Moon shape symptoms and conditions

I started Prednisone Feb 7,2009 because I Have inflammation in my ear and other problems because of the disease. He started me on a high dosage. I take 3 pills a day. My doctor warn me that I would gain weight but Im not concern with the weight gain because prednisone helps me feel better and I know it's working. I'm always hungry,my face is Moon shape, and I feel fat but what have me scare3 is I can't sleep(insomnia) any more and I have severe join pain.My muscles feel weak, My leg and knee aches and I can barely walk sometimes! Im scared I might get avascular necrosis!and my blood pressure go up and down! I never had high blood pressure but the last time I went to the Doctor my pressure was high! Also I get abdominal pain, and feel very sick to my stomach!

Hi I was diagnosed with chronic rhematoid arthritis in February 2004 after blood tests etc. It was a relief to find out what I had than it hit me that I will have this for life and went through the 'why me' thoughts. My doc prescribed me with diclofen which did not do any good but after a while 2-3 weeks I was able to attend a specialist in our local area. He than went through the tests and prescribed me with the dreaded prednisone you have all talked about. Yes I have now got the moon shape face plus the weight gain (a stone) which is alot for my 5'2' height. I have spoken to my local doctor about it who just says hmmm... probably thinks that I am 50 yrs old and looks don't matter. Well everybody she is going to get a serious talking to especially after I have read all your comments. For me the weight gain is a biggy (literally). In the beginning I had been prescribed to take 10 mg a day but I chose to just take 5 mg after 1 month, as the doctor informed me that I will have increased appetite. Which I obviously did ie weight gain. I was also prescribed methotrexate one a week so after this I will be looking at that site to see what others have experienced. Apart from that yes I am having the mood swings which I already had but now it is enhanced!!! and the weight gain.