I was treated with prednisone for interstitial nephritis in Dec '...

I was treated with prednisone for interstitial nephritis in Dec '03. Started at 60 mg for 2 days, then 40mg for 4 weeks. Doctor tapered drug too soon and too fast. Experienced painful swelling of joints of hands, elbows, shoulders, knees and ankles. Plus large, red, hot and very painful rashes and welts on neck, torso, arms, legs, particularly uncomfortable at pressure points like waistband and bra straps/bands (sides of stomach and breasts felt as if on fire). Was put back on prednisone in Feb '04 at 20mg daily and symptoms (which now I realize were side effects) subsided. Currently tapering again starting at 15mg for 3 wks and now on 2nd wk of 3 wks at 10mg...rashes/welts and aches have returned, but not as severe. I will be seeing my doctor in 2 wks for further tapering instructions (kidneys are fine and fully recovered). I had concerns about my "symptoms" being lupus since I got a positive ANA result, albeit a weak one, and my problems stemmed from the initial renal insufficiency. A dermatologist recommended I see and allergist because of the rashes. Although I'm not ruling out lupus or allergies just yet, after reading all the side effects on this website, I would have to think these aches, pains, rashes and swellings are prednisone related and I hope and pray they will go away once I'm off the prednisone. I will persue a more definitive diagnosis if the side effects continue and/or worsen after going off prednisone, but if anyone can offer a timeline as to how long the side effect took to wear off after being on prednisone for about 5-6 months (including tapering period), I would appreciate an e-mail.