[barsk8]

Has anyone out there used small amounts of prednisone (5-10) milligrams every other day and used Vioxx also to help with off day of prednisone joint pains? I am a systemic lupus patient with no antibody activity at this time but extreme joint pain on off day of prednisone. I have been on prednisone with various dosages to control antibodies since 17 years of age (now 50) am at the lowest I have been able to maintain life but now am experiencing quite severe shoulder,wrist and leg pains in the morning mostly. I would prefer not to increase the prednisone if I do not have to.
Thanks for any insight.
Barbara

[wanderer]

dear member,
the dose of prednisolone that you are taking is quite small (5-10 mg)
if you are experiencing severe pain increasing the dose may prove beneficial. you have to weigh the benefits with the side effects that you might experience.
Vioxx(Rofecoxib) is a good drug. you might try to increase its dose.
finally i hope you are having a regular follow up programme.
your SLE might have a devastating effect on your kidney. it should be picked up early & treated.
regards,
wanderer.

[dhouston]

Dear prednisone users! I took prednisone for 21 years and just weaned off in february with resulting excrutiating joint pain..so much so I can't sleep without taking a hot bath every night. I take celebrex once a day. it seems to help.
I hear that it may take up to a year for the symptoms to reside. I hope that's true and that I don't have to live with the joint pain or go back on prednisone.