Friday, December 3, 2021
Ohhhhh my.
Dr. Lungs said that at 10 mg. of prednisone, I might start to notice more fatigue.
Today Mark and I went for our noontime constitutional. Earlier in the week, I was in step with my DH, which means we were keeping a brisk pace. Today, not so much, i.e., notably slower, to the point where he stopped waiting for me to catch up and just slowed down to match my pace. Now, we’re home and I would like to sit and stare into space, thank you very much. That is, until it is time to go to bed.
Most people who have been on prednisone for a long period of time experience fatigue as they come off it. This is because the adrenal glands basically shut down– why work if there’s a drug coming in to do the work for you? Mine went to Tahiti and lolled on the beach.
When the adrenal glands shut down, they stop producing cortisol. Cortisol regulates heart rate, blood pressure, metabolism, glucose levels, and much more. Even though the body makes only upwards of 8 mg. of cortisol a day, we need it to survive. For someone who has been on high doses of prednisone, it can take a long time for the body to start manufacturing cortisol again, and side effects– like fatigue– are not uncommon. More than 5 mg. is considered a high dose. My poor body– after 60 mg. for a long time, it’s struggling to come back into balance
So. I’m at 10 mg. and am determined to get off this bad stuff. Right now, if all goes well, that looks like it will be New Year’s Eve.
Let’s see what happens with the fatigue.
And, let’s watch to see if the pneumonitis recurs, which is another nifty thing that could happen with this withdrawal.
Meanwhile, we’re ticking down the days until the next glow-in-the-dark training session, i.e., CT scan with contrast, on December 14.
Now it’s time for a nap.
Here’s hoping your adrenal glands have you feeling perky today.
Thanks for reading.
Zombie by Prettysleepy from Pixabay
Beach time via Pixabay