#88942 - 09/06/06 12:36 AM
prednisone weight gain
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delilah
Member
Registered: 08/29/06
Posts: 368
Loc: Hawaii
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OK - considering my iritis, costochondritis, difficulty breathing and swallowing, in addition to my "normal" arthritis - this is a completely ridiculous thing to be worried about. But I'm going to ask the question anyway... Does the prednisone weight gain ever end? I am up 14 lbs in less than 3 weeks - and it's all really weird weight around my stomach area - and the doctor increased the pred today. (The other option he gave me was narcotics - I chose ibuprofen and more pred.)
Am I just going to keep swelling until I explode, or does it end at some point? And will I lose the weight easily after I can taper off the prednisone?
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#88943 - 09/06/06 05:44 AM
Re: prednisone weight gain
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Andie
Registered Visitor
Registered: 07/29/05
Posts: 525
Loc: Northern Virginia
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I'm one of the lucky ones. Prednisone has always had the opposite effect on me, makes me sick to my stomach so I don't feel like eating.
What dose are you taking? Weight gain, as others will attest to, is a side effect of the drug. Do you feel hungry all the time? Alot of it is water gain so you will loose some of the weight after tapering off but you'll still be left with extra pounds to loose. Try not to give into the hunger sensations, I know it's hard.
Personally, I would have chosent the narcotic route. Less side effects and over time your body will get used to the bad effects like sleepiness and stomach aches. Prednisone use in short bursts is great for taking down a flare but long term use can be dangerous, this drug has very serious side effects that doctors won't warn you about.
Hope you feel better soon.
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#88944 - 09/07/06 12:47 PM
Re: prednisone weight gain
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delilah
Member
Registered: 08/29/06
Posts: 368
Loc: Hawaii
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I'm taking 40mg a day. I'm thinking now that a big part of the problem is that my stomach is constantly on fire from the pred, so I snack to try to make it feel better. I'm not eating a lot more than normal - maybe 10-15% more calories - but I am less active... Sigh...
The weird thing is that it's all around my stomach and torso - where I don't gain weight very easily. I feel very round and bloated and gross!
But, my pain is much better today so I need to quit complaining and just live with it!
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#88946 - 09/07/06 06:39 PM
Re: prednisone weight gain
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Tiregoddess1
Member
Registered: 06/03/03
Posts: 1366
Loc: Cleveland, Ohio area
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Delilah,
You are definitely not alone. I've read in literature that the weight around the middle from prednisone is the worst to get rid of.
As for the constant eating.......yep! I can try and try to ignore it, but I find myself constantly looking for something to eat. And the weight can add up very very quickly. I absolutely HATE prednisone. And then there's the "up all night" crap, even if I take the pills early in the day. I remember one time sitting on the living room floor at 4 a.m. using my carpet cleaner attachment to clean the couch cushions. Sleep? What's that?
OK, I'm rambling. Just wanted to let you know that you are certainly not alone!!
Crystal
_________________________
 My opinion is strictly that, mine. However, if I want your opinion, I'll give it to you. ;-)
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#88948 - 09/08/06 04:39 AM
Re: prednisone weight gain
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Tiregoddess1
Member
Registered: 06/03/03
Posts: 1366
Loc: Cleveland, Ohio area
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Christie,
You are so right!! What started out as a boost soon turned into a drag....... :rolleyes:
Oh the fickle nature of the evil Prednisone!!
Crystal
_________________________
My opinion is strictly that, mine. However, if I want your opinion, I'll give it to you. ;-)
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#88949 - 09/12/06 09:24 PM
Re: prednisone weight gain
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themommm
Registered Visitor
Registered: 08/01/06
Posts: 132
Loc: California
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I was on well over 40 of prednisone daily for a VERY long time for UC. I gained over 100 lbs (granted it was over a 10 year period of time, but still WAY too much weight gain). I gained because I was constantly trying to calm my stomach with carbs.
At first, it was difficult for me to drop the weight - my body was holding onto it like a life preserver! 3 years post prednisone though, I'm having good success with weight watchers - 35 pounds down so far!
Prednisone can be a wonder-drug for short term issues, but it does have weight gain as a side effect.
Good luck!
Carrie
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