what is going on

travismoody1974
travismoody1974 Posts: 3 Member
edited November 2024 in Getting Started
My doctor put me on prednisone and i am gaining at a rapid pase. Any suggestions.

Replies

  • MeganKyGirl82
    MeganKyGirl82 Posts: 110 Member
    I have only experienced prednisone in the short term. Each time I was extremely sick, and it was given to me with an antibiotic. I'm one of those who doesn't often get sick, but when I do I wait until I can't take it anymore to see a doctor. This is probably unwise on my part because by then I am useless, and it takes me twice as long to recover. My last round of prednisone was over a severe ear infection. It never fails to make me feel like I am starving, and I can't seem to get full no matter what I eat. I gain weight on it every single time. Talk to your doctor about this side effect, and best of luck to you! :)
  • PositivelyFlawed
    PositivelyFlawed Posts: 316 Member
    It sucks. I've been on prednisone, it is one of the downfalls. It increases appetitte and also effects the distribution of weight. Ultimately it is still CICO(calories in/out), but prednisone makes you hungrier, like legitimately hungry AND it distributes excess fat to areas that are most noticeable ie. face, neck back abdomen etc. It also can cause water retention.

    Those who take prednisone are on it for a reason and usually a potentially life threatening reason. For me it was a severe asthma exacerbation, for a friend it's thrombocytopenia (low platelets). Talk to your doctor and see if it's possible to taper. I think side effects reduce as the dosage does so the lowest possible effective dose may help.

    Are you logging accurately and weighing everything? Very important at this particular time. You either need to increase activity (hard when you are unwell) or reduce calories.

    In terms of water retention, try to limit sodium since prednisone makes you keep sodium.

    Most of all take care of yourself. Prednisone is usually used for shorter courses of treatment because of the side effects, so this to shall end. Do the best you can!
  • mbaker566
    mbaker566 Posts: 11,233 Member
    Steriods frequently make you hungry. It also seems to make me puffy when I am on it. drink lots of water and limit your sodium intake as best as possible and it should help some. also consider high protein and fiber so you stay full longer
  • professionalHobbyist
    professionalHobbyist Posts: 1,316 Member
    Cortico steroid

    Anti inflammatory that makes you retain water

    It is not anabolic at all. It will not muscle you up.

    The effects go away when you stop taking it. Some hold water more than others. Let your Dr know.

    Are you starting low dose and building to a peak and tapering off?

    It can make some people feel anxious with a touch of anxiety.

    Let your Dr know if it is bothersome.
  • gaelowyn_pt_duex
    gaelowyn_pt_duex Posts: 135 Member
    One MAJOR thing to know with pred therapy.. DO NOT STOP IT SUDDENLY!! with pred therapy(except short term- less than 7-10 days) your body can become dependent on the cortisol from the prednisone. Your body normally makes cortisol- it helps dictate insulin levels(thus part of the increased hunger issues), as well as balance of electrolytes and other body mechanics hormones. When taking mid to high levels of pred for extended time, your body learns that the cortisol is going to come in pill form, and that it's enough to do what need's to get done.. so why make my own? If you stop suddenly, your body isn't able to just shift back in to production immediately. This can cause what's called a Secondary Adrenal Insufficiency. (http://www.nadf.us/adrenal-diseases/secondary-adrenal-insufficiency/) This can cause some nasty nasty issues.

    For short to medium term usage, the side effects of the pred you are experiencing should start to fade. And, just to note, in the Vet Med world we call this bundle of side effects "PU/PD"- polyuria/polydyspia. Meaning many urine, many drinking, and eating. So you may find yourself utilizing restrooms more frequently as well.
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