Penny Joe, you can be on prednisone for years if necessary. People don't want to be because of the many side effects that it causes, but sometimes you have to choose what's most important, and breathing is right up there with heart beating.

If you are in final stage COPD on palative care , there main concern is it keep you going not worry to much about side affects ,because if you aren't breathing side affects don't come into it. I have been in final stage, on palative care for about 10 years now and am still around and doing better than expected and intended to carry on for a lot longer.

Jean I found it interesting that you suggested I speak with my pulmo about slternstived to prednisone because it was not one but several pulmos along with respiratory consultants that have prescribed me prednisone as part of my in-hospital treatment and out-patient treatment. These new meds you've mentioned are not something they've discussed as an option for me. As the experts I'm sure they have their reasons but I do intend to ask about medication to counteract any long term adverse effects. Cheers

Hi I've been on prednisone for pass 2yrs plus due to avin to go on bet blockers as ended up in resus due to heart racing well over 2 n 1/2 times faster than it should anyway due to the beta blockers I couldn't have the arthritis tablets and got put on prednisone and yes the marks and bruising under the skin is awful I only ave to rub skin on anything and it appears can't go down cold isles in supermarkets or stand the cold as skin itches and stings wasn't aware that the brittle bone was caused using these though. If I cut myself even the smallest of cuts it gets infected and takes forever to heal so also lots of scaring too. Luckily heart fine it's the copd that's why I now have pulpertations your questions has given me alot to think about and questions when I see my doctor x

good for you keep it up