Posted by Dan (152.163.204.57) on August 31, 1999 at 14:26:39:
In Reply to: got my life back-it worked posted by ken on August 30, 1999 at 20:47:35:
When my CHs were first diagnosed 17 years ago, we tried nearly every drug the neuro could think of, but nothing worked. Finally, large doses of Prednisone (80-90mg) were tried and it worked. Tapering off slowly over 7-14 days, the CHs were blocked and went away. When the came back 6 months later, the same regimen was followed, with the same result. Third time worked, too. Had the usual side effects, puffy red face, irritability, etc. The fourth session, Predinisone didn't work and I was switched to Verapamil & Lithium, with equally good results.
Seven years after the onset of CHs, I began to have severe pain in my hip. It was diagnosed as avascular necrosis, and resulted in a total hip replacement 10 years ago. My doctor said it was a direct result from the high steroid doses that I had taken 6-7 years before. Now, it appears that I will have to have a second total hip.
I was probably told of the medical risks of taking large doses of Prednisone, but at the time, I would have taken anything to stop the pain.
If I had it all to do over again, Prednisone would be my drug of last resort.