Ionly took prednisone for about 3 months... I then went to the Helen Foundation and took an 8 month class on how to use the cortisone ( which is 1/4 as strong as prednisone) with minimal side effects...Worked great for about 9 years! By the 10th year, I had to have hand surgery. I decided to see a rheumatologist. She told me she would not treat me unless I quit using cortisone... It took me a year to go through withdrawals, and then I started to use Orencia, hydroxichlor and Arava... I still get flares now and then, and I keep a private little "stash" of cortisone for the really big flares! I choose not to be bedridden for days at a time! Sometimes I feel that what she doesn't know won't hurt me! A bottle of 75 tabs, which costs only $25.00. In over a year's time I've used less than 1/2 of it! Its cheaper than ibuprofen!

Prednisone AKA Satan's Tic Tacs
Do their job but wicked side effects

I am 10 years in November still on1/2 prednisone per week - weaned myself off slowly !!!! doctor recommended monthly but I went 3 months

Prednisone can be a scary drug, but sometimes it's the only thing that helps. I've been on Prednisone for 15 years and take 10 mg a day. Without that plus Actemra, Methotrexate, Arave, and Plaquenil I would be in a constant flare. As it is, it's just barely keeping it under control. I know it can cause bad things to happen in our body and I have experienced those, but for me the decision was made to have a "normal" life rather than to be bed ridden or in a wheelchair. Happy Friday everyone!!! :-)

Hi carol Anne. I only feel better when I get a shot of cortisone. The 10 mg daily dose doesn't help me. Then the dr scares me off all cortisone medications. Who is the rheumatologist u saw in my? Looking for another opinion