Daily Quick Tip

Two very important parts of your body that need to be well monitored on prednisone are your bones and your eyes. These are important parts of your body to watch anyway but even more so on Prednisone. Prednisone has been known to be a catalyst to Cataracts as well as bone density problems such as Osteopenia and Osteoporosis.

If you are dealing with Prednisone chronically meaning more than a couple months and especially if you are taking higher doses (25mg+) your doctor should schedule you to get a bone density scan every 6 months to make sure your bones are strong. Many people on Prednisone are prescribed Calcium and even medications like Fosamax if the bone scan shows bone decay and for many people these drugs are very effective. I was diagnosed with Osteopenia (early stages of Osteoporosis) about 10 years ago. I went through a couple courses of Fosamax and today I've had hardly any problems with my bones:) I'm very glad I got checked because my doctor was able to treat it quickly before more damage was done. Unless we have some really awesome robot limbs in the future I'm stuck with them bones so I want to keep them working!

Long term Prednisone use can also do a number on your eyes such as the growth of cataracts. This is a very simple thing to watch and it should be done about every 6 months. Your eye doctor should give you a dilated exam to check the health of the back of the eye which will show any evidence of Cataracts. Luckily if Cataracts are forming, treatment to have them removed is very safe and extremely effective!

On Prednisone it's definitely helpful to use preventative health measures. Checking in with all parts of your body is so very important to do even if it costs you a few more trips to the clinic. But I truly believe it's totally worth it!

Shakin' Shakin' Shakin' on Prednisone

LOVE BLAZING SADDLES lol! But in all seriousness poor Jim's condition can really be what it feels like to be on Prednisone. The higher the dosage and the longer we take Prednisone the more severe hand shakiness or tremors can be. Actually, a lot of people that are new to Prednisone are quite shocked by this side effect because it's something that can come on pretty quickly and, although it isn't the most severe side effect, it is still pretty noticeable. I've had a lot of people ask me and the community of other people on my youtube videos and on our facebook support group if other people experience the same thing - there's always is a resounding, "YES!" 

Why AM I shaking on Prednisone?

Drug-induced tremors (our shaking hand syndrome) is a simple nervous system and muscle response to certain medications and of course for us that is Prednisone. 

Treatment

Unfortunately there is very little that can be done about the shakiness we feel on Prednisone. If the tremors are very severe and if they are affecting your whole body it would definitely be a good idea to seek medical attention. However, even if the tremors are slight it would still be good to mention it to your doctor just so your doctor is aware that you are experiencing this side effect and perhaps your doctor can adjust when you take your Prednisone or how you take it to help ease a bit of your tremors. 

However frustrating this side effect may be it's important to remember that as you go down on the Prednisone the less you will feel those tremors and it will completely go away when you stop taking  Prednisone and the Prednisone has had a little time to work it's way out of your system. It may stink now but we certainly won't be shaking forever:)