Comparing Prednisone vs Valacyclovir

For Inflammatory Conditions: My mother has been on prednisone for almost four years for polumyalgia/rheumatica. We found out recently that the reason she was in such horrible back pain and could hardly walk was the extended use of prednisone. The MRI showed she had actual cracks in her spine. We are still in shock. This cannot be reversed. Even though people feel fine and really on top of the world the end result is devastating. So now we are dealing with even more pain not even associated with Polymyalgia. She will never recover from this. Everyone is different, but please look at the cons of the medicine before taking. Beware!

For Inflammatory Conditions: I took prednisone 20mg for 3 years for Autoimmune Hepatitis and it definitely helped bring down my AST/ALT. I even saw regression of cirrhosis (by fibroscan). Side effects included increased appetite, weight gain (20lb max), moon face, hair started growing curly instead of straight, more severe infections (especially GI), and trouble regulating emotions. I didn't complain though, as I knew it was keeping me alive!

For Cold Sores: I take valacyclovir 500mg once a day. Usually don't have any cold sores anymore. But I had the most intense stressful week with a lot of triggers. Took the 1g every 12 hours plus icing the areas, and it wasn't enough to stop it. Hoping it heals quickly though so that I can see my boyfriend! So usually the daily suppressor and emergency 1g works, but sometimes life is just too much. Sometimes it gets you, and there's not a lot you can do. :( Since being on valacyclovir however, plus lysine and icing the pre-sores, my life has been a little less miserable in the cold sore department. Still sucks though.

For Cold Sores: This stuff makes a huge difference in the duration and pain of cold sores. My dentist prescribes it for me because without it, I get a cold sore every darn time I go to the dentist. For those who have problems with frequent outbreaks, do some research on things you shouldn't eat. Nuts and seeds are huge cold sore triggers because of the arginine in them. Other things that will trigger and outbreak for me: too much direct sun on my face and too much exposure to extreme cold on my face. If I'm really careful about avoiding the things that cause me problems, I can prevent them but it's nice to have the valacyclovir for those times when I don't get it right.