Pneumonia and Prednisone after surgery. Anyone on it?

Thanks for the opinion.  I will look into taking a PPI with it.  It was never suggested by the Dr. or the pharmacist. 

I have a major habit of questioning every medication suggested to me by a doctor.  I find they are very quick to hand out scripts.  I have had a few mis-diagnosis and prescriptions given to me that either I didn't need or that I was actually allergic to, or were given by mistake and only found when I questioned the pharmacist, so I always question and re-question these types of decisions. 

The only reason the prednisone came to mind was because they were so concerned with me taking it pre-op that they rescheduled my surgery and so it was on my radar of drugs to watch out for.  I know it is not an NSAID, but it does have stomach related side effects.  I was on prednisone at a very high dose for months last year before surgery and I hated it. It made me feel terrible, so I am leery of it.  Plus, I am already on Biaxin to treat the lungs and sinuses.  I went to the walk in to get the liquid version because I couldn't swallow the huge pills they gave me (even cut up- they were soooo bitter).    He said the Prednisone would be additional to "help things along" while the antibiotics were kicking in.  I like to error on the side of "one measure at a time", so I questioned.  I most likely will fill the presciption, but wanted to think it over first. 

They likely didn't want to be on it shortly before surgery because its immune suppressing effects, they would be concerned about your post-op healing. Speak to a pharmacist about a PPI, it should protect your stomach while you're on it. I'm all for questioning, but if the doc is suggesting a heavy duty steroid like prednisone, they are seriously concerned about the state of your lungs and that is nothing to be played around with. Pneumonia kills. I'm sure centre will tell you that if it is being recommended by a doc who knows about your surgery, you should take it.

Good question, I was thinking about this question yesterday...im pre op...but for future reference. I had to go on prednesone yesterday for my asthma, and am on it once or twice a year whenever i get sick

We have had different surgeries but I was on prednise after surgery for my lungs as well.  I started on a high dose and then every few days I had to decrease by a pill until I had none left.  Without the prednisone, I never would have gotten over what I had.  I have never seen anyone ever post that they shouldn't take prednisone as needed after surgery.

Thanks for the info. Tracey.  BTW...Happy Birthday!!

Sorry to hear you are ill.  Having been on prednisone several times for bronchitis I must admit it is a miracle drug.  Usually I go on it for 5-7 days . I ramp up 1 pill at a time and then at day 4 start ramping down.  

Are you using both Ventolin and a strong  steroid inhaler like Symbicort?

Usually my first stop after increasing my reguilar inhalers is to get the antibiotics and have a ventolin mask  given to me at a walk in clinic.  I also am usually given a heavy duty cough syrup. too.The ventolin mask really helps and you can go get one a couple of times  a day to help breathing

However, if you are having severe pain, fever, severe breathing issues and the Doc says its a bad case in both lungs then don't woryy and start of prednison.
You will be on it so few days that you won't notice any side effects.

As i too am prone to pneumonia or at least severe bronchitis i get the pneumovax every 5 years to decrease the likelihood of pneumonia - haven't had it for a few years now.  Prednisone is a miracle drug but make sure your doc limits it's usage in any 1 year

Hubby's recovering from this nasty pneumonia that is so prevalent right now - i know of a number of people who have it.

Hope everyone's feeling better soon.