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What Are The Long Term Side Effects Of Steroids?
Question: Sir, my sister, 80 years old, has been taking Wysolone 5 mg (prednisolone) twice daily for the last decade or even longer prescribed for rheumatoid arthritis. She has developed hypertension for which she is taking losartan (strength not known). Her hands and fingers are out of shape. She finds it difficult to balance while walking and has frequent falls. She has difficulty in lifting even small objects and has suffered fracture of right arm recently. Face appears to be puffed up. May be her blood sugar also is high (not sure). I think she has not seen an orthopaedic surgeon in the recent past.
My query: Is the steroid dosage too high? If steroid is a must, what is the minimum dosage that one can take without any major side-effects? What is your general advice? Has there been any recent advances in medicine to replace steroid in the treatment of RS?
We will see an orthopaedic doctor very soon. In the meantime, please advise us precautions to be taken.
( I am XXXXXXX citizen. I have worked for XXXXXXX as Head of Sales Training and retired 10 years back. I hope you do not mind some medical terminology used by me.)
My query: Is the steroid dosage too high? If steroid is a must, what is the minimum dosage that one can take without any major side-effects? What is your general advice? Has there been any recent advances in medicine to replace steroid in the treatment of RS?
We will see an orthopaedic doctor very soon. In the meantime, please advise us precautions to be taken.
( I am XXXXXXX citizen. I have worked for XXXXXXX as Head of Sales Training and retired 10 years back. I hope you do not mind some medical terminology used by me.)
Brief Answer:
Steroids need to be stopped.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for posting your query.
The steroid dosage is not too high but since she is taking it for last many years, it is causing the long term side effects of steroids. In such a case after a detailed clinical evaluation and blood tests the steroid dose should be tapered and stopped and other disease modifying agents like methotrexate and bisphosphonates are needed to combat rheumatoid arthritis and osteoporosis.
Steroids when used for a long term or in high doses causes side effects.
Some advice to make the life better and to fight with these pains-
Do regular physiotherapy of joints.
Hot fomentation to decrease the joint stiffness
Hot bath of Epsom salts (magnesium sulphate)-Magnesium has both anti-inflammatory and anti- arthritic properties and it can be absorbed through the skin.
You can try gaultheria oil or oil of winter green,so many patients of mine are telling they are relieved of pain with that.
You have to apply the oil on the area that has pain.
Increasing the dietary fish intake and/or fish oil capsules (omega-3 capsules) can sometimes reduce the inflammation .
Take vegetables and fruits that are rich in Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Calcium, Omega-3 Fatty acid, Zinc, Magensium and many more.
I hope this answers your query.
In case you have additional questions or doubts, you can forward them to me, and I shall be glad to help you out.
Wishing you good health.
Regards.
Dr. Praveen Tayal.
For future query, you can directly approach me through my profile URL http://bit.ly/Dr-Praveen-Tayal
Steroids need to be stopped.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for posting your query.
The steroid dosage is not too high but since she is taking it for last many years, it is causing the long term side effects of steroids. In such a case after a detailed clinical evaluation and blood tests the steroid dose should be tapered and stopped and other disease modifying agents like methotrexate and bisphosphonates are needed to combat rheumatoid arthritis and osteoporosis.
Steroids when used for a long term or in high doses causes side effects.
Some advice to make the life better and to fight with these pains-
Do regular physiotherapy of joints.
Hot fomentation to decrease the joint stiffness
Hot bath of Epsom salts (magnesium sulphate)-Magnesium has both anti-inflammatory and anti- arthritic properties and it can be absorbed through the skin.
You can try gaultheria oil or oil of winter green,so many patients of mine are telling they are relieved of pain with that.
You have to apply the oil on the area that has pain.
Increasing the dietary fish intake and/or fish oil capsules (omega-3 capsules) can sometimes reduce the inflammation .
Take vegetables and fruits that are rich in Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Calcium, Omega-3 Fatty acid, Zinc, Magensium and many more.
I hope this answers your query.
In case you have additional questions or doubts, you can forward them to me, and I shall be glad to help you out.
Wishing you good health.
Regards.
Dr. Praveen Tayal.
For future query, you can directly approach me through my profile URL http://bit.ly/Dr-Praveen-Tayal
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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