Question:
ANY POST-OPS TAKING SMALL DOSES OF PREDNISONE?

I HAVE RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS AND I TAKE 1OMG OF PREDNISONE. I KNOW THIS IS A SERIOUS NO NO BUT THE PAIN I HAVE IS SO UNBEARABLE SOMETIMES. OTHER MEDICATIONS JUST DON'T SEEM TO DO IT. HAS ANYONE ELSE TAKEN THIS AND NOT HAD ANY PROBLEMS? ANY INFO YOU HAVE WOULD BE A GREAT HELP.    — PRETTYGRL (posted on March 19, 2004)

March 19, 2004
Yes there is a risk, but my feeling is that some of us have diseases and issues that force us to make choices. Obvisouly prednisone is a problem even without this surgery, but if it is truly the only thing that will give you relief then take it and realize the risks you are taking and accept them. The biggest thing is going to be watching your calcium and bone density. I have had to be on anti-inflammatories at various times since my WLS. My surgeon is aware of it and also recognizes that sometimes the blanket NO cannot apply. He has just asked me to make sure I take it with food. I try to get off of it as soon as I can but when I do resort to using it I literally have no other options left.
   — zoedogcbr

March 20, 2004
Monica, I have asthma and asked my surgeon pre-op about taking prednisone if necessary and I was told that it would be ok if necessary but I would just have to take Zantac or something similar while taking the steroids. Best of luck to you...my father has RA and is in remission and doing very well. I hope that you are feeling better soon too. Denise 280/150/143
   — denisel

March 20, 2004
I take 7.5 mg of prednisone per day. I've taken it everyday since surgery. I'm almost two years post-op with no stomach problems, and I'm not taking Zantac. As other poster replied watch bone density. My eye doctor also keeps a close eye on interocular pressure(causes glaucoma).
   — Janis D.

March 22, 2004
I had bronchitis a few weeks ago and my PCP gave me a prednisone shot. My surgeon said that the shot was ok, so maybe shots are better since they don't have to travel through the stomach...just an idea. Christy
   — Christy L.