3 weeks each session. Both times I was subject to severe side effects including heavy gum bleeding and an incredible plaque buildup. I recently found out that I have had major bone loss in my jaws and most of my teeth will need to be removed. My neurologist believes that I haven't had enough steroids to produce this effect but he was reluctant to put me on steroids after a recent exacerbation. If I had this much bone loss to my jaw I must have had bone loss elsewhere, I cannot seem to get an answer from anyone regarding calcium supplements at to amounts and which kind, I am very confused.
Steroids have mixed blessings.
While they decrease inflammation and immune response they also accelerate most of the aging processes of the body. One of these is osteoporosis. There have been numerous studies documenting the bone loss inherent in use of steroids. In general, it is related to dose and duration-higher doses for longer periods are more of a problem. Most physicians who use steroids for any long duration recommend use of vitamin D and calcium supplements during steroids and bone density measurements.