Hi Suzanne,

This is a very good question. Unfortunately, I don't have an aboslute answer for you. I do know that we are warned that long-term steroid use can possibly cause things like osteporosis, cataracts, high blood pressure, hair loss, weight gain, facial hair in women, and probably other things of which I'm unaware.

Join pain and skin problems, however, are usually symptoms of IBD, or other autoimmune diseases. I know you say you've had an ileostomy, but you might want to talk to your doctor about your symptoms as it isn't unusual for those of us with one autoimmune disorder to have another autoimmune disorder like rheumatoid arthritis, or the such.

If you are truly bothered by new symptoms, I'd recommend you make an appointment with your doctor and discuss your current health status.

Best,

Elizabeth