And then there was one . . .

 

Tiptoeing down the prednisone ladder, 2.5 mg at a time. 

Today I hit 5 mg (after a lifetime high of 80 mg, back in June) and almost feel like celebrating. 

“Almost” because celebration needs to wait until 1) I’m completely off of steroids; AND 2) we're sure my serum CK level is within normal limits.* 

Why am I so eager to get off prednisone? It’s a corticosteroid, which slows down the body’s immune system — which has been very helpful for me, for sure, as it has helped to stop my immune system from killing my muscle cells. BUT it also raises blood pressure and blood sugar, strips the bones of calcium, and can cause mood swings, cognitive dysfunction, diabetes, and glaucoma. Increased risk of infection since the immune system is compromised. Et cetera. Nasty stuff.

*Had blood taken earlier this week and am eagerly awaiting that CK “score.”