Minimal change symptoms and conditions

I am currently on Prednisone for Minimal Change Kidney Disease. I started at 60mg a day and my symptoms from the Kidney issues (swelling in my ankles and legs) went away within about two weeks. I had a lot of energy at first on Prednisone and trouble sleeping. I actually enjoyed the added energy. I also got headaches those first couple weeks and jaw pain. I wasn't really upset about the drugs until my face started getting puffy at about 4 weeks. I was reduced to 40mg at that time. I definitely noticed an increase in appetite and have just recently started counting calories to avoid potential weight gain. My weight so far has only fluxated about 5lbs. I am currently on 30mgs of Prednisone and can not wait to be off. I do have some slight acne on my upper back and notice a little extra weight there (maybe that camel hump thing someone mentioned). I am nervous these things will only get worse so I'm hoping my doctor will reduce the meds more rapidly after my next appointment. Overall it seems the Prednisone has done its job, but I'd still like to be off. I have been on a total of about 2 months now.

While coming off I have noticed heartburn (severe at times), mild depression, loss of energy, and I've been very bloated throughout the process.

I would only take Prednisone if absolutely necessary and get off it as fast as possible. Good luck to you all.

I have been on and off prednisone for about 4 years now. I was first daignosed with ulcerative colitis when i was 17 and took doses ranging from 15 to 50mg at its worst. I was also on immuran for treatment of UC. About 5 months ago i suffered acute renal failure and was diagnosed with nephritis minimal change. I was initially on 80mg a day and slowly weened off no getting down to 25mg and continuing to lower the doaage. Also on cyclosporine and a host of other drugs to combat the side effects of prdnisone. I sympathise with anyone who has to take the aweful drug. I have experienced just about all of the side effects mentioned on this forum. It is a debilitating drug not only physically and phsycologically but very much emotionally too. If anyone wants to talk. Please e-mail me. It is had to talk to people who dont know what you are going through and have been through.