Re: Envy
 

Maybe a better turn of phrase Margaret would have been to say in that instance "they are pleased for you"
I think that has a far more positive meaning.
Envy certainly should be seen as a negative in the majority of cases.

Re: Envy
 

That would have been better ... altho' "envy" is in common use, it does smack of "covet", which, as Kevin would inform us if he were around, is a no-no ... especially when it comes to my neighbour's dishy wife;) ... not to mention his '73 Caprice convertible.:D

Re: Envy
 

The thing is I wouldn't survive without Margaret, I'm now classed as steroid dependent and have been for many years. The body creates its own steroids but some people don't produce enough, sadly I'm in that category

Re: Envy
 

Pray tell us more ... hadn't realized you two were that close;)

Re: Envy
 

out of context Eric:p

Re: Envy
 

I'll bet MargaretR is pleased to know that!

Re: Envy
 

John, it was out of context, but it created a very...shall we say...interesting mental picture for me...and it made me smile. (and I hope you will both see that as a good thing...no malice whatsoever intended).

Re: Envy
 

I hope this isn't regarded as thread wandering - the mental state I was in when I started it was due to medication.

I now add -

These steroids are bad news !
Last night, 30 hours after my last 30mg dose I started withdrawl symptoms (body aching, dizziness and mild nausea), took a reduced dose of 10mg, went to bed and slept from 7pm til 2am.
My nightime websearching reveals that, even after a short 5 day spell of high dosage, I will need to 'taper' off them

How to Taper the Dosage of Prednisone | eHow

Re: Envy
 

Must disagree most strongly with this - I was put put on Prednisone some 8 weeks or so ago when suffering from Polymialgia - heavy first dose of 60mg did not agree but when dosage was split to 30mg morning and night everything was fine and the joint pains had cleared up completely within 48 hours, reduced dosage to 20mg and then 10mg, at all times no side effects on the reduced dosage and now on 7.5 mg twice a day, which will continue until end of December. Prednisone has worked fantastically well for me.
You should not rubbish a medication in general just because it does not agree with you.
The only complaint I have is that now I cannot participate in any competitive sports - I wish:D

Envy
 

It's not addictive at all, I've been taking it every day for the last 35 years, I can give up anytime I wish, but I'll fight anyone that says I should do.

Re: Envy
 

We are all unique individuals and there are many medications that may have wonderfully liberating effects for some people.....but it still has to be recognised that one size doesn't fit all.
My daughter has required intermittent use of steroids to combat side effects of medication she is taking.....she has a terrible time when she is on them.....cannot sleep, sometimes feels high(but not pleasantly so) and can have hallucinations.
So Barrie, I am glad your experience has been so positive, but not everyone is affected in such a positive way.

Re: Envy
 

It's important when coming off steroids to taper the dose and not try the cold turkey approach. This is stressed most strongly in the product information leaflet for patients.
I have had exactly the same experiences as Nicola, Margaret, but I have to say I rather enjoyed the highs. Most people don't, I think but then I always thought I was a bit odd...

Re: Envy
 

Exactly what I am saying - one should not say that any medication is bad news just because it does not suit that one individual.

Re: Envy
 

Barrie...I didn't read it that way.......you said you 'disagreed most strongly', because you had had good effects.....my point was, that many people do not have the same results and will get the nasty side effects...but that isn't to say that these drugs should not be tried to see what results individuals have with them....and in some situations there really is no alternative other than to put up with the side effects or suffer the unwanted consequences of vital medication.

With the long term use of steroids there is also the possibilty of steroid induced diabetes(because it is a gluco-corticoid), and osteoporosis....these drugs can also mask the presence of infection in the body.

So yes, they are useful, but they have their 'downsides'.

Re: Envy
 

Never go cold Turkey on steroids Margaret, if I were to come of steroids altogether it would take me 6 months, and using 1mg tabs to a great extent dropping 1mg a day, sadly that will never happen now My maintenance dose is now 15mg a day it was 5mg until my last stay in the Royal