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Medical Forum / Diseases and Disorders / Arthritis / February 2005Why steroids?
The ortho I went to today (while waiting for my rheumatologist appt. in April) was wonderful. He didn't dismiss me, said my bones looked good and the swelling in my finger joints was soft tissue and my achy, stiff, painful joints are not normal for someone my age and that 42 is an age where immunological (sp?) problems often begin. He also asked if my hands are always cold (lately they are) He sent me for a panel of tests and said yes it was possible not to show up (nothing has so far). Completely different experience than what I had with the rheumatologist who was so highly recommended (and had a magazine cover of herself as one of America's 100 top doctors)and so awful to me. He asked me if I can tolerate NSAID's which I can w/Prevacid but they don't do very much. Then he told me he wanted me to try a steroid for a week or two(I can't read his writing so I don't know which one) because my reaction to that would help him figure out what is going on. Does this make sense? I'm afraid of weight gain, increased appetite etc. I don't want to take it when there are so many other medications out there but he's a good doctor so I'm thinking I should do it(?) Any idea why he prescribed it? Thanks, Lisa It is most likely prednisone. It is still a very important diagnostic tool for determining if you have an inflammatory arthritis like RA. It will provide one of several bits of information needed to diagnose a condition like RA. Two weeks of taking a steroid will not significantly alter your weight. johnie > The ortho I went to today (while waiting for my rheumatologist appt. in > April) was wonderful. He didn't dismiss me, said my bones looked good [quoted text clipped - 16 lines] > Thanks, > Lisa >. Does >this make sense? I'm afraid of weight gain, increased appetite etc. I >don't want to take it when there are so many other medications out >there but he's a good doctor so I'm thinking I should do it(?) Any idea >why he prescribed it? As Johnny said it is sometimes used as a diagnostic tool because it reduces the inflammation from the immune system, if this is wear and tear then Prednisone will not work. Inflammatory disease such as RA is caused by the immune system attacking your joints. Prednisone acts very quickly so if you get get and significant relief it is probably inflammatory (immune system caused). Take the prednisone it is a good test. -- MZ Visit my website: http://www.mzuschlag.com Thank you both for the info, I understand now. But what I'm wondering is I'm feeling a little better already and so I won't be sure if it's because of the prednisone or the flare up is subsiding(?)Nine months ago I had a similar problem with the ring fingers on each hand, didn't go to the doctor and it went away in several weeks (granted less time than this current problem)Oh, well if it will make me feel better then I'll do it... Lisa :0) > >. Does > >this make sense? I'm afraid of weight gain, increased appetite etc. I [quoted text clipped - 12 lines] > Visit my website: > http://www.mzuschlag.com Time is not on your side -- waiting can only mean the underlying condition is getting a chance at ruining your joints. Prednisone often gives instant relief if the culprit is RA so what you tell the doctor later will help in the aid to diagnosis where some of those blood labs will not. This new doctor is right on. Duckie > Thank you both for the info, I understand now. But what I'm wondering > is I'm feeling a little better already and so I won't be sure if it's [quoted text clipped - 30 lines] >>Visit my website: >>http://www.mzuschlag.com  Signature_('> (_<_) _ _('< -quack (_<_) _ __('< *QUACK!* <_{__) _('< "|,,|_" (_<_) _('< "AFLAC!" (_<_) Like the others said, if you respond to the Prednisone, the dr will know you most likely have an inflammatory process going on. Fibromyalgia doesn't respond to steroids. Make sure you take your calcium as steroids can lead to osteoporisis. As for the weight gain/increased appetite, most people do gain weight but some don't... in fact, one woman posted recently about losing weight (thru diet and exercise) while on Prednisone. You can retain water w/Prednisone also... which makes that scale number increase. I got sick young and refused daily Pred or monthly injections. I didn't want a hip replacement at 40, diabetes, etc, etc.... my step mother in law is in her 60s and she takes the steroids like candy because they do help her... and with her, it's quality vs quantity. I do love the Depo Medrol dose packs. When I'm in a flare, my dr will rx the dose pack and it'll pull me out of it.... this is one way I've avoided daily steroids. Good luck and congrats on the doctor! Sounds good so far! Nicole Thanks, I'm on them now with so far no relief (I posted about it) I guess I have to wait until the round is over to be sure though. It's good to hear that you don't have to take them on a daily basis but just as needed. Lisa |
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