For those with firsthand experience, how does one deal with Prednisone side-effects?

Asked by prolificus (6583) January 9th, 2011 from iPhone

To treat an autoimmune disease, my doc ordered Solu-Medrol IV Infusion therapy (1000 Mgs Prednisone per day, for three days in a row). Last treatment was two weeks ago.  Since then I’ve been tapering off Prednisone (80 Mgs for 4 days, then 60 Mgs daily).

My side-effects have been:

• Insomnia
• Loss of taste sense
• Increased, insatiable appetite
• Paper-thin skin
• Sensation of restless muscles (all muscles feel jittery, similar to the feeling of restless leg syndrome)
• Digestive issues (of the TMI variety)
• Bursts of energy followed by extreme exhaustion 
• Inability to quiet the mind (as in, constant need to take in information)
• Inability to regulate body temperature, subject to hot flashes and chills

In spite of the above, my mood has been relatively stable.  The major annoyance comes from how the side-effects magnify muscle and joint pain (I also have osteoarthritis). Insomnia hasn’t been pleasant either.

This is how I’m handling my side-effects:

• Try to keep normal sleep schedule even if it means laying in bed awake 
• Eat several small meals throughout the day
• Drink sugar-free beverages (not soda) as often as possible
• Drink hot tea before bed
• Hot showers
• Pace self when expending energy (rest at the first sign of noticeable tiredness, to ward off exhaustion)
• Enjoy other senses while taste sense is dormant (I’ve been enjoying soft fuzzy pj’s, lots of cuddles with my dog, visual stimulation in the form of data and design, auditory stimulation in the form of news and music—the last two senses and forms of stimulation compare somewhat differently from prior to Prednisone treatment.)

My doc is aware of the insomnia, but I’ve not shared the other info. I’ve a follow-up appt forthcoming soon.

I’ve searched online and discovered message boards of others with firsthand experiences, but none discussed how they dealt with Prednisone side-effects.

I’m curious to know other experiences and outcomes, how others have personally handled their side-effects.

Also, I’m looking for any words of wisdom on how to better nurture myself (cope with the side-effects) while on Prednisone.