systemic lupus erythematosus
"I was diagnosed with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus after about 3 months of tests and suffering at the age of 14. Not long after that I had a terrible episode and had to be hospitalized. I was put on 40mg. The side effects are horrible. I got the "chipmunk cheeks" or "moon face", I lost a lot of hair, I had extra hair in weird places, I had terrible insomnia, and I had a lot of water retention. People that I knew didn't recognize me. I was then lowered too quickly off prednisone and got an even worse episode. I was put on 100mg and it was horrible! But prednisone did save my life. I have long term effects like osteopenia, lowered immunity and stomach problems. I am now 34, been on it 20 yrs! Saved my life. There were no other options when they put you on Prednisone."