Hate Prednisone!! Got any alternatives??

nate930 · 06-27-2003, 08:41 PM

Hey All!!

I am taking Prednisone for my Addison's Disease and it's not working yet. I am taking 10mg a day and I'm starting to look like a blowfish! I have a bit of that hideous "moon face" and bloating caused by the Prednisone. I am assuming I need to up my dose because I am still so tired and spaced out, but I don't want to have that side effects that come with the increase in meds.

I've read that many of you are taking natural cortisol and adrenal glandulars. Any suggestions on what to take exactly?? I am going to see an endo at the end of July(long wait to see these endos, don't ya think?) And so my neuro, who ended up diagnosing me, says he'll help with the naturals.

Any suggestions will be a great help. I need to start feeling like the old me again!!

thank you
nate

cathyk · 06-29-2003, 01:23 PM

Hi Nate - I go to an alternative MD in Chicago who prescribes the natural hormones for me. They have all the supplements and hormones I need at their clinic.

After saliva and blood testing it was determined I had adrenal insufficiency - my cortisol levels were pretty bad.

I currently take natural cortisol 20 mg daily, DHEA, progesterone cream from a compounding pharmacy, and adrenal granulars from Orthomolecular. Plus other daily supplements.

It took a 2-3 months before I stated feeling pretty good but it's way better than having to take prednisone - that's not an option for me - it puts me into a nervous rage big time.

Hope this helps.

[This message has been edited by cathyk (edited 06-29-2003).]

nate930 · 06-29-2003, 10:16 PM

Hi cathyk!!

Thank you for your help! I am thinking that I need to find an alternative endo also. I have an appointment with an endo at UCLA at the end of July, but I am not sure how responsive to naturals they will be. All I know is that I can't take Prednisone for much longer. It's driving me CRAZY!! I'm angry, bloated and I still don't feel any better...not a good combo!!

Do you have any side effects with your meds? If so, I'm sure it's nothing like Prednisone.

I'm glad you are feeling better and you found someting that works for you!!

thank you
nate

PVS · 06-30-2003, 12:34 PM

Nate-

Have you talked to your Dr. about trying one of the other "cortisones" that are are available. I started with just plain ole generic hydrocortisone and seem to have far less symptoms than people who are using predisone to control their addisons. Might be another option for you. There is also Cortisone Acetate I believe that some people use.

PVS

WoodRunner · 07-04-2003, 11:02 PM

I agree with PVS... I have been taking 30mgs of Hydrocortisone for 23 years. (was diagnosed with Addison's when I was 18) I am not sure why docs still put Adrenal patients on Prednisone. Maybe there's a reason, but I just don't know. Weight gain and some swelling might still happen when starting on Hydrocortisone... but I think its a temporary thing.

Nate... please let us know how your endo, end of July, appointment goes. Woodrunner.