Trying again after a year of research

Well its been roughly one year since I last posted/attempted a water fast. I did not reach my goal on my previous attempts but did not fail, instead I learned a lot about myself. I have come to grips with the fact that over the past several years I have turned to food and nicotine for comfort instead of facing the underlying problems that fueled my addictions. As a result of years of abusing my body with improper eating I developed Rheumatoid Arthritis at the ripe age of 18 and it has steadily progressed into an extreme case at the age of 25. I have since sworn off going to the doctor since the treatments have only made me feel worse and keep being led to fast as a means of curing my illness. I still self-prescribe prednisone to myself in order to contain the disease and I can say from experience to never take this drug. It will work wonders initially, but it is a trap and will soon turn into your worst nightmare.

Over the past year I have confronted the issues that fueled my addictions, and I have decided to fast to completion and embrace a healthy lifestyle that is based on the work of Shelton, Jensen and others. I understand that my body has been in a state of malnutrition for quite some time even though I have a pretty good amount of fat and I may need to refeed and fast again at a later time for optimal results.

To date, I have been dry fasting for approximately 36hrs (aside from the nightly Prednisone dose).. From what I have studied, some medications are abruptly discontinued during a Water Fast at certain healing resorts - Prednisone is an exception and must be tapered. My hydration is still good and I have not had any ill effects from fasting other than a little uncomfort from an empty stomach from time to time. Even with the smaller dose of Prednisone, my pain level is minimal whereas it would have been unbearable if I had not been fasting. I plan on continuing with the dry fast until thirst returns or tommorow whichever happens first. I will transition to a Water Fast at that point and alternate between dry fasting and Water Fasting as my body deems necessary.

I have one question. I have not seen any weight loss. I am 5'11 and 166lbs and weight loss really isn't a big deal for me, I just think its weird that I haven't lost any weight yet. Is it possible that the small dose of Prednisone I take each night is keeping me from receiving the full effect of the fast?

Thanks in advance, i'll keep the board updated, hopefully someone with circumstances similar to mine will be able to use this.

-Brandon