Prednisone and Pain: What Users Say (Page 2)

• mar...
• May 19, 2015

For Fibromyalgia "This was a recurrence of my PMR. My family practice doctor did an ESR, which was elevated. He put me on prednisone 40 mg q d in Nov. He said he'd check my last bone density-if he did, he failed to mention it to me. I felt better! -had tons of energy and appetite. Went on to gain 30 lbs. Within a month, I developed L knee pain; then R sciatic pain; then R groin (L3-4) pain; then L sciatic pain and inability to ambulate because of the pain, muscle weakness, and general disability. The prednisone was gradually decreased/increased per results of the ESRs. I demanded an MRI; this showed an insufficiency fracture of my sacrum. This meant 12 weeks of pain, bed rest, visiting nurses, PT/OT, etc. Now, I'm starting Fosamax."

• Jon...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 3, 2017

For Gouty Arthritis "Been using colchicine for 3 days with no improvement (I cannot take NSAIDs). I went to the Dr's for an emergency appointment this morning and was given prednisone. The Dr said it is a miracle drug, as he has suffered from gout. Within 2 hours, I could really feel signs of improvement (gout in ankle). Now, 4 hours in, I've just been able to run up the stairs. Still a bit of pain, but it's only been 4 hours. Very impressed so far!"

• not...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 4, 2017

For Ulcerative Colitis "I had my first UC flare at the end of March, lost 40 lbs, and was bleeding so badly I was hospitalized on IV prednisone for 7 days. My symptoms remained. I've been on 40 mg prednisone for 4 weeks now together with Lialda. I finally stopped bleeding 2 weeks ago, but it has not been a fast process, a wonder drug for me. My doc took me off Lialda because she is not convinced it is working. I am still on 40 mg prednisone and the pain is still there, not as severe though, and I go 3-5 times a day and about the same at night. Side effects: weight gain on belly and moon face, peeling skin, neck and leg pain, heart palpitations, and a hard time sleeping."

• mis...
• June 28, 2023

For Fibromyalgia "I have been unable to get a clear answer from my doctor. I have all the fibro symptoms. Prednisone is awesome for my symptoms. I have told the doctor before they go away when I am on steroids. I feel normal. No tiredness, pain, stiffness, nausea... And especially when I take Bromfed, which is a liquid prescription version of antihistamine. Histamine is a big issue for me. I am noticing a big difference in my body depending on what I eat. Pasta, rice, carbs, omg, I can't stay awake. I feel weak, and pain, and sick. I'm so tired of feeling this way and no definite answers. Our rheumatologist offices here don't treat fibromyalgia. So tired of feeling this way."

• Ano...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 3, 2021

For Inflammatory Conditions "Throbbing pain in hip and lower back began a week ago. Nothing worked, and at night it was unbearable and getting worse. Day 7 and 15 minutes of sleep, and I woke in agony and immediately went to urgent care, where the doctor said it wasn’t arthritis, but some kind of nerve pain. Gave me a week's worth of prednisone 20 mg. Within 2 hours, I could feel the inflammation and pain dissipate, and by hour 6, I was slumped over in sleepiness as the adrenaline rush from the pain stopped. I slept 10 hours in no pain. My entire back feels better. I have scoliosis and spina bifida occulta, and my back has been hurting since I was 10. Last night I could even turn my neck. This is not a good drug to use all the time, but I believe when it works, doctors have a better understanding of what is going on. So many localized aches are really due to systemic inflammation."

• Ang...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 30, 2019

For Inflammatory Conditions "For only 10 days, I was prescribed prednisone. Prednisone definitely helped my illness and made me feel better, but after a couple of days, I noticed small red bumps, headaches, and frequent urination. Those bumps turned to bruises, eventually spreading, becoming bigger bruises, to lumps, to swollen areas and points in my legs I could feel when I walk. After the 10th day, I had such bad pain in my legs I could barely sit or stand. By the time I got home from work, my ankles and legs were so bad I couldn’t walk. I’m in bed right now hoping the swelling will go down."

• MJ7...
• May 17, 2021

For Ramsay Hunt Syndrome "Following a lung surgery at 19, a hysterectomy at 27, my body's joints swelled up overnight. The second time, in addition to swollen joints, my tendons were inflamed where they attach to the bones. After testing, the doctor diagnosed me with crippling RA, headed for a wheelchair, with an RA factor over 600. I was on 60 mg per day of prednisone for the next month. The swelling and stiffness became controlled. I took 800 mg of ibuprofen per day for the next 40 years, taking 20 mg of prednisone at times to control flares. I refused methotrexate and other biologicals. After suffering terribly for the last two years following a bad flare, I am back on 20 mg of prednisone per day for a while. I can almost function normally with minimal pain. I will be 75 next month. Prednisone has been my miracle drug for the last 50 years. Any amount less than that does me no good. This time I have only been on 20 mg of prednisone for 7 days so far. I have been on 5 mg or 10 mg per day for the last 2 years."

• NY_...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 25, 2021

For Allergic Reactions "Taking prednisone for lupus flare. Have taken it many times before this. While it's calming the flare a bit, this is the first time I've had seriously weird side effects. Ovary pains, severe headaches, and leg aches with my third dose @30 mgs. I wonder if the ingredients are changed or if my body is just rejecting it? Asked my doc, she is still telling me to stay on, but I don't agree as the pain is not bearable. I guess a new rheumy might be in order. FWIW."

• The...
• February 5, 2021

For Cluster Headaches "I’m having mixed results from prednisone. It does stop my cluster headaches after a couple of days and works for the week that it’s prescribed. But, on coming off the drug, I get a different kind of headache: a dull ache at the back of my skull that’s equally resistant to transitional painkillers as cluster headaches (CH), marginally less painful but very annoying as it can last all day. Would like to know whether it may be a withdrawal pain, and whether it can be safe to stay on a low dose of prednisone long-term."

• hel...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 3, 2021

For Allergic Reactions "I was only prescribed this for four days, and it worked great to clear up my allergic reaction (had a bad rash and swelling from sulfa drugs), but nobody warned me the side effects would be that terrible. The thigh and leg pain was so bad, and I would get full body chills often. I started to get random light back pain too, and I realized it was because the prednisone had lowered my potassium drastically. Eating yogurt and bananas helped during the day, but I would wake up in the morning with full body pains. My anxiety was also noticeably bad. I do have diagnosed GAD, but my anxiety was twice as bad on this drug, my mind would not stop racing all day. I have no clue if it's just because I'm a small 100-pound woman (I often assume my weight factors in), but apparently these side effects are rare. Otherwise, it worked great and probably will for a majority of people."

• hel...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 3, 2021

For Allergic Reactions "I was only prescribed this for four days, and it worked great to clear up my allergic reaction (had a bad rash and swelling from sulfa drugs), but nobody warned me the side effects would be that terrible. The thigh and leg pain was so bad, and I would get full body chills often. I started to get random light back pain too, and I realized it was because the prednisone had lowered my potassium drastically. Eating yogurt and bananas helped during the day, but I would wake up in the morning with full body pains. My anxiety was also noticeably bad. I do have diagnosed GAD, but my anxiety was twice as bad on this drug, my mind would not stop racing all day. I have no clue if it's just because I'm a small 100-pound woman (I often assume my weight factors in), but apparently these side effects are rare. Otherwise, it worked great and probably will for a majority of people."

• Lin...
• September 5, 2021

For Fibromyalgia "I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia about 12 years ago and largely managed on paracetamol. Four years ago, after finishing my chemo for ovarian cancer, I was diagnosed with PMR and had to go on prednisone, 15 mg tapering down. It’s taken four years to try and get off them, as I have to keep going up again. My rheumatologist said she thinks my PMR is in remission, however, now I’m in pain all the time with my neck, hips, upper arms, making it difficult to turn over in bed. Feet so painful makes walking difficult, etc. Now I have to weigh up the risks of steroids with the quality of life without. Oh, I live in the UK, but when I spent some time in Spain, I could buy them over the counter in a pharmacy for a few euros. In the UK, they have to be prescribed."

• Big...
• December 1, 2018

For Gouty Arthritis "Taken first tablet today after dinner. I’m 27 and had these pains for 5 years, with the doctors being somewhat stumped as to what was causing the swelling and pain in my feet, elbows, and knees. I ended up really poorly in the hospital with a peptic stomach ulcer due to all the ibuprofen I was taking to stem the swelling. While there, they finally found out that I had gout and gave me allopurinol, which I’ve been taking for two weeks now (not reducing the pain). Hoping the prednisone works. Looking at other reviews, I’m hoping to be back walking by the morning."

• Anonymous
• August 1, 2021

For Allergic Reactions "Disturbed a yellow jacket nest. Multiple (10 or more) stings, extreme burning sensation, and redness. 60 mg first dose, 4 more 50 mg doses, 12 hrs apart. Instant relief of swelling, itching, redness, and pain."

• Anonymous
• September 17, 2009

For Inflammatory Conditions "I could not walk or move until I took the first prednisone. In 7 hours, I felt fine. Now that I am on a low dosage, I am again in a lot of pain. So far, there is no diagnosis as to what I have."

• Poo...
• May 24, 2016

For Pharyngitis "Went to the Dr with a sore throat and chills, the night before I tossed and turned with pain and sweats... went to the ER, got a dose of prednisone, and within a few hours, I felt 80% better."

• Eri...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 30, 2019

For Fibromyalgia "I was so hopeful that prednisone would help my pain that I have from fibromyalgia, but it gradually made it worse. Apparently, that happens in some people, unfortunately."