Prednisone And CF

Prednisone is a synthetic glucocorticosteroid drug. This drug is given to patients for many different reasons. The main effect of this medication is to suppress the immune system and block the inflammatory processes of the immune system. Many CFers are on Prednisone for its anti-inflammatory effects. Prednisone helps with inflammation in the body including the lungs; it also helps the ease of breathing due to the reduction of inflammation. I, too, take prednisone when I am taking IV antibiotics. I am placed on this medication before all IV infusions because about five years ago I went into a septic shock after starting IV antibiotics and ended up in the ICU. To avoid this septic shock, I begin all my IV infusions with a high dose of prednisone and taper down every four days until I am off the IV medications to avoid any adverse reactions. Although, prednisone is a great medication for short-term use, it has many side-effects. The main side-effects are extreme hunger (leads to weight gain which is not bad for CFers), water retention (moon faced), growth stunting, mood swings, increases blood sugar, and depresses your immune system, which can lead to other infections such as fungal infections. CFers who are diabetic have to be extra careful when they are on Prednisone to monitor their blood sugar. Prednisone tends to spike sugar levels. CFers who are not diabetics should also check their glucose frequently to make sure their blood sugar stays normal.
I, personally, have a love/hate relationship with Prednisone. I love this medication because it helps with my breathing, helps me gain weight, and makes me feel better faster. I also hate this medication because I have the worst mood swings, it tastes bitter, and I cannot stop thinking about food when am on it.
Tell me your story if you have CF and are on Prednisone or have taken Prednisone.