Hey Harv,

As some one who has been down this road several times, I know just how
frustrating and discouraging it all can be.

Are you on anything for your stomach at all?  If not, this might be
something you want to ask your doctors about.  

I had to be on 60 mgs of prednisone for
6 months the first time, then 1 year the second time. It is not fun, but
is what is needed to get the damage to your lungs slowed down and
hopefully stopped before you lose any more function.  

They may also talk to you about going on Imuran as that is another
common med that is used for this problem/condition.  
A lot will depend on what your pulmonary function testing shows.   VERY
IMPORTANT to keep the RD and the Lung doc communicating with one another
on all of this.  Hopefully your lung doc sends the RD copies of all the
pulmonary function tests (PFT's).

The side effects of the pred is definitely a worry, especially when you
have to be on those kinds of doses for a long period of time, but then
again, if you aren't breathing, the rest doesn't really matter.  So, as
hard as it might be, focus on getting the issues with your lungs dealt
with first, and express those other concerns to your RD and
Pulmonologist so that they can keep on top of things and hopefully head
off any other problems.

Know, my friend, that prayers are being lifted for you and that there be
no further damage or complications!!!

You've had so much to deal with as of late!!!   Praying that the pred
will at least give you some relief from the shingles issues, the joint
issues, etc.

Hang in there!!!   We're all here for you when you need us!

Hugs,

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Donna
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1.)   ANGELS EXIST, but some times, since they don't all have wings, we
call them FRIENDS......

2.)    J.K.M.A.

(((((((Harv)))))))))) I just do not know what to say, but that I am thinking
about you.

I have no answers for you, Harv, but I will include you in my prayers.
I'm sure the doctors can give you the answers you need.

Hugs,
Carole

Prayers still coming your way Harv,

Just watch the pred usuage though because of the adrenals. I would take 20
mg in morning and 10 in afternoon, but that is just me because I do have
adrenal issues. I found too doing it that way it is easier to come off of it
at 2.5 every two weeks then if I was taking it all at one time.

I sure hope something soon works to help with the lungs, I don't have RA
lung but boy do I know the lung issues too well.

I just found out too that my dad had COPD and so does my brother, so I am
wondering if this is like a genetic kind of COPD that the three of us have
or what. It was weird to see that in three of us.

I always eat when taking my pred. I take like a hot pocket, eat part of it
then take my pred, and it doesn't seem to bother my tummy like it used to
when I didn't eat something with it. I don't know if that would help stop
putting a hole in it though. I hope so. I don't take meds with it, so I
could end up with one.

First things first.  If Prednisone helps your lungs then so be it.
Not everyone has really bad reactions to Prednisone.  I'm not so sure
that any of the biologicals some of us take aren't just as bad for
you.  Good luck Harv.
Thumper

I'm so sorry, Harv, that you are going through this.  That's a lot of Pred,
but in your case it's probably going to be your redemption.  Just want you
to know that I care.  Nanny

Bummer Harvey, however, at least  treatment is available.

I had a cataract in my left eye caused by pred.  I know you are aware of
the bad stuff, maybe have your eyes checked on a very regular basis.  
Other than that, you know I wish you the very best.  At least you are
smart enough to take care of all of this.

God bless.

Lyn

When one of my doctors prescribes something which he says may interact with a
treatment from another doctor, I ask him to talk to the other doctor directly
and let me know what the decide together. So far, they have all been willing to
do this, and I don't have to play messenger (and, possibly, get something
wrong).

Harv,
I didn't reply sooner, but it wasn't because I didn't add you to my
prayer list as soon as I read about your appointment and the not so
fantastic news about your lungs.
I will continue to keep you in prayer and hopefully the medicine will
work and you will be able to stop the process of deterioration in your
lungs.
Ann