[erobinson219]

#1019698

I was on .5 mg of dexamethasone for about 6 months to help with the eye problems I am having – but it only helped a little so I was weaned off it over a 6 week period. I have now been off it totally for a month and I have been having a bunch of problems and I dod not know if they are related to withdrawal. Fast heart rate – at rest it ranges in the 90’s generally although sometime it goes donw into the 80’s if I am doing nothing. Sometimes when I am just sitting it goes between 105 and 125. If I walk around it is always over 100. I had my thyroid tested twice in the past month and the tsh level is fine. MY antibodies are quite active though. My shins on both legs ar reddened, both knees hurt now when I bend them (walking down stairs and even stiing down and getting up from the toilet). Even mybreasts became tender like they used to at that time of the month. I am menopausal and have not had anything like this for 4 years or so. I am going to another doctor tomorrow to get further tests but I was wondering if anyone else experienced anything like this? I thought maybe it was inflammation and possibly water retention due to adrenals not working quite right yet. I would love to hear from anyone with any insight. Thanls.

[Ski]

#1073507

Dexamethasone is a steroid, and I do think some of these things might be a result of coming off the drug. I’m not sure how you can prove it, except for diminishing symptoms as you get further from the last dose you took.

Some of the symptoms you describe are classic hyperthyroid symptoms. I realize you say that your TSH levels have been normal, but has anyone checked your T4? TSH actually changes rather slowly, and T4 may be a better measure if things are currently changing with your thyroid hormone levels. I’m glad you’re seeing another doctor soon. Write down ALL the questions you have, and get this clearly diagnosed. That rapid heart rate is scary, I remember.

[RODI]

#1073508

I HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM….I HAVE BEEN TAKING.5 DEX FOR ABOUT 18 MTH FOR HIGH LEVELS OF DHEA, AND THE LAST BLOOD RESULTS SHOWN A VERY LOW DHEA…SO THE FAMILY DOCTOR SUGGESTED TO STOP TAKING THE DRUG, TAKING IT ONLY EVERY SECOND DAY FOR 2 WEEKS AND THEN STOP, WHICH I DID, AND NOW I HAVE TERRIBLE MUSCLE AND JOINT PAIN, I CAN HARDLY WALK AND MOVE EVEN MY FINGERS, KNEES, HIPS I FEEL EXTREMLY OLD AND TIRED……..LAST NIGHT I CUT A PILL IN HALLVES AND I TOOK ONE……FEEL BETTER ALREADY, SO TILL I SEE THE ENDOCRINOLOGIST I WILL CONTINUE TAKING IT.
IT SCARES ME THAT I AM NOT SURE IF I WILL BE ABLE TO EVENTUALLY LIVE A NORMAL LIFE(PAIN FREE) WITHOUT IT, BECAUSE I DO NOT WANT TO TAKE THIS DRUG IF I DO NOT NEED IT.
PLEASE GIVE ME SOME TIPS IF THERE IS ANY ON DEALING WITH IT.
RODI

[erobinson219]

#1073509

It has been since end of Jan since I took my last dex pill and in Feb it was the wrost with the joint pain. I have to say that I may finally be turning the corner on this one. The pain – especially in my knees is still there but so very much less – and getting better every week. I finally felt good enough to start walking this past weekend – about a half mile. It felt good. I have hope that I am now getting past this – and never want to take this drug again!!!

[RhondaG4]

#1073510

I’m taking the same med for headaches. In the beginning it was only once a month at the ER, but now it is like 3 times a week. I have lots of joint pains and bone pains and also have Osteopenia and Graves too. I’ve been walking in the pool 3 times a week, and that seems like after the inital bone, joint and muscle pain…like it was getting better a little, but am about to do RAI and have been in alot of pain…both head and bones and joints and muscles.

I now have the wonderful moon face and have gained weight from it despite being hyperthyroid. I have mixed emotions about the med, because for a headache it seems like it literally saves my life, I’m not sure what I would do without it at the moment for the headaches. We are hoping that after the RAI and thyroid is under control that we can ween me off of it and that should help. I do know that the slower they ween you, the easier it is to go off without being in such pain. I also know that it affects my blood pressure and pulse rate. I have to take more of my blood pressure meds when I have to take my Decadron. Also Decadron will affect your white cell counts….as in make them higher.

Ski is very correct about the levels of T4 insted of TSH. Also….according to thyroidmanager.org….dex is one of the drugs that they use to help with Graves…go figure…I didn’t know that one. I know I was also told to take calcium and potassium…excuse the spelling…because dex can affect those also. Also according to that sight, Graves people should also be taking L-Carnitine…a vitamin…cause it has something to do with our muscles being able to use the food we eat. I’m no expert by any means. What I am learning is…listen to my body, ask the docs and if you know your body feels better taking something or not taking something and the doc disagrees…get a second opinion. Hope that helps.

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