What Causes Joint Pain In Hips And Shoulder After Prednisone Withdrawal?

I was put on prednisone by an immunologist due to sudden hearing loss. 25 mg for 2 weeks, 60 mg for 3 weeks then 50 mg one weeks, 25 mg one week 12.5one week 5mg one week. During the reduction period I developed pain in the hips to the extend that I had to use crutches. Then the shoulders started and I couldn t use the crutches anymore. It progressed to the stage where I was totally incapacitated. I was unable to dress or shower myself. I was unable to make a fist, my hands swelled up and I didn t have the strength to squeeze the toothpaste out of the tube. I developed irregular heartbeat, restless legs and sexual function ceased. The overall pain was severe. I had a shoebox full of pain killers like Lyrica Panadene forte Tramadol and Endome. Doctors thought my problems were age related. I could have agreed with them one ailment or another but all of them at the same time. Due to the timing of the Prednisone treatment I blamed that medication for my problems. For the heart problem I was sent to a Cardiologist. For the joints to a orthopaedic Surgeon who in turn sent me to a Radiologist for CT guided corteson injections. I had countless MRIs. CT scans XRAYs and physio treatments but nothing helped. For four months I was disabled. When pain became intolerable, I was sent to a Special Physician. He agreed with me about prednisone and put me back on 25 mg for 2 weeks and then reduced the dosage gradually to zero now 18 months later. I am now off the stuff, but joint pain in the hips, shoulders and fingers has returned in a lot milder form. What does it take to get this terrible medication out of my system.