Long Term Steroid Effects

literatec724

So I was initially diagnosed with asthma at 18 months old, and have been steadily on and off steroids (mostly prednisone but at times others, including 2-3 hospitalizations a year when I'd be on solumedrol or, back in the day, epi or adrenaline). I had some very bad doctors over the years and didn't really get firm control of my asthma until the last few years, thanks mostly to Symbicort. The problem is, the almost constant use of steroids have left me a grab bag of assorted crappy side effects, the most obvious of which is the weight.

For being only 5'2, I am *severely* overweight and am having trouble not only taking the weight off, but taking it off in specific places. My pulmonary doc explained to me that one of the effects of long term prednisone use is "fat lumping", where weight gained tends to lump in very specific areas, particularly in the trunk region and upper arms.

My upper arms are the WORST. I have normal looking hands, chubby but normal forearms, and from there on up am beginning to rival a flying squirrel with the flab and hanging skin. It makes finding clothes that fit all the more difficult; most of what I wear now is hugely baggy in the front and extremely tight on the upper arms. It honestly looks like my elbows are blowing bubbles.

Has anyone else encountered this? How do you cope?
I bought some weights to try and do area-specific toning exercises but honestly, it isn't anything I know very much about.
I'm sticking to a 1900 calorie diet and trying to reduce sodium intake as well.

I would really appreciate any thoughts anyone could offer! MFP has been a godsend and finding this group makes it all the better.

jen2607

So I was initially diagnosed with asthma at 18 months old, and have been steadily on and off steroids (mostly prednisone but at times others, including 2-3 hospitalizations a year when I'd be on solumedrol or, back in the day, epi or adrenaline). I had some very bad doctors over the years and didn't really get firm control of my asthma until the last few years, thanks mostly to Symbicort. The problem is, the almost constant use of steroids have left me a grab bag of assorted crappy side effects, the most obvious of which is the weight.

For being only 5'2, I am *severely* overweight and am having trouble not only taking the weight off, but taking it off in specific places. My pulmonary doc explained to me that one of the effects of long term prednisone use is "fat lumping", where weight gained tends to lump in very specific areas, particularly in the trunk region and upper arms.

My upper arms are the WORST. I have normal looking hands, chubby but normal forearms, and from there on up am beginning to rival a flying squirrel with the flab and hanging skin. It makes finding clothes that fit all the more difficult; most of what I wear now is hugely baggy in the front and extremely tight on the upper arms. It honestly looks like my elbows are blowing bubbles.

Has anyone else encountered this? How do you cope?
I bought some weights to try and do area-specific toning exercises but honestly, it isn't anything I know very much about.
I'm sticking to a 1900 calorie diet and trying to reduce sodium intake as well.

I would really appreciate any thoughts anyone could offer! MFP has been a godsend and finding this group makes it all the better.

Like you , I have had asthma all my life. I have been hospitalized and been on countless rounds of the dreaded steroids. I had to carry around the nebulizer with me during elementary and middle school. It sucked. Luckily, mine began to taper off during my teenage years. I was even able to lose weight . During college, I gained a lot of weight ... due to a slow metabolism and poor choices. However, last year I lived in a house that was TERRIBLE for my allergies. It was old and had mold in the basements. My roommate was terrible and smoked indoors even though I asked her repeatedly to stop ... and I was living in a location where the weather was different. I was on prednisone for 1 week in December and gained 10 pounds. I thought, "No big deal, I'll just lose it." Then in February I got really sick and had to take it for 3 weeks. It was a pretty high dosage, I gained 25 pounds. I could immediately see it in my face, my neck, my back, the tops of my arms and feet. The thing about being on steroids is that you gain weight in the most AWKWARD places. It's frustrating because you have no choice, but you're left hating yourself afterwards. It is now November, and I JUST started losing some of the weight. Anyways, I understand your frustration. I also found out that I'm insulin resistant. I've cut out most sugar , and only eat whole grains in moderation. I try to eat frozen veggies and lean meats for my meals. I take vitamin B and Chromium to help with metabolism and mood. Hopefully it'll keep working. My asthma is really bothering me now with the cold weather, but I am trying to maintain an exercise schedule and to help my lungs be stronger.

sailingsal

HI, i understand. I've spent years on and off steroids. The worst was the first few years of uni when o was on high dose pred for more than 6 months at a time. Gained 3-4 stone in first year. (thats 42-56 pounds). My trunk (stomach area) is the worst with huge amounts of fat. Arms getting better with swimming. As i can swim even when asthma not great and pool lifeguards know how to use my neb! They're really great, and help me keep swimming up even when not doing great. ok there still come a point that i'm out of breath walking so have to give up on swimming at those times.

I have a portable nebuliser that is always with me. And my chest specialist is really good. He says to have a ready supply of carrot sticks and celery when i'm on steroids to nibble as they make you hungry. Last time i was on steroids in October i didn't gain any weight but stuck to fruit and veg as snacks.

CAndrawis

I have had asthma for nearly 9 years now and never found that I gained weight from my steroid inhaler Quovar. I do feel that I can exercise easier with it and attribute some weight gain to when I didn't take it regularly and didn't work out due to weak lungs and finding it very hard to breathe and also using it as an excuse. However my doctor did tell me that don't feel too bad about being overweight because most women with severe asthma tend to be. I see it now that when I was not as heavy my symptoms were not as bad as they are and hoping weight loss will reduce them once more.

sailingsal

HI, i don't see any issue with inhaled steroids. Its when i'm on steroid tablets that i see weight gains. The longer i'm on tablets the worse weight gain in. I've been on a steroid inhaler since i was 4 with no problems. I think most of us are talking weight gain from steroid tablets, not inhalers.

Sallysue211

HI, i understand. I've spent years on and off steroids. The worst was the first few years of uni when o was on high dose pred for more than 6 months at a time. Gained 3-4 stone in first year. (thats 42-56 pounds). My trunk (stomach area) is the worst with huge amounts of fat. Arms getting better with swimming. As i can swim even when asthma not great and pool lifeguards know how to use my neb! They're really great, and help me keep swimming up even when not doing great. ok there still come a point that i'm out of breath walking so have to give up on swimming at those times.

I have a portable nebuliser that is always with me. And my chest specialist is really good. He says to have a ready supply of carrot sticks and celery when i'm on steroids to nibble as they make you hungry. Last time i was on steroids in October i didn't gain any weight but stuck to fruit and veg as snacks.

Sallysue211

I have been thinking about taking up swimming, but wondered how it would effect my asthma. I have had asthma since I was 4 and had it under control but lost my insurance so I am slowly trying to get it back under control. I have been so scared to cause and attack that I have not excercised and am still on the cautious side. Reading your post Sailingsal makes me want to get started swimming!

sailingsal

I have been thinking about taking up swimming, but wondered how it would effect my asthma. I have had asthma since I was 4 and had it under control but lost my insurance so I am slowly trying to get it back under control. I have been so scared to cause and attack that I have not excercised and am still on the cautious side. Reading your post Sailingsal makes me want to get started swimming!

You should have a go. Take it slow and first and build up. Swimming is one of the best sports to help asthma as it increases your lung capacity and the rhythm make you take regular breaths. I've found it really helps my asthma control and now have managed to start going to the gym too. I always had my inhaler at the pool side and if i was having a rough day would say to the lifeguard before i went in. They've always been great!

lovespinkflowers

I have had asthma my whole life.. been in the hospital for it more than I care to count. predzone is the enemy of all enemy for weight gain .. I call it the evil little pill. I hate when I get sick and I hear you have to be on it. .I say bring on the weight gain. My dr told me that all the steroids also impact calcium in our bones.. one more thing to worry about.