it to anyone > unless there is organ involvement. They don’t give pain meds much either > except under those conditions. They seem to have a "learn to live with it" > attitude. They are overloaded with patients, because there are so few of > them. Perhaps they only take time on the more severe cases. I actually don’t > take any pain meds, except neurontin for my neuro pain. I guess I do my own > pain management. I time my hot baths, exercise, etc. I rarely take a > Tylenol. I don’t think we even have a pain clinic or doc here. I like the > idea of that though.
( ( ( BJ ) ) ) Seems like we’re in the same boat as they say (for pain managment), I feel for you. There’s 2 pain management places here, one gives lidocaine shots for fibro IM. And some instructions on relaxation and some exercises to do, as best I can recall from the lady who is going there. She takes no other meds for pain. She has FM and RA and bunch of other stuff. The other pain clinic is at the University. They focus on "Pain management involves diagnosing the original source of the pain such as nerve injury, muscular or arthritic pain, and setting out a treatment plan that may include medications, physiotherapy, nerve blocks or changes in work environment. Accompanying sleep problems, anxiety and depression are also treated and often, psychologists become involved to teach coping strategies to the individual." from here http://comms.uwo.ca/wnews/stories/2002/feb/18-22/pain.htm (since I can’t find the exact website). IIRC it’s a 30-day all day program and the focus is getting people mobile and back to work or working better by means of coping skills (mostly). I do know (of) some fibro people who do get heavier duty meds, but they have complicating factors and got in early with rheumys down here. Most of us can’t get to rheumys at all here. Oh well, I have some (limited) pain meds, I just save them for the "worstest" possible times. It’s hard to know when that’ll be LOL Hope you have painfree days, BJ Hugs J
Response:
I agree with you Nicole. No one should have to endure unrelenting pain; especially having tried all the alternatives without any let up. The meds are available through the doctors and up here in BC in Canada, they are very strictly prescribed through triplicate scripts which go through the BCMA for screening to make sure no one gets what they don’t *need or becomes an *addict due to sloppy doctoring. I do understand ‘rebound’ with narcotics but there is a way of avoiding that too…. *drug ‘holidays’ lessen the chances of that happening. I take prednisone and chloroquin but due to my physical problems -aside from lupus – I have moderate to severe pain ongoing which progressively worsens (and always will) and am treated for it appropriately. It is because of that that I live a quality filled life. Good luck with your treatments and medications! — Hugs from Shelagh http://continue.to/lupus "Nicole H" <nhighto…@bak.rr.comREMOVE> wrote in message
news:2FFna.529$i_3.78710@twister.socal.rr.com… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I’m not cross posting so I don’t know. > My dr said 3 IM steroid injection in one lifetime. It’s the adrenal glad > that you have to worry about not soft tissue damage. He said the adrenal > gland shuts down for 9 months for every IM steroid injection… not one into > a joint. > I know Medrol and Pred are both steroids. I have avoided them until now. > For fear of their side effects….. but I’m doing a dose pack because I’m in > such a flare. My dr had no problem giving me the Medrol along w/my pain > meds, muscle relaxers and other meds. > I try the rest, relaxation, massage, etc, etc…. but it’s never enough. I > feel that I shouldn’t have to walk around in pain so I don’t. In fact, no > one should have to "live with" the pain. It’s not right! > I don’t understand how taking opiods gives rebound effect. For me, it > either helps with the pain, or like right now, it’s not touching the pain > despite higher doses. > Nicole > "J" <BlueGr…@example.com> wrote in message > news:3E9E771E.BD0D3B63@execulink.com… > > Nicole > > 3/joint/location, (for whoever was posting about that) > > you’ve got lots of muscles anywhere in your body, so there’s no reason > that a > > different location can be picked so soft tissue damage doesn’t occur in > one > > location. > > Medrol is steroid. > > Prednisone is steroid. > > http://www.rxlist.com/cgi/generic/methprd_wcp.htm > > As far as I know, they all carry the same risks including osteoporosis. > > The dose and frequency may be important in that aspect. (ie if you only > have > > the occasional injection and you have your ovaries and/or are on hormone > > replacement and/or don’t have other risks like familial osteoporosis), > then it > > may be minimal (as far as osteoporosis goes). > > I’m getting a little lost in all this because you too post to more than > one > > newsgroup. > > I wonder how many here take both heavy-duty pain meds AND steroids. > > Seems to me one or the other should suffice. > > I think that’s why someone mentioned combining steroid with immuran > instead? > > Here’s the deal, from my POV. > > If you have fibro and Lupus, it’s dangerous to treat you with meds for > fibro and > > with meds for Lupus (at the same time). > > You either have more fibro symptoms and treat it that way, or treat to > prevent > > organ damage (and symptoms) in Lupus. > > One or the other. > > My joints and hands have been killing me this week, but I know why. > Overdoing. > > Point? I wouldn’t go in and ask my doc for steroids, I need to rest. Nor > would > > he give me heavy-duty meds (like opiods etc), he and my pain doctor would > say > > "take a break, rest, do relaxation and physio, walk, put up with the > fibro". > > And I do have severe osteoarthritis pain too. I think their approaches are > > sensible, though it’s not easy, I must admit. > > So you have to know exactly what you’re trying to treat and what’s perhaps > being > > missed. > > I’m not a very popular person on the fibro newsgroup because I say much > like > > devstar (Devin Starlynl (sp?), for uncomplicated fibro, a good > antidepressant > > and moving around should suffice. I think a lot of the FM’ers (on > heavy-duty > > pain meds) are getting "rebound" pain and don’t understand the whole > concept of > > that. > > Just my opinion. > > J > > Nicole H wrote: > > > No, I’m not. I’ve never tried it. Have been offered it many times but > > > always declined due to the long term side effects. > > > I’m in pain management because my pain is so severe (on and off of > course, > > > nothing could be normal) so that’s pretty much taken care of…. but my > pain > > > was breaking thru and I was already maxed on the pain meds…. and my > pain > > > dr is 2 hrs away… so I asked for the Medrol. Hope it works soon! > > > Nicole > > > "BJ" <B…@sk.nojunk.ca> wrote in message > > > news:v9qr1bhfn59j1a@corp.supernews.com… > > > > Hi Nicole, > > > > Sorry, but I can’t remember if you are already on oral pred or not. If > > > not, > > > > could the doc try a round of that? I do that sometimes. I take 20mgs > for a > > > > week, then down to 15mgs for a week, then 10mgs, ending with 5mgs. It > will > > > > give you a good idea if pred is the right drug, and if it will work > for > > > you. > > > > It won’t cause any long term side effects if taken for that length of > > > time. > > > > I stay on 5mgs all of the time, but that is only because it keeps my > blood > > > > problems somewhat under control. I don’t use it for pain. I just live > with > > > > that, and try to keep walking as much as I can. I wish they could find > > > > something that would help with your pain/flare. It is tough, isn’t it? > Let > > > > us know how it is going. > > > > BJ-Sk. Canada > > > > "Nicole H" <nhighto…@bak.rr.comREMOVE> wrote in message > > > > news:a74na.286343$9G.29850054@twister.socal.rr.com… > > > > > The dr who manages my lupus isn’t a rheumy… I’ll start with that. > The > > > > > rheumies here are horrible! > > > > > the dr I saw, said he’d give me a cortisone shot, but to remember > that I > > > > can > > > > > only have 3 in a lifetime. I laughed and said a rheumy will give me > a > > > > > cortisone shot every month. > > > > > Anyways….. I decided to try the Medrol Dose Pack instead. If I > still > > > > > don’t feel better by Thurs/Fri, I can go back in and get the shot. > He > > > > told > > > > > me not to wait this long. > > > > > To be honest, I HATE steroids…. hate them! But I have been > feeling > > > so > > > > > bad, I don’t care. > > > > > I’m so worried about the side effects I’m tired of feeling this way > too. > > > > > Know what I mean? > > > > > Thanks for the info!!! > > > > > Nicole
Response:
- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Nicole H wrote: > My dr said 3 IM steroid injection in one lifetime. It’s the adrenal glad > that you have to worry about not soft tissue damage. He said the adrenal > gland shuts down for 9 months for every IM steroid injection… not one into > a joint. > I know Medrol and Pred are both steroids. I have avoided them until now. > For fear of their side effects….. but I’m doing a dose pack because I’m in > such a flare. My dr had no problem giving me the Medrol along w/my pain > meds, muscle relaxers and other meds. > I try the rest, relaxation, massage, etc, etc…. but it’s never enough. I > feel that I shouldn’t have to walk around in pain so I don’t. In fact, no > one should have to "live with" the pain. It’s not right! > I don’t understand how taking opiods gives rebound effect. For me, it > either helps with the pain, or like right now, it’s not touching the pain > despite higher doses.
Well, I can’t speak for you Nicole, but if I take pain meds, I don’t know my limits, so when I stop (taking them), I go into a flare. (Fibro). Thanks about the adrenal, I’ll have to look that up and see what I can find. What strength of injection was he proposing and frequency? (before I start researching) please. ta J
Response:
I’m not cross posting so I don’t know. My dr said 3 IM steroid injection in one lifetime. It’s the adrenal glad that you have to worry about not soft tissue damage. He said the adrenal gland shuts down for 9 months for every IM steroid injection… not one into a joint. I know Medrol and Pred are both steroids. I have avoided them until now. For fear of their side effects….. but I’m doing a dose pack because I’m in such a flare. My dr had no problem giving me the Medrol along w/my pain meds, muscle relaxers and other meds. I try the rest, relaxation, massage, etc, etc…. but it’s never enough. I feel that I shouldn’t have to walk around in pain so I don’t. In fact, no one should have to "live with" the pain. It’s not right! I don’t understand how taking opiods gives rebound effect. For me, it either helps with the pain, or like right now, it’s not touching the pain despite higher doses. Nicole "J" <BlueGr…@example.com> wrote in message
news:3E9E771E.BD0D3B63@execulink.com… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Nicole > 3/joint/location, (for whoever was posting about that) > you’ve got lots of muscles anywhere in your body, so there’s no reason that a > different location can be picked so soft tissue damage doesn’t occur in one > location. > Medrol is steroid. > Prednisone is steroid. > http://www.rxlist.com/cgi/generic/methprd_wcp.htm > As far as I know, they all carry the same risks including osteoporosis. > The dose and frequency may be important in that aspect. (ie if you only have > the occasional injection and you have your ovaries and/or are on hormone > replacement and/or don’t have other risks like familial osteoporosis), then it > may be minimal (as far as osteoporosis goes). > I’m getting a little lost in all this because you too post to more than one > newsgroup. > I wonder how many here take both heavy-duty pain meds AND steroids. > Seems to me one or the other should suffice. > I think that’s why someone mentioned combining steroid with immuran instead? > Here’s the deal, from my POV. > If you have fibro and Lupus, it’s dangerous to treat you with meds for fibro and > with meds for Lupus (at the same time). > You either have more fibro symptoms and treat it that way, or treat to prevent > organ damage (and symptoms) in Lupus. > One or the other. > My joints and hands have been killing me this week, but I know why. Overdoing. > Point? I wouldn’t go in and ask my doc for steroids, I need to rest. Nor would > he give me heavy-duty meds (like opiods etc), he and my pain doctor would say > "take a break, rest, do relaxation and physio, walk, put up with the fibro". > And I do have severe osteoarthritis pain too. I think their approaches are > sensible, though it’s not easy, I must admit. > So you have to know exactly what you’re trying to treat and what’s perhaps being > missed. > I’m not a very popular person on the fibro newsgroup because I say much like > devstar (Devin Starlynl (sp?), for uncomplicated fibro, a good antidepressant > and moving around should suffice. I think a lot of the FM’ers (on heavy-duty > pain meds) are getting "rebound" pain and don’t understand the whole concept of > that. > Just my opinion. > J > Nicole H wrote: > > No, I’m not. I’ve never tried it. Have been offered it many times but > > always declined due to the long term side effects. > > I’m in pain management because my pain is so severe (on and off of course, > > nothing could be normal) so that’s pretty much taken care of…. but my pain > > was breaking thru and I was already maxed on the pain meds…. and my pain > > dr is 2 hrs away… so I asked for the Medrol. Hope it works soon! > > Nicole > > "BJ" <B…@sk.nojunk.ca> wrote in message > > news:v9qr1bhfn59j1a@corp.supernews.com… > > > Hi Nicole, > > > Sorry, but I can’t remember if you are already on oral pred or not. If > > not, > > > could the doc try a round of that? I do that sometimes. I take 20mgs for a > > > week, then down to 15mgs for a week, then 10mgs, ending with 5mgs. It will > > > give you a good idea if pred is the right drug, and if it will work for > > you. > > > It won’t cause any long term side effects if taken for that length of > > time. > > > I stay on 5mgs all of the time, but that is only because it keeps my blood > > > problems somewhat under control. I don’t use it for pain. I just live with > > > that, and try to keep walking as much as I can. I wish they could find > > > something that would help with your pain/flare. It is tough, isn’t it? Let > > > us know how it is going. > > > BJ-Sk. Canada > > > "Nicole H" <nhighto…@bak.rr.comREMOVE> wrote in message > > > news:a74na.286343$9G.29850054@twister.socal.rr.com… > > > > The dr who manages my lupus isn’t a rheumy… I’ll start with that. The > > > > rheumies here are horrible! > > > > the dr I saw, said he’d give me a cortisone shot, but to remember that I > > > can > > > > only have 3 in a lifetime. I laughed and said a rheumy will give me a > > > > cortisone shot every month. > > > > Anyways….. I decided to try the Medrol Dose Pack instead. If I still > > > > don’t feel better by Thurs/Fri, I can go back in and get the shot. He > > > told > > > > me not to wait this long. > > > > To be honest, I HATE steroids…. hate them! But I have been feeling > > so > > > > bad, I don’t care. > > > > I’m so worried about the side effects I’m tired of feeling this way too. > > > > Know what I mean? > > > > Thanks for the info!!! > > > > Nicole
Response:
I think maybe we are discussing two different types of steriod injections here. Injections directly into joints do help with pain/inflammation there. eg. tennis elbow, bursitis The docs here will do that, if pain levels warrent it. I think Nicole is talking about an IM injection used instead of going on a round of oral pred. My head is in "the dark place" today, so I could be wrong. BJ-Sk. Canada "J" <AprilShow…@example.com> wrote in message
news:3E9ED8DD.88325DAB@execulink.com… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Thanks for the clarification BJ. (I said "symptoms" earlier, so steroids don’t > help joint pain?) > They do somewhat help my shoulder joints. > Is one steroid not the same as another (for side effects)? > J > BJ wrote: > > You are wise to avoid the pred, if at all possible. I could be wrong, but I > > am getting the impression that the drug is offered more readily in the U.S. > > than it would be in Canada. The rheumies in Sask won’t give it to anyone > > unless there is organ involvement. They don’t give pain meds much either > > except under those conditions. They seem to have a "learn to live with it" > > attitude. They are overloaded with patients, because there are so few of > > them. Perhaps they only take time on the more severe cases. I actually don’t > > take any pain meds, except neurontin for my neuro pain. I guess I do my own > > pain management. I time my hot baths, exercise, etc. I rarely take a > > Tylenol. I don’t think we even have a pain clinic or doc here. I like the > > idea of that though. Hope things go well for you. > > BJ-Sk. Canada > > "Nicole H" <nhighto…@bak.rr.comREMOVE> wrote in message > > news:3Ptna.297251$9G.31278002@twister.socal.rr.com… > > > No, I’m not. I’ve never tried it. Have been offered it many times but > > > always declined due to the long term side effects. > > > I’m in pain management because my pain is so severe (on and off of course, > > > nothing could be normal) so that’s pretty much taken care of…. but my > > pain > > > was breaking thru and I was already maxed on the pain meds…. and my pain > > > dr is 2 hrs away… so I asked for the Medrol. Hope it works soon! > > > Nicole > > > "BJ" <B…@sk.nojunk.ca> wrote in message > > > news:v9qr1bhfn59j1a@corp.supernews.com… > > > > Hi Nicole, > > > > Sorry, but I can’t remember if you are already on oral pred or not. If > > > not, > > > > could the doc try a round of that? I do that sometimes. I take 20mgs for > > a > > > > week, then down to 15mgs for a week, then 10mgs, ending with 5mgs. It > > will > > > > give you a good idea if pred is the right drug, and if it will work for > > > you. > > > > It won’t cause any long term side effects if taken for that length of > > > time. > > > > I stay on 5mgs all of the time, but that is only because it keeps my > > blood > > > > problems somewhat under control. I don’t use it for pain. I just live > > with > > > > that, and try to keep walking as much as I can. I wish they could find > > > > something that would help with your pain/flare. It is tough, isn’t it? > > Let > > > > us know how it is going. > > > > BJ-Sk. Canada > > > > "Nicole H" <nhighto…@bak.rr.comREMOVE> wrote in message > > > > news:a74na.286343$9G.29850054@twister.socal.rr.com… > > > > > The dr who manages my lupus isn’t a rheumy… I’ll start with that. > > The > > > > > rheumies here are horrible! > > > > > the dr I saw, said he’d give me a cortisone shot, but to remember that > > I
Response:
Thanks for the clarification BJ. (I said "symptoms" earlier, so steroids don’t help joint pain?) They do somewhat help my shoulder joints. Is one steroid not the same as another (for side effects)? J – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -BJ wrote: > You are wise to avoid the pred, if at all possible. I could be wrong, but I > am getting the impression that the drug is offered more readily in the U.S. > than it would be in Canada. The rheumies in Sask won’t give it to anyone > unless there is organ involvement. They don’t give pain meds much either > except under those conditions. They seem to have a "learn to live with it" > attitude. They are overloaded with patients, because there are so few of > them. Perhaps they only take time on the more severe cases. I actually don’t > take any pain meds, except neurontin for my neuro pain. I guess I do my own > pain management. I time my hot baths, exercise, etc. I rarely take a > Tylenol. I don’t think we even have a pain clinic or doc here. I like the > idea of that though. Hope things go well for you. > BJ-Sk. Canada > "Nicole H" <nhighto…@bak.rr.comREMOVE> wrote in message > news:3Ptna.297251$9G.31278002@twister.socal.rr.com… > > No, I’m not. I’ve never tried it. Have been offered it many times but > > always declined due to the long term side effects. > > I’m in pain management because my pain is so severe (on and off of course, > > nothing could be normal) so that’s pretty much taken care of…. but my > pain > > was breaking thru and I was already maxed on the pain meds…. and my pain > > dr is 2 hrs away… so I asked for the Medrol. Hope it works soon! > > Nicole > > "BJ" <B…@sk.nojunk.ca> wrote in message > > news:v9qr1bhfn59j1a@corp.supernews.com… > > > Hi Nicole, > > > Sorry, but I can’t remember if you are already on oral pred or not. If > > not, > > > could the doc try a round of that? I do that sometimes. I take 20mgs for > a > > > week, then down to 15mgs for a week, then 10mgs, ending with 5mgs. It > will > > > give you a good idea if pred is the right drug, and if it will work for > > you. > > > It won’t cause any long term side effects if taken for that length of > > time. > > > I stay on 5mgs all of the time, but that is only because it keeps my > blood > > > problems somewhat under control. I don’t use it for pain. I just live > with > > > that, and try to keep walking as much as I can. I wish they could find > > > something that would help with your pain/flare. It is tough, isn’t it? > Let > > > us know how it is going. > > > BJ-Sk. Canada > > > "Nicole H" <nhighto…@bak.rr.comREMOVE> wrote in message > > > news:a74na.286343$9G.29850054@twister.socal.rr.com… > > > > The dr who manages my lupus isn’t a rheumy… I’ll start with that. > The > > > > rheumies here are horrible! > > > > the dr I saw, said he’d give me a cortisone shot, but to remember that > I
Response:
Hi Nicole, You are wise to avoid the pred, if at all possible. I could be wrong, but I am getting the impression that the drug is offered more readily in the U.S. than it would be in Canada. The rheumies in Sask won’t give it to anyone unless there is organ involvement. They don’t give pain meds much either except under those conditions. They seem to have a "learn to live with it" attitude. They are overloaded with patients, because there are so few of them. Perhaps they only take time on the more severe cases. I actually don’t take any pain meds, except neurontin for my neuro pain. I guess I do my own pain management. I time my hot baths, exercise, etc. I rarely take a Tylenol. I don’t think we even have a pain clinic or doc here. I like the idea of that though. Hope things go well for you. BJ-Sk. Canada "Nicole H" <nhighto…@bak.rr.comREMOVE> wrote in message
news:3Ptna.297251$9G.31278002@twister.socal.rr.com… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> No, I’m not. I’ve never tried it. Have been offered it many times but > always declined due to the long term side effects. > I’m in pain management because my pain is so severe (on and off of course, > nothing could be normal) so that’s pretty much taken care of…. but my pain > was breaking thru and I was already maxed on the pain meds…. and my pain > dr is 2 hrs away… so I asked for the Medrol. Hope it works soon! > Nicole > "BJ" <B…@sk.nojunk.ca> wrote in message > news:v9qr1bhfn59j1a@corp.supernews.com… > > Hi Nicole, > > Sorry, but I can’t remember if you are already on oral pred or not. If > not, > > could the doc try a round of that? I do that sometimes. I take 20mgs for a > > week, then down to 15mgs for a week, then 10mgs, ending with 5mgs. It will > > give you a good idea if pred is the right drug, and if it will work for > you. > > It won’t cause any long term side effects if taken for that length of > time. > > I stay on 5mgs all of the time, but that is only because it keeps my blood > > problems somewhat under control. I don’t use it for pain. I just live with > > that, and try to keep walking as much as I can. I wish they could find > > something that would help with your pain/flare. It is tough, isn’t it? Let > > us know how it is going. > > BJ-Sk. Canada > > "Nicole H" <nhighto…@bak.rr.comREMOVE> wrote in message > > news:a74na.286343$9G.29850054@twister.socal.rr.com… > > > The dr who manages my lupus isn’t a rheumy… I’ll start with that. The > > > rheumies here are horrible! > > > the dr I saw, said he’d give me a cortisone shot, but to remember that I > > can > > > only have 3 in a lifetime. I laughed and said a rheumy will give me a > > > cortisone shot every month. > > > Anyways….. I decided to try the Medrol Dose Pack instead. If I still > > > don’t feel better by Thurs/Fri, I can go back in and get the shot. He > > told > > > me not to wait this long. > > > To be honest, I HATE steroids…. hate them! But I have been feeling > so > > > bad, I don’t care. > > > I’m so worried about the side effects I’m tired of feeling this way too. > > > Know what I mean? > > > Thanks for the info!!! > > > Nicole
Response:
No, I’m not. I’ve never tried it. Have been offered it many times but always declined due to the long term side effects. I’m in pain management because my pain is so severe (on and off of course, nothing could be normal) so that’s pretty much taken care of…. but my pain was breaking thru and I was already maxed on the pain meds…. and my pain dr is 2 hrs away… so I asked for the Medrol. Hope it works soon! Nicole "BJ" <B…@sk.nojunk.ca> wrote in message
news:v9qr1bhfn59j1a@corp.supernews.com… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Hi Nicole, > Sorry, but I can’t remember if you are already on oral pred or not. If not, > could the doc try a round of that? I do that sometimes. I take 20mgs for a > week, then down to 15mgs for a week, then 10mgs, ending with 5mgs. It will > give you a good idea if pred is the right drug, and if it will work for you. > It won’t cause any long term side effects if taken for that length of time. > I stay on 5mgs all of the time, but that is only because it keeps my blood > problems somewhat under control. I don’t use it for pain. I just live with > that, and try to keep walking as much as I can. I wish they could find > something that would help with your pain/flare. It is tough, isn’t it? Let > us know how it is going. > BJ-Sk. Canada > "Nicole H" <nhighto…@bak.rr.comREMOVE> wrote in message > news:a74na.286343$9G.29850054@twister.socal.rr.com… > > The dr who manages my lupus isn’t a rheumy… I’ll start with that. The > > rheumies here are horrible! > > the dr I saw, said he’d give me a cortisone shot, but to remember that I > can > > only have 3 in a lifetime. I laughed and said a rheumy will give me a > > cortisone shot every month. > > Anyways….. I decided to try the Medrol Dose Pack instead. If I still > > don’t feel better by Thurs/Fri, I can go back in and get the shot. He > told > > me not to wait this long. > > To be honest, I HATE steroids…. hate them! But I have been feeling so > > bad, I don’t care. > > I’m so worried about the side effects I’m tired of feeling this way too. > > Know what I mean? > > Thanks for the info!!! > > Nicole
Response:
Nicole 3/joint/location, (for whoever was posting about that) you’ve got lots of muscles anywhere in your body, so there’s no reason that a different location can be picked so soft tissue damage doesn’t occur in one location. Medrol is steroid. Prednisone is steroid. http://www.rxlist.com/cgi/generic/methprd_wcp.htm As far as I know, they all carry the same risks including osteoporosis. The dose and frequency may be important in that aspect. (ie if you only have the occasional injection and you have your ovaries and/or are on hormone replacement and/or don’t have other risks like familial osteoporosis), then it may be minimal (as far as osteoporosis goes). I’m getting a little lost in all this because you too post to more than one newsgroup. I wonder how many here take both heavy-duty pain meds AND steroids. Seems to me one or the other should suffice. I think that’s why someone mentioned combining steroid with immuran instead? Here’s the deal, from my POV. If you have fibro and Lupus, it’s dangerous to treat you with meds for fibro and with meds for Lupus (at the same time). You either have more fibro symptoms and treat it that way, or treat to prevent organ damage (and symptoms) in Lupus. One or the other. My joints and hands have been killing me this week, but I know why. Overdoing. Point? I wouldn’t go in and ask my doc for steroids, I need to rest. Nor would he give me heavy-duty meds (like opiods etc), he and my pain doctor would say "take a break, rest, do relaxation and physio, walk, put up with the fibro". And I do have severe osteoarthritis pain too. I think their approaches are sensible, though it’s not easy, I must admit. So you have to know exactly what you’re trying to treat and what’s perhaps being missed. I’m not a very popular person on the fibro newsgroup because I say much like devstar (Devin Starlynl (sp?), for uncomplicated fibro, a good antidepressant and moving around should suffice. I think a lot of the FM’ers (on heavy-duty pain meds) are getting "rebound" pain and don’t understand the whole concept of that. Just my opinion. J – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Nicole H wrote: > No, I’m not. I’ve never tried it. Have been offered it many times but > always declined due to the long term side effects. > I’m in pain management because my pain is so severe (on and off of course, > nothing could be normal) so that’s pretty much taken care of…. but my pain > was breaking thru and I was already maxed on the pain meds…. and my pain > dr is 2 hrs away… so I asked for the Medrol. Hope it works soon! > Nicole > "BJ" <B…@sk.nojunk.ca> wrote in message > news:v9qr1bhfn59j1a@corp.supernews.com… > > Hi Nicole, > > Sorry, but I can’t remember if you are already on oral pred or not. If > not, > > could the doc try a round of that? I do that sometimes. I take 20mgs for a > > week, then down to 15mgs for a week, then 10mgs, ending with 5mgs. It will > > give you a good idea if pred is the right drug, and if it will work for > you. > > It won’t cause any long term side effects if taken for that length of > time. > > I stay on 5mgs all of the time, but that is only because it keeps my blood > > problems somewhat under control. I don’t use it for pain. I just live with > > that, and try to keep walking as much as I can. I wish they could find > > something that would help with your pain/flare. It is tough, isn’t it? Let > > us know how it is going. > > BJ-Sk. Canada > > "Nicole H" <nhighto…@bak.rr.comREMOVE> wrote in message > > news:a74na.286343$9G.29850054@twister.socal.rr.com… > > > The dr who manages my lupus isn’t a rheumy… I’ll start with that. The > > > rheumies here are horrible! > > > the dr I saw, said he’d give me a cortisone shot, but to remember that I > > can > > > only have 3 in a lifetime. I laughed and said a rheumy will give me a > > > cortisone shot every month. > > > Anyways….. I decided to try the Medrol Dose Pack instead. If I still > > > don’t feel better by Thurs/Fri, I can go back in and get the shot. He > > told > > > me not to wait this long. > > > To be honest, I HATE steroids…. hate them! But I have been feeling > so > > > bad, I don’t care. > > > I’m so worried about the side effects I’m tired of feeling this way too. > > > Know what I mean? > > > Thanks for the info!!! > > > Nicole
Response:
No, we said the big cortisone shot IM are 3 in a lifetime… and also mentioned that into joints, isn’t much more. I think he’s just being cautious….. I’m going to ask my pain management dr about it and see what he says. The rheumies here will give you an IM cortisone shot every month rather than give pain meds…. I already take lots of pain meds and muscle relaxers….. this was the first time I have ever asked for steroids. That’s how bad I’m flaring! Ugh Nicole "J" <BlueGr…@example.com> wrote in message
news:3E9CDF28.59E92676@execulink.com… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Hi nicole, > I’m sorry about the troubles you’re having with doctor. > The 3/lifetime is in joints. I get them in my shoulder. > he’s a very mixed up doctor, in my opinion. (unless you’re talking about in the > joints). > Hugs > J > Nicole H wrote: > > The dr who manages my lupus isn’t a rheumy… I’ll start with that. The > > rheumies here are horrible! > > the dr I saw, said he’d give me a cortisone shot, but to remember that I can > > only have 3 in a lifetime. I laughed and said a rheumy will give me a > > cortisone shot every month. > > Anyways….. I decided to try the Medrol Dose Pack instead. If I still > > don’t feel better by Thurs/Fri, I can go back in and get the shot. He told > > me not to wait this long. > > To be honest, I HATE steroids…. hate them! But I have been feeling so > > bad, I don’t care. > > I’m so worried about the side effects I’m tired of feeling this way too. > > Know what I mean? > > Thanks for the info!!! > > Nicole
Response:
Nicole H wrote: > .. I’m going to ask my pain management dr about it and see what > he says. > The rheumies here will give you an IM cortisone shot every month rather than > give pain meds…. I already take lots of pain meds and muscle relaxers….. > this was the first time I have ever asked for steroids. That’s how bad I’m > flaring!
Sorry about the flaring. Good luck with the pain doctor. Hugs J
Response:
Nicole. I have the bestest rheumy around but sometimes I can tell she is over worked and over booked. Been in office any time between seeing her for 10 min to 45 minutes and this is actual time with her. Cost is the same LOL But I do think IF you are not satisfied with him, then tell him so. Tell him that you just feel like sometimes you are getting the brush off from him. I don’t know right off hand any rheumy who would give monthly shots of cortisone,but then again maybe some find it easier that way. Mine never did (3 docs) . YES I had to fire 2 LOL but those shots along with oral meds of cortisone will sooner or later give you side effects and that you don’t need. I would think the IM shots would not hold you as long as continued doses or oral medications. Please make sure you are getting a Dexa scan ( bone density) at least every 2-3 yrs. I have them done 2yrs. But you should vent your concerns to him, if you like him and since he has been your doctor so long and all. But again, if you are NOT satisfied get another. I sense the rheumy’s in your area are not to your liking? Where ya located, maybe I can find someone else for you. I will contact the rheumy site and look around. Have you asked him about pain therapy or pain clinics to help with this pain. They are out there. Plus I read where you are having muscle pain, and believe me upping medrol will NOT help that, sometimes makes it much worse. That is how they tell if it is joint or fibro like conditions. There are lidoderm patches you can put on your muscles to help. Plus tens units that can be applied. A therapist might help you there. Just ask this doc that you would rather go with trying something MORE to control this pain than having to hit the cortisone and tell him WHY. good luck and just be open with him. Sometimes that is all it takes, if it doesn’t work? smack him upside the head LOL NO just kidding. you did smile though janers
Response:
Oh I fired my rheumy a long time ago. LOL! There aren’t any around here for a couple hours. My pain management dr is going to give me the name of one in his town. I’ll check him out and try to group my appts for the same day. The rheumies (my first one retired, the other 2, jerks!) here will not give pain medication, muscle relaxers, anti inflammatories but offered me prednisone along with a IM shot cortisone. Didn’t care that I wasn’t sleeping… told me to take some Benedryl. I was 20 y rs old when I was dx’d. No thank you to the Pred or shot! I knew the risk so I’m held off this long before "caving" in. I have an awesome pain dr and a great family physician who knows a lot about lupus (there is a lot of autoimmune disease in this area for some reason and it seems if you’re under age 60, you hate the rheumies here LOL) Both rheumies I saw in the same building, told me I wasn’t a serious case cuz I was young. And I know of a woman, that almost died because of MTX not being monitored. Scary stuff! I’m not a difficult lupus patient so I think I can stay w/a knowledgable family physician. I absolutely love him and he takes me seriously! Does not blow me off and that is SO important to me. thanks for the advice Nicole "Janers" <rojak…@bright.net> wrote in message
news:0Bbna.3325$lf3.587014@cletus.bright.net… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Nicole. > I have the bestest rheumy around but sometimes I can tell she is over > worked and over booked. Been in office any time between seeing her for 10 > min to 45 minutes and this is actual time with her. Cost is the same LOL > But I do think IF you are not satisfied with him, then tell him so. > Tell him that you just feel like sometimes you are getting the brush off > from him. > I don’t know right off hand any rheumy who would give monthly shots of > cortisone,but then again maybe some find it easier that way. Mine never > did (3 docs) . YES I had to fire 2 LOL but those shots along with oral > meds of cortisone will sooner or later give you side effects and that you > don’t need. I would think the IM shots would not hold you as long as > continued doses or oral medications. > Please make sure you are getting a Dexa scan ( bone density) at least every > 2-3 yrs. I have them done 2yrs. But you should vent your concerns to him, > if you like him and since he has been your doctor so long and all. > But again, if you are NOT satisfied get another. I sense the rheumy’s in > your area are not to your liking? Where ya located, maybe I can find > someone else for you. I will contact the rheumy site and look around. > Have you asked him about pain therapy or pain clinics to help with this > pain. They are out there. Plus I read where you are having muscle pain, > and believe me upping medrol will NOT help that, sometimes makes it much > worse. That is how they tell if it is joint or fibro like conditions. > There are lidoderm patches you can put on your muscles to help. Plus tens > units that can be applied. A therapist might help you there. Just ask > this doc that you would rather go with trying something MORE to control > this pain than having to hit the cortisone and tell him WHY. > good luck and just be open with him. Sometimes that is all it takes, if it > doesn’t work? smack him upside the head LOL NO just kidding. you did > smile though > janers
Response:
Yes I get muscle relaxers and pain meds from my pain dr. I’ve been in his pain management program for over 5 months…. this is the first flare I’ve ever asked for steroids! That’s how long and how bad it was. I was maxed out on my pain meds due to the tylenol and my pain dr is 2 hrs away so I couldn’t make the drive up there. I see him the 29th of this month. I’ve been using Zanaflex 4mg two to three times a day for a couple years now. Zanaflex has worked the best for me so far. Nicole "kendawn" <kend…@samlink.com> wrote in message
news:lslna.60$V2.3190@eagle.america.net… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Hi Nicole, > Did you get your muscle relaxers from your pain management dr? What do you > take and does it help? I’ve tried flexeril and something else and neither > did much good. > TIA, > Dawn > "Nicole H" <nhighto…@bak.rr.comREMOVE> wrote in message > news:vi9na.286474$9G.30203620@twister.socal.rr.com… > > No, we said the big cortisone shot IM are 3 in a lifetime… and also > > mentioned that into joints, isn’t much more. I think he’s just being > > cautious….. I’m going to ask my pain management dr about it and see what > > he says. > > The rheumies here will give you an IM cortisone shot every month rather > than > > give pain meds…. I already take lots of pain meds and muscle > relaxers….. > > this was the first time I have ever asked for steroids. That’s how bad > I’m > > flaring! Ugh > > Nicole > > "J" <BlueGr…@example.com> wrote in message > > news:3E9CDF28.59E92676@execulink.com… > > > Hi nicole, > > > I’m sorry about the troubles you’re having with doctor. > > > The 3/lifetime is in joints. I get them in my shoulder. > > > he’s a very mixed up doctor, in my opinion. (unless you’re talking about > > in the > > > joints). > > > Hugs > > > J > > > Nicole H wrote: > > > > The dr who manages my lupus isn’t a rheumy… I’ll start with that. > The > > > > rheumies here are horrible! > > > > the dr I saw, said he’d give me a cortisone shot, but to remember that > I > > can > > > > only have 3 in a lifetime. I laughed and said a rheumy will give me a > > > > cortisone shot every month. > > > > Anyways….. I decided to try the Medrol Dose Pack instead. If I > still > > > > don’t feel better by Thurs/Fri, I can go back in and get the shot. He > > told > > > > me not to wait this long. > > > > To be honest, I HATE steroids…. hate them! But I have been feeling > > so > > > > bad, I don’t care. > > > > I’m so worried about the side effects I’m tired of feeling this way > too. > > > > Know what I mean? > > > > Thanks for the info!!! > > > > Nicole
Response:
Hi Nicole, Did you get your muscle relaxers from your pain management dr? What do you take and does it help? I’ve tried flexeril and something else and neither did much good. TIA, Dawn "Nicole H" <nhighto…@bak.rr.comREMOVE> wrote in message
news:vi9na.286474$9G.30203620@twister.socal.rr.com… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> No, we said the big cortisone shot IM are 3 in a lifetime… and also > mentioned that into joints, isn’t much more. I think he’s just being > cautious….. I’m going to ask my pain management dr about it and see what > he says. > The rheumies here will give you an IM cortisone shot every month rather than > give pain meds…. I already take lots of pain meds and muscle relaxers….. > this was the first time I have ever asked for steroids. That’s how bad I’m > flaring! Ugh > Nicole > "J" <BlueGr…@example.com> wrote in message > news:3E9CDF28.59E92676@execulink.com… > > Hi nicole, > > I’m sorry about the troubles you’re having with doctor. > > The 3/lifetime is in joints. I get them in my shoulder. > > he’s a very mixed up doctor, in my opinion. (unless you’re talking about > in the > > joints). > > Hugs > > J > > Nicole H wrote: > > > The dr who manages my lupus isn’t a rheumy… I’ll start with that. The > > > rheumies here are horrible! > > > the dr I saw, said he’d give me a cortisone shot, but to remember that I > can > > > only have 3 in a lifetime. I laughed and said a rheumy will give me a > > > cortisone shot every month. > > > Anyways….. I decided to try the Medrol Dose Pack instead. If I still > > > don’t feel better by Thurs/Fri, I can go back in and get the shot. He > told > > > me not to wait this long. > > > To be honest, I HATE steroids…. hate them! But I have been feeling > so > > > bad, I don’t care. > > > I’m so worried about the side effects I’m tired of feeling this way too. > > > Know what I mean? > > > Thanks for the info!!! > > > Nicole
Response:
My doctor also said 3 is the limit, and it is not just joints. In fact I wasn’t getting the shot in the joint. I found several references online as well through a Google search: "Today, cortisone is not meant to be used as a long-term treatment for joint pain or muscle injuries, and ethical doctors limit how many shots they’ll administer to any specific area or joint (usually 3-6 injections is the maximum — in a life)." Good luck
Response:
Hi Nicole, Sorry, but I can’t remember if you are already on oral pred or not. If not, could the doc try a round of that? I do that sometimes. I take 20mgs for a week, then down to 15mgs for a week, then 10mgs, ending with 5mgs. It will give you a good idea if pred is the right drug, and if it will work for you. It won’t cause any long term side effects if taken for that length of time. I stay on 5mgs all of the time, but that is only because it keeps my blood problems somewhat under control. I don’t use it for pain. I just live with that, and try to keep walking as much as I can. I wish they could find something that would help with your pain/flare. It is tough, isn’t it? Let us know how it is going. BJ-Sk. Canada "Nicole H" <nhighto…@bak.rr.comREMOVE> wrote in message
news:a74na.286343$9G.29850054@twister.socal.rr.com… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> The dr who manages my lupus isn’t a rheumy… I’ll start with that. The > rheumies here are horrible! > the dr I saw, said he’d give me a cortisone shot, but to remember that I can > only have 3 in a lifetime. I laughed and said a rheumy will give me a > cortisone shot every month. > Anyways….. I decided to try the Medrol Dose Pack instead. If I still > don’t feel better by Thurs/Fri, I can go back in and get the shot. He told > me not to wait this long. > To be honest, I HATE steroids…. hate them! But I have been feeling so > bad, I don’t care. > I’m so worried about the side effects I’m tired of feeling this way too. > Know what I mean? > Thanks for the info!!! > Nicole
Response:
Thanks Sharon I already take pain meds and muscle relaxers… I was increasing the dosages and nothing was helping. I was taking a lot of pain meds and nothing. Ugh!! So, I need something. Good luck w/the Pred Nicole "Sharon" <noway…@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:b7ijed$1bo63$1@ID-163463.news.dfncis.de… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Nicole H wrote: > > The dr who manages my lupus isn’t a rheumy… I’ll start with that. The > > rheumies here are horrible! > > the dr I saw, said he’d give me a cortisone shot, but to remember that I can > > only have 3 in a lifetime. I laughed and said a rheumy will give me a > > cortisone shot every month. > > Anyways….. I decided to try the Medrol Dose Pack instead. If I still > > don’t feel better by Thurs/Fri, I can go back in and get the shot. He told > > me not to wait this long. > > To be honest, I HATE steroids…. hate them! But I have been feeling so > > bad, I don’t care. > > I’m so worried about the side effects I’m tired of feeling this way too. > > Know what I mean? > > Thanks for the info!!! > > Nicole > Hi Nicole, > I do know what you mean. My RD wanted me to come down off of the 15mg > of pred to 10mg today, but here I am calling him telling him I’m in a > flare! Duh!! But yet I hate being on them so much! I gained 15 lbs > which I don’t need at all, and I’m a sweaty sleepless mess, but I’m so > miserable that I’m terrified of coming off of them without anything to > replace it. Some people just deal with the pain and other stuff due to > their hatred of steroids, but I just can’t/won’t. Sometimes I feel like > maybe I am making the wrong choice, but then again who wants to live a > long, miserable life when you can live possibly better, though with > consequences that might cause a shorter life… does that make sense? > Anyway, I am trying to say I understand why you made your decision, and > I also know why you would opt out of steroids, but there comes a point > where the suffering is not worth it, and the steroids side effects are > less than the lupus side effects. > Good luck with your medrol pack! I’m still on my 15mg too…. > -Sharon > — > Visit my webpage: > http://www.qc.edu/~sperlof1/ > ~Peace~ > We must come to see that peace is not merely a distant goal we seek, > but it is a means by which we arrive at that goal… > We must pursue peaceful ends through peaceful means. > -Martin Luther King Jr.
Response:
Hi nicole, I’m sorry about the troubles you’re having with doctor. The 3/lifetime is in joints. I get them in my shoulder. he’s a very mixed up doctor, in my opinion. (unless you’re talking about in the joints). Hugs J – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Nicole H wrote: > The dr who manages my lupus isn’t a rheumy… I’ll start with that. The > rheumies here are horrible! > the dr I saw, said he’d give me a cortisone shot, but to remember that I can > only have 3 in a lifetime. I laughed and said a rheumy will give me a > cortisone shot every month. > Anyways….. I decided to try the Medrol Dose Pack instead. If I still > don’t feel better by Thurs/Fri, I can go back in and get the shot. He told > me not to wait this long. > To be honest, I HATE steroids…. hate them! But I have been feeling so > bad, I don’t care. > I’m so worried about the side effects I’m tired of feeling this way too. > Know what I mean? > Thanks for the info!!! > Nicole
Response:
- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Nicole H wrote: > The dr who manages my lupus isn’t a rheumy… I’ll start with that. The > rheumies here are horrible! > the dr I saw, said he’d give me a cortisone shot, but to remember that I can > only have 3 in a lifetime. I laughed and said a rheumy will give me a > cortisone shot every month. > Anyways….. I decided to try the Medrol Dose Pack instead. If I still > don’t feel better by Thurs/Fri, I can go back in and get the shot. He told > me not to wait this long. > To be honest, I HATE steroids…. hate them! But I have been feeling so > bad, I don’t care. > I’m so worried about the side effects I’m tired of feeling this way too. > Know what I mean? > Thanks for the info!!! > Nicole
Hi Nicole, I do know what you mean. My RD wanted me to come down off of the 15mg of pred to 10mg today, but here I am calling him telling him I’m in a flare! Duh!! But yet I hate being on them so much! I gained 15 lbs which I don’t need at all, and I’m a sweaty sleepless mess, but I’m so miserable that I’m terrified of coming off of them without anything to replace it. Some people just deal with the pain and other stuff due to their hatred of steroids, but I just can’t/won’t. Sometimes I feel like maybe I am making the wrong choice, but then again who wants to live a long, miserable life when you can live possibly better, though with consequences that might cause a shorter life… does that make sense? Anyway, I am trying to say I understand why you made your decision, and I also know why you would opt out of steroids, but there comes a point where the suffering is not worth it, and the steroids side effects are less than the lupus side effects. Good luck with your medrol pack! I’m still on my 15mg too…. -Sharon — Visit my webpage: http://www.qc.edu/~sperlof1/ ~Peace~ We must come to see that peace is not merely a distant goal we seek, but it is a means by which we arrive at that goal… We must pursue peaceful ends through peaceful means. -Martin Luther King Jr.
Response:
The dr who manages my lupus isn’t a rheumy… I’ll start with that. The rheumies here are horrible! the dr I saw, said he’d give me a cortisone shot, but to remember that I can only have 3 in a lifetime. I laughed and said a rheumy will give me a cortisone shot every month. Anyways….. I decided to try the Medrol Dose Pack instead. If I still don’t feel better by Thurs/Fri, I can go back in and get the shot. He told me not to wait this long. To be honest, I HATE steroids…. hate them! But I have been feeling so bad, I don’t care. I’m so worried about the side effects I’m tired of feeling this way too. Know what I mean? Thanks for the info!!! Nicole
