Prednisone

[SweetyPie]

Im on 20 mg prednisone and I blew up. Although I am not eating much it feels very difficult to eat. I am out of breath and my chest is heavy while sitting. These changes to my body are hard to adjust to because i am.so bloated and its hard to carry extra weight around. Any tips? Doctor said he will taper off soon

[Simon Dog]

There are far worse side effects possible with Prednisone, for example Avascular Necrosis (AVN).     Prednisone done got me a new ceramic/metal hip.

Many transplant centers use a Prednisone free protocol, which actually means no prednisone after a short initial period.  I am just over a year out on Taco + Cellcept w/o Prednisone.

[SweetyPie]

Ive had quite some complications these past few weeks. At first i was not on prednisone but now i am. I am not taking cellcept now. Just taco and prednisone.

[SweetyPie]

I got tapered to 5mg prednisone. I dont mean to sound like a complainer but the swelling in different parts of my body Im not used to it. Do any of you guys have much side effects while on 5mg? I cant sleep much, my swelling in my face and stomach, and the worst hair loss. These side effects really suck

[iolaire]

The main side effects I had post transplant were really bad dreams and poor sleep. I tried to help my sleep with Tylenol PM.

I’m on 5 mg now but don’t have the side effects. I’d guess that’s due to my body size as I’m at 196 lbs now. I’d hope that they would taper that down dose  for you and your body size as your new kidney stabilizes.

[Simon Dog]

Don't mess with the dosing on your own even if you don't like the side effects.

When my MD was a neph fellow, his overlord (attending) had a patient doing nicely on 5mg Prednisone only.  In his infinite wisdom, the attending decided to go drugless since it was such a small dose.   That patient lost his transplant.

[SweetyPie]

Despite me absolutely hating the side effects I will not stop it. Kidneys do not come often so I will try my best to stay ontop of all my medications. I feel 5mg is a very small dose hopefully i start to see a decrease in the swelling and my hair stops falling out. I do know though it takes a while for the side effects to decrease it depends how long and how much you were taking before. Last month I was on 40mg! Im glad I am not on such a high dose now.