Earlier I answered that I had been on 10 mg Prednisone but was trying to get down to 5. I did, but every day I felt a little more tired and a little bit closer to a crisis, so I went back up to 10 and my condition is better since. By the way, I had no idea how common sustaining doses of steroids and antibiotics are for COPD people, but about 2 years ago before I went with Kaiser, my PCP was very good about managing my crises jointly, with me keeping him informed and he trusting my judgement for when I needed meds. However, he seemed hesitant when I suggested starting a sustained low-dose Prednisone, as if it was a risky or seldom done treatment. He is a good doctor, and I respect him, but it reinforces my belief that most non-pulmonary specialists are not as informed as they could be about COPD. My Kaiser doc is great. She studies, works with me and studies; and is not shy to call in help when she needs more information. There is more, but enough for now. Keep the cards and letters coming, folks and remember to be your best advocate.

Gagoo i take prednesone with food but i also take a prilosec otc and boy does that work for me. My daughter-in-law gave me some to try bc she had such upset stomachs and nausea she even had gall bladder taken out with no sucess. I tried almost everthing and nothing worked. Now i dont have a bad stomach.

Be sure it is okay with your doctor, and take your time. When I first started to take less, I was going down 10 mg at a time. But, when I hit 10, I have started to have problems when trying to go down. So I went down 5, still had problems. So I talked to my doctor, and he suggested I go down only 2.5 msg at a time. I have been hurting to get down to 5 now for almost a month. It seems about the third day on 5 I start having breathing problems, so go back to 7.5 for a couple of days and then start again. It is not a quick thing. So do not get discouraged if it takes awhile. I am so lucky I have such a good doctor. He tells me mr the way it is, and if there are options, he gives me all options, and I get to make up my mind. And then we go from there. Sometimes we back track and start down a different path. As long as I stay out os the hospital, that makes me happy.

This is a no-brainer, but the precautions with the Prednisone suggests taking it with food to avoid gastric upsets. Just a suggestion.

Thanks, good info. They have me on 30mg, but I am in the late stages of this mess. It helps, especially with the exacerbations, however it seems to really play havoc with my stomach. Don't know ... I've only been on it for a week. I am used to it, as I have had it several times on a taper basis. Never had a problem. Hugs to you, and thanks again.