Jenn:
i myself have not been on steroids for extended periods. I am sure others will soon post with "real life" experiences.
What you must understand is that no two people react the same to any course of treatment, so you may not get any or only some of the side effects other have experienced.
Potential side effects are:
· insomnia;
· nausea, vomiting, or stomach upset;
· fatigue or dizziness;
· muscle weakness or joint pain;
· problems with diabetes control;
· increased hunger or thirst.
• other side effects that occur only rarely, usually with high doses, include
· acne,
· increased hair growth,
· thinning of the skin,
· cataracts,
· glaucoma,
· osteoporosis,
· roundness of the face,
· changes in behavior.
Steroids have been a life saver for many lupus patients and from all I have heard and read it is well worth risking any of the side effects for the improved quality of life.
If I may ask, how old are you? One of things you must be totally aware of with extended use of steroids, is the increased risk for osteoporosis (loss of calcium in the bones or bone loss).
If you are over 40 you should get a bone scan done prior to starting an extended course of steroids, then regular checkups and periodic scans will identify any risk so that it can be treated early.
Hope this information helps - stephanie
