Just found your site. Pretty good stuff. I have been dealing wi...

Just found your site. Pretty good stuff. I have been dealing with kidney disease for over 12 years. Had a transplant 7 years ago and have been dealing with some complications for about 1 year. After the transplant I was on 80mg of prednisone then evetually reduced to 5 mg. Due to the complications I'm back up to 40mg everyday. I get pretty much the same side effects as everybody. I'm 42 and can tell you that you CAN overcome the effects of this drug. It's not easy though. The depression is the most difficult. Be sure to let anyone who is close to you know that you are dealing with issues that require "special understanding." Tell them that you will probably be cranky then try to be aware when you are. Own the problem and work to keep it in line - its hard work but you KNOW it is not your normal self and you can force the uncomfortable feelings to a minimum. The cramping is irritating but it beats waking upon the other side of the grass! Remember that you have life - do what you can in every way you can. I take life savers candies as a "pill" for my hunger and drink lots of water instead of soda. That helps with the weight gain. Ice cold water seems to help - I keep a 1/2 full container in the freezer then add water to the ice and put it in the fridge. Popsicles also work. The ice cold sensation can be very satisfying. Good luck - when the treatment is reduced the side effects do wane.