Re: withdrawal symptoms or not? -- Steroid Warning Network

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Date Posted: 09:09:56 01/17/07 Wed
Author: becky
Subject: Re: withdrawal symptoms or not?
In reply to: becki 's message, "Re: withdrawal symptoms or not?" on 19:11:27 01/16/07 Tue

>becky,
>I have been through something similar to your mom. I
>had the same kind of back pain but mine wasn't steroid
>withdrawl. It was steroids; they suppressed my immune
>system to the point I had a fungal infection in a
>discand 2 vertebrae. All of my drs thought pulled
>muscle too- from coughing. Then they finally did an
>xray and MRI. Most of the disc was already gone and
>part of the vertebrae too. Your mom's xrays/labs were
>ok so it wouldn't be that. It took 6mos of IV meds to
>get rid of the infection but the back pain lasted
>longer. Physical therapy is what finally got rid of
>the pain. When you spasm, your muscles put your spine
>in unnatural positions, you spasm more.... PT
>strengthened the "core muscles" of your trunk so the
>spine stays in a more natural shape. It was a
>challenge for me because I can't lay flat on my back,
>that is the only thing that still triggers the
>pain/spasms. Stretching helps alot too, but learn to
>do it under the supervision of a therapist. Hot or
>cold packs helped with the spasms/pain. My drs won't
>let me take steroids again because of the damage they
>did to other body parts as well.(I had rare,severe
>complications) It makes living with asthma
>interesting. If I can help in anyway,just ask.
> becki

Once again thank you so much for your help. Yes the doctor has thought of an infection in her spine.........but she has so many complicating factors that do not help with diagnosis. Due to her pacemaker she cannot have an MRI (which would shed some light on things I am sure)only a CT Scan - and she is allergic to iodine so the CT scan cannot have contrast! But........her bloodwork does not indicate an infection (though I wonder if the prednisone can suppress a response?)and the xrays and non contrast CT do not show anything but osteoarthritis and osteoporosis.......both of which can be contributing to this pain by inflamming the muscles along that area.... The physical therapy was a great idea - and when her nurse came out yesterday I asked and she agreed - they are sending a PT out to work with her. We would have no idea what would be safe to have her do and what wouldn't so the PT should be a big help. I also found out that on last Sat. she was supposed to have had her second dose of dropping to 20mg daily......and somehow my Dad (also 82) missed it and she got NONE! That may explain why the sudden and severe flare on Sat night and Sun AM.......then she slowly got better after we went back to the 30 daily.....but had a bad day yesterday - today is much better. The doctor wants to wean her off - but we will just take it slower this time......

So weird because she has not ever had problems with these tapering doses before. She has had them for years due to the COPD........but this fall she has had them way more often so finally it could have added up I guess.

I am also wondering about a magnesium supplement......since she take diuretics as well she could be low......perhaps this well help? Anyone have any ideas on that?

Thanks again,
Becky

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