PredniSONE and swelling of the face

It was comforting to read the stories from patients whom have the same issues with the prednisone as myself to assure me I AM NOT CRAZY. I am 43 years old and have severe asthma. Just this past April I was hospitalized for a week with asthma and was given so much steriods via shots, pills and IV drip that I have gained 25 lbs since April 16. Have swelling of the face, facial hair, swollen legs and a bloated belly. I cannot take it any more. I do not feel attractive and am in constant pain from the carpal tunnel I have developed in my hands, wrist and arms. I wish there was some way to return back to my normal active life and my normal body.

I have been on prednisone since end of February/05. 50 mg for a few months then down eventually to 20, had to go back up to 30, symptoms all came back.muscle weakness , and since I already have that with Dermatomyositis, it was a little confusing if it was helping at all.

Weight gain , moderate, but definite swelling of the face. Acid reflux a problem, hair loss.

A little discouraging, but necessary. I am now at 15 mg and going down to go off. Plaquenil has been prescribed and I have been on that for 2 months.Not really seeing improvement but have to get off Prednisone.Far too scary! Hopefully I am able to stay off it! I have always been a relatively healthy woman and I want my life back!

1. Weight Gain -- 30 pounds. Still trying to take it off but has been very hard.
2. Moon Face.
3. Swelling of the face, hands, feet intermittently throughtout the day and night.
3. Excessive Sweating.
4. Bad Acne.
5. Constant Bowel Movements.