Prednisone and Pain: What Users Say

• Dai...
• January 24, 2020

For Fibromyalgia "I have been on prednisone for many years. I was bedridden, and friends had to do everything for me. After trying a low dose, the improvement was very quick. However, over the years, I have gradually had to increase the dose to be able to function after being diagnosed with fibromyalgia and Hashimoto's. I am presently on 10 mg per day, and sometimes when I've got a virus or have overdone things, I increase to 12 or 15, but try and return to 10 mg ASAP. My rheumatologist has said to try and reduce to 7 and a half mg. I am not overweight. And as far as I can tell, I have not 'suffered' from taking prednisone. I do have osteoporosis, but I've had that for many years and I believe that started because I had undiagnosed Coeliac disease and thyroid issues which can cause that. I eat a very healthy low sugar/carb diet. I still struggle with energy and pain but try to pace myself to cope with life. I hope this helps someone."

• Dun...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 17, 2016

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "Prednisone has been a savior at being a quick fix in getting rid of my crippling RA symptoms. Started on 10mg a day with no side effects. Now into my 7th week on it and tapered down to 7.5mg. I'm getting terrible side effects. Agitation, anxiety, mood swings, awful insomnia which worsens the mood swings, and the lack of sleep then causes its own lot of side effects. I'm not sure what's worse right at this moment - pain in all my limb joints or these aggravating side effects?! I am writing this at a peak of a pouty mood swing though. I don't do well without sleep and 3 nights in a row with just a few hours between them is it. On a positive note, I am almost fully mobile when on the drug. So I highly recommend it for short-term use."

• Hap...
• July 22, 2019

For Fibromyalgia "Long story short, tapered down from 7 to 0 mg of prednisone for PMR. Pain has slowly become unbearable. I don’t walk, I shuffle. Can’t bend down for pain, my place is a mess. I’m 61. Last night on a lark, I tried 10 mg of leftover pred. This morning I am newborn! Pain has gone from 6-7 to 2! I’ve had fibromyalgia diagnoses for 4 years now. All doctors try to get me off pred. Hunh?!! What an eye-opener reading this has been!"

• Con...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 27, 2018

For Fibromyalgia "I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia about 15 years ago. Since that time, I have been in constant pain. I have pain in my knees, hips, wrists, legs, low back, neck, jaw, hands, and fingers. I also suffer from chronic sinusitis, which can usually be controlled by a nasal steroid, antibiotic nasal rinse, and allergy medication. During this time, I have been prescribed prednisone to help with the sinus infection. These are the only two times I have had no pain in 15 years. I will be speaking to my doctor about prescribing me a low dose of prednisone. I am off the prednisone and back to pain and no energy again."

• Gre...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 26, 2015

For Fibromyalgia "I've been suffering from fibromyalgia for over 10 years now. A few months ago, I was stricken with Bell's palsy and was given a course of prednisone and Valtrex. Combined, it took away the palsy within a week, but it also took away all my pain and stiffness. I've since learned that most people with fibromyalgia have some type of herpes. The herpes virus can also cause Bell's palsy. There are many herpes viruses, and not all show any outward symptoms. I highly suggest getting tested for all herpes viruses if you suffer from fibromyalgia. I'd bet dollars to donuts you have one type of herpes virus, like cold sores. The combo of low-dose anti-inflammatory and the anti-viral is what works. I worked with my doc to find the lowest doses that worked."

• San...
• January 30, 2015

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "Prednisone is a great medication, but be careful with it. Don't take it for long periods of time. I was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, and my doctors had me on prednisone for two years. In that time, I started taking Humira, which I had no more inflammation in my blood. My hips and shoulder still hurt, even though I had no inflammation. My doctor said, keep taking prednisone, we'll taper it off slow. My doctor and I assumed this pain was normal arthritic pain, and he never did X-rays. The pain in my hips got worse and worse. I went to the emergency room, where they did X-rays. I found out I had end-stage osteonecrosis (bone death) and had to have both my hips replaced three weeks later (second hip six weeks after the first)."

• Emm...
• February 12, 2018

For Fibromyalgia "After almost 2 months, oversleeping, nausea, pain in all and any random joints, chest, throat, jaw, ear, headaches and pains, vertigo, brain fog, affected speech, heavy weak limbs, and all the rest... my first steroid tablet helped me within 30 minutes. It helped all day long. I have had a day off from my cumbersome symptoms with no side effects so far. Can't wait for tomorrow."

• Coc...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 29, 2021

For Fibromyalgia "I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia about 20 years ago. Three years ago, I started to get swollen joints, painful feet, plantar fasciitis, enthesitis in my ankles and knees. I also have scalp psoriasis. I was put on 15 mg prednisolone by my GP for 2 weeks, then I had to take 2, then 1 to wean me off. As soon as I got on to 1 a day, all my symptoms came back with a vengeance. Now my rheumatologist has gone back down the road of it's just fibro, and she refuses to prescribe me prednisolone. I am in the most horrendous pain, and I feel so ill. I am back to constant pain and swelling of my joints. I just don't know what to do."

• Thi...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 5, 2017

For Asthma "Asthma was new to me, tried all the usual breathers, Dulera, ProAir, etc. Loratadine, Singulair, Flonase, etc. was prescribed prednisone and within days I was breathing again, my aches in my knee and shoulder were gone and the most awesome effect was I started smelling things again. I felt like I was given a second chance at life, was ramped up like I was on crack, but I was feeling great and getting things done. Unfortunately, too many potential side effects to continue on a regular basis. I can no longer smell and my knee is hurting badly again."

• Mic...
• November 5, 2017

For Osteoarthritis "I have osteoarthritis. I have used prednisone twice. I had a second flare-up, and after day 2, I could function with no pain at all. I do not think, from what I have read, that I can stay on it long-term. Just flare-ups and use ibuprofen, which does take the edge off. I wish I could take prednisone longer because it gives me my life back."

• Mar...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• December 2, 2024

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "This is the best medicine for me: I have RA for about 4 years. The doctors and professors gave me a lot of different medicine. I was so sore in my joints and had swelling (my entire body), also got depression about it that I did not want to be alive anymore. Then one GP gave me prednisone, I started with 10 a day, went down to 2 a day. Now I am taking 1 or 2 a day after I had breakfast, depending on the stiffness and pain in the morning. Some days, like maybe 1 a month or in 2 months, I will take 3 or 4 for 1 or 2 days when I have a flare-up. I only take one other medication with it. I am so happy about it and will keep on until I'm not here anymore! I believe, because my daily intake is not high, I am OK for all the other negative side effects. I do not gain weight at all."

• kim...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 12, 2012

For Inflammatory Conditions "I was started on 60 mg in the hospital. I have a rare condition, I am told. I was good until I dropped down to 30 mg, then I was crying, mean, ill, swollen, and couldn't walk on my feet because of the pain (swelling). Went back to the doctor, they were dropping me down 10 mg every 7 days. My doctor has now upped the medications and is dropping me down slower. I do not like the weight gain. I feel very tight, and my face is very round. I am only 5 ft 2 and was 135. Now I am 145, and I can feel it. I am told that it may be 1 to 2 months before I am weaned off. But I guess having the weight gain is better than the alternative, my doctor also put me on Lasix and potassium."

• ven...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• January 22, 2016

For Inflammatory Conditions "Have had several ailments from various injuries. In a six-year span, took it four times. The dosage as high as twenty, as low as four. Six on day one; five on day two; four on day three; three on day four; two on day five; and one on day six (all prescriptions were taken in the same/similar regimen). Each time the pain did seemingly go away. But, over the long run, my health began to decline in other ways. I still have my original injuries to contend with, as they worsen, yet I have encountered new friends that are not necessarily hereditary. My number one issue is no more prednisone. Without it for about eight years now (the last time I was prescribed I didn't take), my health, not injuries, is improving. I do still have my injuries, but my injuries are not life-threatening."

• Kat...
• August 1, 2016

For Fibromyalgia "I was diagnosed with PMR in early 2012 after an overnight onset in late 2011. I had back surgery in Dec 2011 and thought that had been my problem when I woke up pain-free. Unfortunately, it took only 3 days for the steroids in the meds at surgery to wear off, and the pain returned with a vengeance. I was diagnosed with the PMR and given 20 mg daily of prednisone and started to immediately taper off. After 4 years and transfer to Mayo Clinic, I still am fighting to stay off the prednisone. After a week, I begin to have hand pain, 10 days begins the arm muscle pain, 14 days, and the stiff neck shoulder pain. At 4 weeks, all muscles and joints ache, but no one has diagnosed it as fibromyalgia. Small relief from 800 mg Advil daily. Is this fibromyalgia?"

• Kat...
• August 1, 2016

For Fibromyalgia "I was diagnosed with PMR in early 2012 after an overnight onset in late 2011. I had back surgery in Dec 2011 and thought that had been my problem when I woke up pain-free. Unfortunately, it took only 3 days for the steroids in the meds at surgery to wear off, and the pain returned with a vengeance. I was diagnosed with the PMR and given 20 mg daily of prednisone and started to immediately taper off. After 4 years and transfer to Mayo Clinic, I still am fighting to stay off the prednisone. After a week, I begin to have hand pain, 10 days begins the arm muscle pain, 14 days, and the stiff neck shoulder pain. At 4 weeks, all muscles and joints ache, but no one has diagnosed it as fibromyalgia. Small relief from 800 mg Advil daily. Is this fibromyalgia?"

• Ano...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 13, 2019

For Gouty Arthritis "After multiple gout attacks in the past few years, I have found that dehydration and minor injuries/overworking tend to trigger flare-ups in my feet and ankles. I have found that taking prednisone at the first sign of a gout flare-up can completely prevent a full-blown attack from happening. In the event you don’t have any pills at the first sign of the attack and it goes full-blown, taking prednisone will reduce the pain and swelling by 50% in the first few hours, and you will be walking without an aid in 24 hours. If you have a physical job, you will be back to work within 2-3 days. Don’t let it drag on for weeks, tell the doctor you want prednisone, and if you have frequent attacks, try to get some extra for the next time you feel one coming on. Also, if you are having regular attacks, you should get a preventive med, e.g., allopurinol, this will prevent you from getting the crystals building up."

• Cat...
• August 25, 2019

For Sinusitis "In 2017, I had a virus, and it attacked my sinus, right side deviated septum. The pain was a 10, in the right eyebrow area, and the only thing that worked was prednisone 20 mg given by my PA, Advil, and Tylenol too. All was great up to July 2019, again a virus, same problem. This time, my PA was on vacation. I told the doctor what had worked in 2017 and gave her the exact prescription paper, and she said she ordered the same for me. Well, I trusted her and never checked the dose, I just looked at the instructions on how to take it. By the 4th day, I had a little relief, but I realized that in 2017, by the second day, I had relief. Sure enough, I looked, and she had ordered 1/2 mg of the 2017 dose! After 4 days of taking all the meds, it came back bad, like the first time. I did use Benadryl sinus and headache med, 1/2 tablet, and it did help some. I went to see the sinus doctor, and they agreed that the dose was too small and not long enough. They gave it to me the same as in 2017, and by the second day, I had lots of relief, so we will see if, at the end, it does work and does not come back like in 2019."

• Den...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 17, 2020

For Gouty Arthritis "I’ve had bouts of gout in my foot—big toe—through the years, perhaps twice a year. I just rode through the pain without medication and typically recovered in a few days. A day ago, I ended up with truly unbearable pain in my knee that grew worse by the hour. I had a telemedicine visit with my doctor—it was Saturday late afternoon, and I was incapable of walking without screaming and needed help. My doc prescribed prednisone. One tablet and a couple hours later I can only walk. While I’m still in some pain, it’s not constant and it’s tolerable. Prednisone has proven a godsend in my case."

• Sta...
• February 19, 2017

For Allergic Reactions "Horrible drug whose side effects are worse than the condition. Really messed me up for months on a six-day course starting at 24 mg, then reducing by 4 mg daily for 5 days. Panic attacks, vision problems, ulcer or gastritis, hip pain, racing heartbeat, hip pain, and didn't do anything for the allergic sinus condition. Getting out of polluted Bakersfield, California did cure the allergy but spent a month on the side effects after ending use. Doctors and pharmacists never warned of possible side effects."

• Tam...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• July 26, 2020

For Bursitis "Bilateral bursitis in the hips, went for cortisone (prednisone) and pain block bursa injections for the past 4 years, twice a year. Still experience pain, using pain medication on a daily basis, but I am at least mobile again. As before the injections, I could not walk."

• Kpc...
• December 4, 2016

For Fibromyalgia "Steroids, whether injected or oral, caused my fibromyalgia to be more painful. I experienced horrible pain from my hips down to my legs for 2+ days after having prednisone, oral or IM/subarachnoid steroids."

• JCI...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 21, 2016

For Gouty Arthritis "I first experienced gout 22 years ago in one of my big toes. Suffered through that attack and a few years later, I experienced a few more attacks. Eventually went to a doctor and was diagnosed with gout. As the years passed, I had attacks in various joints. I would get pain in one ankle, then it would move to the other ankle or one of my knees. The pain would luckily locate in only one joint at a time. In the fall of 2014, I had an attack so bad on my knee that I made repeated trips to the medical clinic and received shots of Decadron and prednisone packs for treatment. The pain would go away only to return 2-3 weeks later. Made 4 total visits during that period. Just yesterday, I had to go back for treatment from an acute attack."

• 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."

• 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."

• 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."