Brief Answer: Problems are due to long-term steroids use. Detailed Answer: Hi XXXX Thanks for your query. Thinning of the bones (osteoporosis), fatigue and, pain, stiffness and wasting of muscles are some of the side effects of long-term steroids. These side effects account for your problems. This is compounded by excessive alcohol intake. Pain killers will NOT help. You will benefit with the following steps:- 1. Calcium supplements - at least 1000mg daily. Take milk and its products. 2. Daily Vitamin D3 (Calcitriol) at least 0.5mcg/day ** Both: Calcium and Vitamin D supplements are to continued till you are on steroids (perhaps, lifelong). 3. Multi-vitamins' supplements daily. 4. Other bone-preserving medications, such as, alendronate, calcitonin, raloxifene, and risedronate will be of great help. 5. Stop alcohol and smoking, as they aggravate osteoporosis. Incidentally, alcohol also causes painful, tenderness and wasting of muscles. 6. Weight-bearing exercises, such as walking, running, and dancing, are helpful in stabilizing bone mass. 7. A high protein diet, to build up the muscle strength. You should therefore undergo a thorough check up for the side effects of steroids so that remedial actions can be taken accordingly. Consult your doctor and apprise him of my opinion. I am certain that he will agree with me; order required tests, and- based on the reports- will arrive at a certain diagnosis and prescribe suitable treatment as advised. Hope I have addressed to your concerns to your complete satisfaction and you find my response helpful and informative. I will be happy to answer further queries, if any. Fond regards and have a nice day, Col (Dr.) Rakesh Karanwal

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