Celebrate with me!!!
I am happy to announce that I have been off prednisone for a month now. It was a long journey to get off it. Unfortunately, due to the start of bone loss and a predisposition to getting osteoporosis, the doctors agreed that it had to be done.
Some of you may think this was not a big deal. It was. I never understood withdrawal symptoms until trying to wean off the prednisone. Most people can do it in a couple of months. It took me over a year. My system is just so sensitive to any medication changes.
Also, did you know that some anti-anxiety meds help with pain? I had heard that. After considerable painful flares of fibromyalgia this last year, the rheumatologist and I decided to give a particular one a try. I will tell you that I waited until I was completely off prednisone until starting the new medication. I did not want to get confused over what was withdrawal symptoms versus side effects from the new medication.
The good news is that after three weeks of being on the new medication (anti-anxiety), I have barely had to use my heating pad in the evenings. I feel much better overall. I did not realize how much pain I was in until it went away. No wonder I had problems with brain fog and focusing. My body was on pain overload, and I was oblivious to it. I did experience a few side effects the first week. I had to figure when the best time to take the medication and with or without food.
I would like you to understand that I am not a doctor or medical professional. I am sharing these experiences with you so that you may understand yourself and know you are not alone.
I have not used the exact name of the drug or described the side effects because everyone is different.
May God guide you to a physician who will help you find a better normal.