I knowexactly what you are talking about. I can relate. The tapering is so important. Prednisone has many side effects but it is a miracle drug for those with pulmonary or autoimmune conditions.
I find that hard to remember. I first went on it when I was about 40 years old. But I was able to discontinue it after possibly 6 months. This past year I have had to go on and then off it and then on again as I keep getting flares of an autoimmune condition which affects my eyes and damages my vision. But this past year I have been put onto a new medication, Amgevita. It is similar to Humira. It is called an anti TNF therapy and a Biologic. It is injected each fortnight. Self administered. It is apparently very expensive but it is covered by our public health system here in NZ. It should mean I will no longer need Prednisone. I have just begun taking it. The condition I have is called Behcet's Syndrome. I first had symptoms at aged 4 but it took a further 50 years to diagnose it. I hope this helps you in some way. Autoimmune conditions can be difficult to diagnose. My mum did not pursue a diagnosis for me when I was a child because the first Doctor I saw at aged 4 said to her that I only had "growing pains."
My daughter can relate to what you are saying I am sure. Hers is in the joints,skin and blood vessels. She gets angioedema. I suspect they will start her on biologicals when she finally gets to see an autoimmune specialist. She is only 23, so this makes me a little worried. I know someone who biologicals stopped working after 15 years and ruined immune system. They were much older than my daughter. There’s really no easy answer. Thank you for sharing your story. It’s very helpful to know there’s many others in the same boat. Praying for you .
