I don't know but that's a good question.  I told my RD the other day
that I was perfectly willing to continue to try different medications
to control this disease but I am no longer willing to live as an
invalid as we do that.  If it takes prednisone to let me function as a
human being then so be it.  When we get something else that works I'll
taper off.  Prednisone may shorten my life but without it now, I have
no life.  My wife was crying with joy yesterday because I am actually
going for walks with her again.  Without the pred.  I couldn't make it
to the bathroom without assistance.

It brings to mind the decision last week that the woman in California
can be prosecuted for smoking marijuana by the feds despite
California's medical marijuana law.  Who the hell are these people
that think they have the right to sentence people to horrible pain or
even death in the name of combating drug abuse?
Thumper

Hi Leslie,,,, Such a deep and important question you ask.   I think that all
anyone can do is give you their opinion and I will give you mine.    RA and
Lupus very rarely end up killing a person  BUT they cause the reason a
person dies from other things like stoke or heart, arteries and/or  vein
failure.
   Diane also had MS which was a nightmare to treat for her RD and doctors
which meant they had to,,,, must work together for the best outcome and they
did well for a long time.   She also had been in the teaching profession and
loved it along with the children.   She gave up to her problems very slowly
with great effort and we loved her for it because we could see a little of
our problems in her struggle and pulled with her until the end.
IMO
Harv