Course of Prednisone

Aaaah Prednisone.
The medication that saves lives.
The medication with over 150 different common side effects.

Prednisone and similar corticosteroids are such valuable medications, but taking them requires a lot of extra strength and patience.
It is not usually an easy decision to go on Prednisone.

Luckily for me, this particular course is for (hopefully) an acute case of bladder inflammation. We are still unsure of the exact issue to be honest, but Prednisone was next on the list to try. The three antibiotics helped with one particular symptom, but not the rest. I am still having bladder issues, pain, aching, urgency, and overall tenderness. So the thought is that it is inflamed and will not settle down on its own.
Prednisone it is.

Now I'm not terrified to take a 10 day course like this. I would prefer not to, but I do not have many choices.
There are several reasons why I am a little nervous.
The side effects that I almost always experience with ANY type of corticosteroid include:
• Night terrors
• Hallucinations
• Mood swings
• Hot flashes
• Increased heart rate
• Increased appetite
• Headaches

The side effects that are less common for me but sometimes occur:
• Nosebleeds
• Sleepwalking
• Puffiness and Moonface
• Acne
• Insomnia
• Irritability

But the potential side effect that concerns me is with my eyes.
Doctors are not sure why I developed Macular Degeneration. Some believe it has to do with my Complement System being inadequate and therefore linked to my Hereditary Angioedema (C1 Esterase Inhibitor Deficiency). Others believe that it is an immune response attacking my eyes. Some believe that it could very well be a side effect of Prednisone. So anytime I go back on Prednisone is a risk.
This risk is obviously exacerbated by my recent optometry appointment that was filled with an undertone of fear.

So I am glad I am going on Prednisone if that is what I need. If it doesn't work and causes a problem, though, I may not be so happy about having to go on this confounding medication.
Wish me luck!!!

(Actually, wish my husband luck. My mood swings can be fairly volatile on this medication, and while I try to keep a lid on it, sometimes it seems like a volcano eruption).