I have been taking prednisolone for 10 years but i couldn’t get rid of my illness. My illness started from age of 15, where i soon found out that my body is swelling and urination is difficult for me. The doctor said i was taking too much proteins and ate too much salty foods and then my kidney failure has caused excess proteins in urination and i have to take about 6 of 5 mg prednisolone from that time. I had decrease to 3 a day but seems it couldnt be less again. I have tried to decrease my dosage but failed everytime. My feet and abdominal part swelled again and the medication seems weaker than it was before as years goes by. Is there any way that I can replace my medication with others? or any cure to my illness? pls advice me.

Dr. Joshua’s Answer:

I am uncertain of your diagnosis. However, it’s a good idea to see if you could be weaned off the prednisolone - long-term use of corticosteroids has various detrimental effects on your health. Since you have been using the steroid for such a long time, the lowering of dosage should be done carefully and under the close supervision of a physician. As I do not know your diagnosis, I cannot help you with other treatment options - please talk to your physician, or if you want, you can get back to me with more detailed information.

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