I don't **know** of anyone on long term steroids for TM. That doesn't
say there are none.
> I thought it was unsafe on a long term basis
As a severe, life-long asthmatic I have been on a heavy dose
of oral corticosteroids for decades and inhaled steroids
for a few years. I am now tapering down with the hope of being off the
oral steroids by year end.
It is not something you want to be on long term. It depletes the bone
calcium, it destroys the cartilage in joints (I had to have a hip
replaced.), it causes cataracts, etc.
Nasty stuff, but twenty years ago I had no VIABLE choice. Without it, I
would be long dead.
She will get "chipmunk cheeks." but that is a cosmetic problem.
Talk to your MD about this. If her spinal cord absolutely needs a daily
dose of prednisone to survive, then ask if it is possible to install a
baclofen pump with steroids substituted for the baclofen. I am able to
reduce the oral dose because I am applying corticosteroids directly to
my bronchial tubes. Oral medications go everywhere.
For the TMÆers still on corticosteroids I recommend the
book, ôCoping with Prednisoneö by Zukerman & Ingelfinger.
Alton, the wheeze breeze