HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

Suggest Treatment For Fibromyalgia And Arthritis Of The Knee

Posted on Wed, 25 Jan 2017

Question: I have fibromyalgia and arthritis in my knees, etc. I am on Prednesone, the decreasing dose for the bronchitis. While I am on the prednisone, I can walk easily, bend my knees without pain, get up and down without pain. I'm wondering why I can't take this medication on an ongoing basis. I know that it has side effects but my quality of life is 90% better. I have energy and I feel wonderful. What can I do, if anything to convince my Dr to keep me on as low a dose as possible? Without it, I am constantly in pain and can't do much of anything.

Answered by Dr. Noble Zachariah (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Discussion follows

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

Welcome and thanks for your query.
I understand your concern.
Your observation that prednisolone gives you good relief of your symptoms is right and is due to the anti inflammatory, immunosuppressant actions. It addition it may also have more psychological action like euphoria.
The doctors are concerned about your future health like osteoporosis and possible fractures and proneness to diabetes, high blood pressure and susceptibility to infections.
Please let me know the diagnosis regarding your arthritis , whether it is an autoimmune one like rheumatoid or due to wear and tear like osteoarthritis.
If it is due to an autoimmune disease, there are other agents like azathioprine or methotrexate which would help reduce the inflammation the same way prednisolone does without the side effects of steroids. You could discuss the same with your doctor.
Do get back to me if you have further queries.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Noble Zachariah (1 hour later)

My arthritis is osteoarthritis. I have no osteoporosis that I am aware of and am basically healthily, other than the fibromyalgia which is painful and exhausting. Sometimes I wonder if quality of life is better than quantity. I don't want to rush my demise but I would love to be able to enjoy life. I guess I am just trying to see what a physician feels about the use of prednisone as a continual routine and what dose would be appropriate for long term use. I have known many people, including my father, that took prednisone daily and lived long lives with less pain and the ability to move freely.

Thank you for your previous response, Dr. XXXXXXX I'm hoping to get a more definitive answer if that is possible. I understand that there are always variables in all situations.

Best Regards,

XXXX

Answered by Dr. Noble Zachariah (10 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Discussion continued

Detailed Answer:

Thank you for your input.
If a small dose of prednisone does improve your quality of life , it may be considered with your doctor's consent. A dose upto 5 mg per day has been used by my patients without much side effects.
Take care.

Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar