Schedule regular appointments with your doctor. These visits are key to tracking your response to Prednisone and adjusting your treatment plan as needed. Expect frequent blood tests to monitor your blood cell counts and liver function.
Tracking Your Symptoms
Maintain a detailed symptom diary. Note the severity of your myasthenia gravis symptoms daily, including:
- Muscle weakness (location and intensity) Fatigue levels Difficulty swallowing or breathing Eyelid drooping (ptosis) Double vision (diplopia)
Use a rating scale (e. g., 1-10, with 10 being the worst) for consistency. This provides valuable data for your physician.
Monitoring Side Effects
Prednisone can have side effects. Be vigilant and report any of the following immediately:
Weight gain Increased appetite Mood changes (anxiety, depression) High blood sugar Increased blood pressure Swelling (edema) Muscle weakness (different from MG symptoms) Thinning skin Osteoporosis risk factors
Your doctor can help manage these side effects. Open communication is crucial for successful treatment.
Regular Communication
Don’t hesitate to contact your healthcare provider between appointments if you experience significant changes in your symptoms or develop concerning side effects. Prompt attention can prevent complications.
Measuring Improvements
Your doctor will use various methods to assess your progress, including clinical evaluations, strength tests, and possibly pulmonary function tests. These objective measures complement your own symptom tracking.
Adjusting Dosage
Prednisone dosage may need adjusting based on your response. Your physician will carefully tailor the treatment to minimize side effects while maximizing its effectiveness in managing your myasthenia gravis.
