My 30+ year run with Prednisone My experience began back in the ...

My 30+ year run with Prednisone My experience began back in the 1980s when I took 2 aspirin for a headache one day and landed in the hospital with difficulty breathing. I was diagnosed with Chronic Asthma Triad (Aspirin Sensitivity, Sinus Polyps, and Asthma). My doctors (Allergist & ENT) prescribed Prednisone to help with the asthma and control sinus swelling in does ranging from low 15mg up to 80mg per day with weening off periods lasting weeks to months. Over the next 9 years I underwent 12 sinus surgeries ultimately obliterating all of my sinus cavities. Chronic asthma continues today and I have now developed additional lung disease I was followed at UCSC Medical Center in San Francisco after being diagnosed with Bronchiolitis Oblitersans, at which time I was fully disabled, unable to work at all for almost 2 years. This was the most difficult period in my life. Over the years dealing with chronic sinus disease and controlling my lung and airway diseases I have made many trips to the ER and experienced many hospitalizations. I have not been off of Prednisone since this all began. With so many doses of steroids both by IV and by mouth with tapers in doses ranging from 120md daily (by mouth) to a low maintenance dose of 5mg per day. Believe me when I say that I know the side effects of this dug all to well. Initially I experienced bloating in the face and body, a rash that still remains today. I have developed significant bone density loss and now experience joint pain full time. From a mental side effects stand point I am in a state of fluctuating brain fog, memory loss, and confusion. At times I get baffled easily. I continue to experience mild to severe mood swings. I am currently working full time with great difficulty and at this time taking 40mg of Prednisone daily to control my difficulty breathing and severe shortness of breath. Of all the side effects it is my memory loss that has been the biggest impact on my ability to work and communicate clearly, I am having difficulties performing at work and at home. I had no idea this medication could have such an impact on daily living. The bottom line? Prednisone truly is a two edged sword, on one hand a wonder drug and on the other a destroyer of mind and body.