Well, I posted this as a new topic to get some responses--since none came from my original one. I was put on the maximum dose of Predisone (60 mg.) for 9 days, then taper down for another few to wean off. After 2 days, began feeling absolutely awful! Head felt like it weighed a 'ton' and got such pressure, and finally after 5th day, my b/p was spiking to 207/95 last night. Was going to E.R. but took extra b/p meds at home. Called my ent today and his thought was it wasn't the Prednisone. Called the pharmacist and my cardiologist office and both said, definitely Prednisone could cause the b/p to go up. Nurse at Cardiologist office said, many times steroids can cause jumps in b/p. So she was quite concerned at this jump (doctor out of town). She said if it got up beyond 165 or more and in the 90's on the lower number to call her or go to E.R. This needs addressing. So, my Ent has me weaning off the Steroid--and I have an MRI scheduled in two days of the brain (looking for the tumor) that can cause the hearing loss. I didn't have it on the bad side, so really don't expect to find answers but having it as ordered. Just feeling awful--had to lie down alot today, cancelled dinner plans and even therapy due to all this. Hoping as I wean off this will improve and I"m sure it will. Anyone else have this with steroids--like Prednisone? No fun!
The only issue that I had with Prednisone was not being able to sleep. Other than that, I had no issues.
I too had horrible side effects with Prednisone. Put on it by ENT when first diagnosed with MD in hopes of saving some of my hearing. The dose period was 21 days starting with 3 doses/day.(it was 5 yrs ago so don't remember the dosage). Within 24 hours (3 doses) I was having heart palpitations, numbness in face. I called to complain and the ENT said could be the progression of my disease!! I had only had 2 attacks ( a month earlier) at this point and felt fine when started this. Continued to stay on it and it made me so light-headed ( I couldn't sit upright without my head being supported, couldn't drive to last appt.) The ENT finally conceded that I must be one of the groups of people for who Prednisone takes over for adrenal function right away. Did nothing positive for me and I felt it took about a month afterwards to feel better. I have normally low BP so it seemed to make that worse. I would only want to be put on Prednisone in the most dire of situations in the future. Needless to say I never went back to that ENT!!
I am.sorry that you had such a bad experience. I didn't. I am actually a bit surprised, because the theory is that inflammation is causing the ear to misfire. Prednisone is a great at fighting inflammation. The theory also by Dr. Gasek is a virus is causing inflammation. You are taking appropriate care of yourself. Goods luck.
I should add that the first time that I was prescribed prednisone it was for sudden complete hearing loss. I had the MM at the time. The prednisone brought my hearing back, I had no bad symptoms except for the difficulty sleeping. Have been on it a few other times and no issues other than the sleep part.
Thanks for all the input. Sounds like some have issues--and others don't. That's how it is! I do wonder if anyone has b/p issues though. Mine has just gone so high and all day yesterday, could barely be ' up and about' due to awful head pressure and my b/p spiking so often. Tapering off but did get in 5 days of the full dosage and so if it's going to help, it should. I felt so good when I got up this morning, but after being up about an hour the awful pressure is back. So far, not any improvement that I can tell in the hearing but really hoping in time I will notice that! I have an MRI tomorrow --with dye contrast of the brain/ear. Praying for answers and help for sure. Will update when I get some news. I did take Prednisone when first loss of hearing occurred in my other ear--but was late getting 'to it'. Have only 30% hearing left but it did help spare some and am hoping this dosage will do the same. I couldn't finish the first round either--not due to b/p issues, didn't have that problem, but other issues (abdominal and shaking and just felt truly awful)!! So, just one of those who cannot tolerate meds much and this one in particular!
This is how I'm feeling too! Since my b/p has jumped so high, felt it was causing that. Ent didn't think so but pharmacy and my Cardiologist office said, 'definitely some patients do have this type of reaction to steroids' and the cardio doctor was very concerned about how high it was spiking--said to get to E.R. if that kept up for evaluation! So--guess we are all different in how we react to meds. Thanks for you input!
Well, b/p really kept spiking and I am in the process of weaning off the Prednisone--and had MRI with contrast dye yesterday of the brain, and ear (the other side that seems to be 'going down' in hearing quality. I had abdominal upset--and after test yesterday spent 'alot of time' in the bathroom after taking metamucil! Seems my entire system was affected adversely from the Prednisone. Am nearly off of it--will be after tomorrow. The dizziness is still 'acute' with me and I just feel 'lousy'! Hoping nothing serious shows on the MRI--but would be really encouraging to 'find something' that can be fixed! Sure cannot understand feeling this dizzy most of the time I'm in an upright position. No pain in the head, just awful pressure, dizziness, etc. Still doing balance therapy--but cancelled this week due to all this going on. Primary doubled my b/p meds as it was averaging 179/90 something over a couple of days of taking the Prednisone. Not good, as some of those were even higher numbers! Oh well--sure gets to you!
Wow, Yanks Girl. That is unbelievable. It is amazing how we all have a human body, but react differently. I hope your waning from Prednisone gives you relief. Take care,
I was on a similar course of Prednisone a while back, and I had to eat a little something with every single dose. If I took a dose on a completely empty stomach (like in the morning) my BP would drop, I'd get shaky and pale and nearly pass out. As soon as I ate a little oatmeal I returned to normal. It is one of those no joke type of medicines, sorry you are having problems.
I was on 60 mg a day when first diagnosed last year For a week the second week was weaning , That was horrible , I felt electric shocks Going through my head very jumpy and Emotional while on it I felt a little down and Tired but the weaning was horrible . It did Stop the inflammation. And diSSINESS. Last week I decided to get a kenalog Injection which is a very strong steroid That stays in your Body for a year without the constant Nervousness , although the first few day I Did feel horrible pressure in my head I thought I was having a stroke maybe it was My blood pressure it only occurred twice. But Isn't really helping this ear fullness. How often do most get the fullness ?
I have the 'fullness--pressure daily after I get up and about. That is what I don't understand. Guess it's the fluid and the way it moves or doesn't move! I'm down to one Prednisone 2 times a day and this is the 'last day'! Also was doubled on my highest dose of b/p meds so hoping I can go 'back to the one pill' on that. I really struggle with side effects of meds. But--my b/p for the most part has been well under control--only spiking when I have a really bad 'head day'. So I knew after 6 days on the Prednisone and it was 207/103--that was definitely due to the meds. This morning it's 158/78---well on it's way down to what it usually is. But, I'm very dizzy--that is always going on (sometimes tolerable--sometimes I have to 'sit back'). I cancelled my balance therapy this week--knew I couldn't even make it on the walk from car to hospital and use the elevator--just wayyyy too dizzy! I hope I don't get something that stays in me a year--because once that is given, you're 'stuck with it'. Hope you have good results Lisa! My doctor--for the first time, said if this doesn't help--there are 'new things 'coming down the pike'! He didn't elaborate. But that is the first time he's 'ever' said that! No results yet on the MRI I had Thurs. and aren't we really desperate when we 'want something to show up'? Not bad--just 'something' that can be fixed. That's how it is with this. Thanks to you and everyone for sharing your experiences. It helps knowing we are 'not alone' in this journey.
These are the same symptoms that I experienced when my dr put me on oral steroids. I'm sorry so many have experienced this. The problem here is that we don't know until we try something that works for us.''lets hope we all find relief.
Well, I am glad to hear I'm not the only one--but wouldn't wish this on you just to have a 'partner' in this! My ent said it 'would not cause these symptoms--especially the b/p going so high. Well, it has, and I'm almost off of it and b/p is going down--slowly but had to double b/p med dosage and even that caused more side effects. Today I decided to go back to my normal dosage and this is last day on Prednisone and will take a few days to get it out of my system I suppose. I know I am absolutely soooo dizzy today, it's unreal. Feel like I've taken several drugs! Thanks for you response!