Steroid experience?

[KristiinSD]

My cardiologsit wants to put me on prednisone (sp?) to rid me of this pericarditis and moderate pericardial effusion. Since the high doses of anti-inflammatories don't seem to working, I guess I think its time. I am worried about steroids and wanted to hear about others experiences.

Thanks,

Kristi
mitral repair 11/30/05

[knightfan2691]

Sadly, I can't remember the name of what I was on, but after my last open heart surgery in 2003, I was placed on steriods for a short period of time to help with some of the scarring....

As I recall, the only way it affected me was that it boosted my appetite and gave me some weird cravings.

*chuckles*

I remember one night, while online, chatting with friends, within an hour time frame, I craved sweet pickles with CheezIts, followed by salttines with Western dressing, followed by ice cream, downed with a cup of hot chocolate. Most people were accusing me of being pregnant ;).


I think that as long as you're closely monitered, you should be fine.....



Cort, "Mr MC" / "Mr Road Trip", 32swm/pig valve/pacemaker
MC:family.IL.guide.future = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort/
chdQB = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort/quilt.html
"I guess I'm feeling just a little tired of this" ... Keith Urban ... 'You'll Think Of Me'

[geebee]

I have taken prednisone and Medrol (which is almost the same) many, many times when I had chronic pericarditis. It is the only med that actually got rid of the pericarditis for me.

If you are on a short regimen, you should not have any problems. I was on a longer regimen for awhile to try and kick the infection in the a** for good and it caused what is known as "moon face" and a general weight gain. Also caused some mood swings. All those disappeared when the meds were stopped. Sadly it did not stop the pericarditis. Only my last OHS, when they removed what little was left of my pericardium, did the pericarditis go away and stay away.

Hopefully one regimen will knock out the problem for you. Most people do not develop chronic pericarditis.

[Ross]

What Cort and Gina have said are true. I was on high dose Prednisone for 5 years. Oh there is definately an increase in appetite, your body turns into that of the Michellin man and it destroys bones. It cost me my left hip.

Short term use, fine. Long term, NO.