I was diagnosed with Systemic Lupus in 2001 and have been on Pred...

I was diagnosed with Systemic Lupus in 2001 and have been on Prednisone since then! I started on 60 mg and am now going off of the drug. I gained about 60 pounds, I have a classic moon face, buffalo hum (on neck), and the bloaty belly--and I hardly eat. I went from being in shape and running three miles a day to barely being able to get off the couch! Here are some of my other side effects; *sleep issues *gum/teeth are more frail * severe eye problems (blurred vision, loss of peripheral vision, depth perception problems) * excessive hair in places I don't want and hair loss in the places I want to keep it on! * mood swings * inability to concentrate for long periods of time excessive fatigue My advice on this drug--if you can--avoid it. If not--be proactive in getting your doctor to get you off of it as soon as possible at a slow rate. I am now on 5 mg being tapered off permanently! Thank God!