[bsharp]

My daughter was recently admitted to the hospital due to bronchites. It was discovered that she had low blood platelets at that time. (35,000). She had recently had a kidney infection (a couple of weeks before the bronchites) which was treated with Levaquin. The doctors believe that the low platelet count is due to either the Levaquin or the kidney infection. They began treating her with prednisone 100 mg in the hospital and continued this dose for 7 days. Her blood platelets went back up to 259,000 and the doctors started reducing the steroids. They put her on 40 mg's for the next 7 days. Today is the 4th day on the lower dosage and she woke up with severe joint pain. I have read a great deal about withdrawals from prednisone when jumping from a large dose down to a smaller dose. That a big drop in dosage rather than a gradual tapering can cause this kind of pain. Has anyone else experienced this kind of pain or similar circumstance? I am also concerned about the high dosage of prednisone given. I have not heard of anyone getting such a large dose.

[justwhatever]

I'm sorry to hear about your daughter. I too used to get chronic urinary tract and kidney infections and it was painful and expensive. I was once treated with Levaquin, and it made me feel dizzy, light headed and I broke out with hives. I never took Levaquin again. As far as the steriod, I've heard of similar side effects. I don't believe they will last long, but I suggest you voice your concerns to a different physician. If you can get a second opinion, I would. There are tons of really good doctors out there, and it's your right to find out everything you can to make her feel better. If you think the dose is too high, voice your concerns immediately. I hope she feels better soon