Coming off prednisone

Lesley · Post by **Lesley** » Tue Oct 11, 2011 1:48 pm

I already posted about the pain of withdrawal from this horrible stuff. I have finished it, and the pain hasn't really eased much yet, nor has he exhaustion.

A new problem is that the GERD seems have gone wild, and I am wondering if this is also connected to the prednisone issue, since it is the strongest anti-inflammatory available. ANYTHING I eat hurts all the way down, as well as when it gets there. It's been really bad constantly the last week or 2

Any thoughts?

Post by **tex** » Tue Oct 11, 2011 5:05 pm

Well, the pain is almost certainly associated with the prednisone withdrawal, and withdrawal from prednisone is also known to cause muscle weakness. The lower esophageal sphincter is a muscle, which has the job of allowing us to swallow food and liquids, while preventing stomach acid from backflowing into the esophagus. So I would guess that the acid reflux is probably connected with the prednisone withdrawal, also.

Tex

Lesley · Post by **Lesley** » Tue Oct 11, 2011 5:20 pm

I thought that might be it. I am hoping that's the case, and that all of this will go away over time with the swelling. It is, in a word, uncomfortable, to say the least.

Thanks Tex!

Kari · Post by **Kari** » Tue Oct 11, 2011 5:34 pm

Hi Lesley,

I don't have anything to add to Tex's comments that can help you, but just thought I'd let you know that I sympathize with you and what you're going through. I'm sure you could use one of these:

:bigbighug:

Love,
Kari

Lesley · Post by **Lesley** » Tue Oct 11, 2011 8:12 pm

Oh, I SO appreciate that!

I think I was glutened yesterday. Today I am having the big D, added to the GERD.
I NEVER sleep during the day, but I was up half the night with it, and the GERD pain. I fell asleep on the couch, and couldn't get myself to the pool. The water is what keeps my back under some sort of control, so I am one unhappy camper tonight.

Hugs back, with much love too!

sarkin · Post by **sarkin** » Tue Oct 11, 2011 8:55 pm

Oh, Lesley, I'm sorry the gluten gremlin got to you, right at this time. OF ALL THINGS! I had a rare disrupted night of sleep this past week, and it really takes days to get things re-aligned, even though I wasn't also going off pred and getting glutened at the same time.

Extra hugs from Brooklyn, too. I hope you find a way to get back in the pool soon, and meantime, a comfy position for sleeping.

All my most healing thoughts are winging your way,

Sara

Gloria · Post by **Gloria** » Tue Oct 11, 2011 9:13 pm

Lesley,

I'm so sorry for the ordeal you're going through. I hope you can get better soon.

Gloria

Lesley · Post by **Lesley** » Tue Oct 11, 2011 10:41 pm

It's not as bad as it can be. In a really bad flare it's 24/7, and I have to sleep on plastic, with pampers lined with more pads. IF I sleep.
Right now it's at least just every couple of hours.

The burning every time I eat of drink, even just water, and the muscle pain are the worst parts. And my back off course, which liked the prednisone.

Thanks, you guys. I know you do understand.