I've been on Prednisone many times for an arthritis problem. Long term is definitely a problem and that's where the permanent side effects that you are reading about come in.

For short term use, there are some side effects, but the important thing is that they go away once you are off the medication.

Everyone is different, but for me, the worst side effect is nervous energy, but not the good kind of energy that one of the posters discussed. After about a week or two, I have trouble sleeping at night and am uncharacteristically sensitive, much like PMS. This is very unpleasant, but it goes away once I'm off the medication.

Long term use is totally different.

I hope that helps.