LDP for NSAID?

Does anyone ever take low dose prednisone for run-of-the-mill Non-UC inflammation?

I do not take NSAID's for fear of them triggering a flare BUT I do suffer from exercise induced shoulder AC joint inflammation and Achilles tendonitis from time to time. Aside from rest, which isn't an option for me, ice and NSAID's are the most effective ways of managing the discomfort. Without NSAID's it's pretty tough once I get a flare in either of those areas.
So, I was was wondering if using prednisone at a low dose, say 5mg, for a week would be a) safe and b) effective.
Or is this just totally stupid?

Yeah, I don't see what the harm would be taking 5 or 10mg a day for 7-10 days.

Because I have steroid-induced diabetes, I won't take Pred or use any steroid unless I absolutely have to. I've been taking daily NSAID's for musculoskeletal pain since well before I was diagnosed with UC, and with my GI's approval continue to do so. It's either that or lose the ability to walk for me.

I am not too sure if low dose prednisone will work in this case. I thought same, as NSAID is an only abortive for my migraine, hence in theory, prednisone should work. It didn't change status at all.

Take a look at Nabumetone, NSAID but different class, works with charm and no adverse effects (related to UC or otherwise). Have been using for almost 2 years now.

I have taken prednisone 4 mg 6-day dose packs for UC. It helps the arthritis in my thumb and the plantar fasciitis in my feet. My doc prescribed me celebrex that I take only when needed and it has helped with joint pain. It is supposed to be the easiest on the stomach of the NSAID's. I haven't had problems with it but I don't take over 2 a week.

No No No, Don't make that mistake.
Celebrex and Alleve are NOT our friends. I have Celebrex, used twice, didn't work as good as Nabmetone and GI warned me against it. (Other NSAIDs from Celebrex category have been removed, remember Vioxx?)

Nabumetone is Rx, get 750mg, do not break the tablet. Its pretty cheap. Takes about 90-100 minutes to get into action.

My GI rejected my request for nabumetone! He doesn't want me taking any NSAID's - thinks it's too risky.

Then how is he going to address this problem?

How do you react to Advil? I go into flare within 4 hours, that tells you about my 'sensitivity' to NSAIDs and then I am using Nabumetone for last 2 years, at least once a week. Two on some days, yet have not got into flare.

My PCP suggested this (getting any Rx from this guy is a pretty tough job) and gave me Rx for 30. It worked and asked my neuro to write hefty Rx :)

There are quick tapering schedules for pred for people with skeletal and muscle problems that your regular doc could prescribe. the six day program goes: 60-50-40-30-20-10. The ten day is something similar, but with 2 days at 60, 2 days at 50, and so on until the last two days are 20-10. If you already have a supply of pred, google, "prednisone tapering schedule" for ideas. I have done this numerous times. It has helped me some especially if it something that I haven't let linger. The only problem is that some of the time the relief is only temporary.

For pain, doctors around me are usually pretty willing to prescribe, Tramadol which is helpful if the problem is preventing you from sleeping. It is ok for UC as per my GI. For pain during the day, I have to take two for any noticeable relief which has side effects of dizziness and sleepiness so I only use if really feeling bad. You might benefit from seeing an orthopedic doctor that can arrange for some physical therapy too.

I take advil up to 4 day. I do not recommend it for anyone else, but it works for me and does not cause any problems that I know of at that dose. If I take more than four for a few days, it is my stomach that reacts, not my colon though. I have chronic pain, from recurrent migraines, arthritis, disc disease and tendinitis in several joints. I've had to weigh out the risks vs rewards in order to function some days because I am doing physically demanding work.

Hi Deltaforce,
I don't know anything about adrenal shock, but the pred taper prescription is very common and as far as I was told by my doctor very safe and preferable to long term steroid usage. I think the last one I did was called Medrol Dose Pack. I have been prescribed this by orthopedic doc as well my family doctor. I have never taken steroids for my colitis since my GI is not in favor of them so I can't compare anecdotally.

Thanks for the heads up, I will be cautious with my Advil usage. I don't always use them and I am especially cautious during flares but for me it's a balancing "a quality of life" thing plus I have no evidence that small doses do anything to aggravate my colitis.

Have a great trip Gonk, a little bit of warm weather will certainly help.