I started Plaquinel and Prednisone on Friday. Saturday I was a wreck because I didn't eat enough before taking the Prednisone, and got really sick. But Sunday I felt great! Lots of energy, happy, and my kidney didn't hurt. I was really excited.
Monday I woke up and my kidney really hurt. It felt worse because I had had a day with no pain, and now I remember what that feels like. No joint pain, but still swollen, and no energy at all. Today was more of the same.
Was Sunday a fluke? Do I get only one good day with the Prednisone? Did I overdo it? Why isn't it working any more? So frustrated!
Also, I got my referral for a Neurologist - to check for Multiple Sclerosis - six months from now! Ack! Should I try to get a sooner appointment out of town? Is it bad to wait six months?
Sorry for all the questions, folks. I'm just really confused right now.
I just started Plaquinel and Prednisone well actually I haven’t started the Prednisone because I had a colonoscopy today and wanted to make sure it didn’t affect the biopsys. I haven’t really had any difference with just Plaquinel just yet but I will be starting the dreaded prednisone tomorrow and I’m not really looking forward to it. Hope you get to feeling better.
Despite the side effects, Prednisone is a wonder drug! Now I know that it's at least possible to feel normal again.
I've read that it can take weeks for the Plaquinel to take effect. We'll have to compare notes :-)
Kelly said:
I just started Plaquinel and Prednisone well actually I haven't started the Prednisone because I had a colonoscopy today and wanted to make sure it didn't affect the biopsys. I haven't really had any difference with just Plaquinel just yet but I will be starting the dreaded prednisone tomorrow and I'm not really looking forward to it. Hope you get to feeling better.
Prednisone is a miracle drug. The pain just stops. It’s worth all the side effects. Actually the only side effect I had was the weight gain and the moon face. If you’re having breakthrough pain you might need a higher dose of prednisone.
More likely that Plaquenil takes months, not weeks to kick in enough to get you off prednisone completely. It took me 9 months and 2 unsuccessful attempts before I was able to come off prednisone completely, so be patient. There are still occasional days when I get pain and think about my friend prednisone…
I agree with Jo. I was on prednisone steady for 12years for lung problems. I was also never told my blood work showed for 7 years that I had lupus.I am no longer on prednisone now that I have a specialist looking after me but still fight ing lung problems as well as the ones caused by lupus.i do agree for a short time prednisone may and will help you but from what I,ve been told, long term will harm you and often cause more. problems. wish you well and hope you feel better soon Carol
Have you seen any results from the Plaquenil yet? I've been on it for a little over 3 months (400mg/day) and I'm seeing some improvement in the redness on my cheeks and forehead. I do not have SLE, but I do have ACLE (Skin lupus) and between sunscreen every day and Plaquenil, I'm seeing some improvement. I've read it may take 6 months or more to get the full effect. So far so good. Like you, I was just diagnosed this year and have had to learn a lot about the disease.
Kelly said:
I just started Plaquinel and Prednisone well actually I haven't started the Prednisone because I had a colonoscopy today and wanted to make sure it didn't affect the biopsys. I haven't really had any difference with just Plaquinel just yet but I will be starting the dreaded prednisone tomorrow and I'm not really looking forward to it. Hope you get to feeling better.
I think the Plaquinel is finally starting to work! I've also been tapering off the Prednisone - I'm down to 10 mg a day. I feel pretty good most days (as long as I don't push it). I've even had a stretch of six days in a row where I felt okay! My appetite has not increased, but I've noticed that food tastes really good. My Rheumy said that's a sign that I'm getting better.