looking for tips on gaining muscle while on prednisone

My4happykids
My4happykids Posts: 124 Member
edited November 2024 in Fitness and Exercise
I had a kidney transplant about 2 1/2 years ago. At that time I was put on prednisone as one of my anti-rejection drugs. Before I got the transplant I was on dialysis for 2 year at which time I lost a lot of muscle.
Now that I am finally feeling better and Dr has ok-ed working out and weight training to build muscle back up. He has no tips for me.
I need help figuring out how to best combat the prednisone and already weak muscles I'm on 5 mgs once a day now and until the kidney or I die.
Any tips would be great.

Replies

  • topomapper
    topomapper Posts: 13 Member
    Be careful. Heavy exercise can impair kidney function. Sudden changes in your exercise regime could spell trouble. If you intend to proceed, keep a close eye on your creatinine levels. Aerobics are better for your situation. Talk to your MD.
  • Cherimoose
    Cherimoose Posts: 5,208 Member
    Everything @topomapper said, including getting frequent tests.

    Simply being active doing normal daily activities like lifting groceries, housecleaning, hiking, etc will bring your strength up to baseline levels. If you choose to lift, i'd follow the program New Rules of Lifting for Life. It's an overcautious program because it's intended for the over-40 crowd. :+1:
  • topomapper
    topomapper Posts: 13 Member
    Cherimoose wrote: »
    Everything @topomapper said, including getting frequent tests.

    Simply being active doing normal daily activities like lifting groceries, housecleaning, hiking, etc will bring your strength up to baseline levels. If you choose to lift, i'd follow the program New Rules of Lifting for Life. It's an overcautious program because it's intended for the over-40 crowd. :+1:

    Thanks for the tip on the book. Got to look into it.
  • ninerbuff
    ninerbuff Posts: 49,040 Member
    edited August 2017
    That's gonna be tough. To build muscle you have to create "inflammation" to it by means of pumping up the fibers and forcing blood into it and create microtears. Prednisone is an "anti inflammatory" drug. You'd have to gain weight to add muscle back, so MAYBE with a surplus and consistent high volume training it MAY happen. Again, I'm thinking that the counter action from the drug is going to stifle it.

    A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
    IDEA Fitness member
    Kickboxing Certified Instructor
    Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition
    9285851.png
  • lorrpb
    lorrpb Posts: 11,463 Member
    I think you can add significant strength and endurance even if "muscle building" is limited. Around here muscle building means adding new muscle tissue, not just strength per se.
  • My4happykids
    My4happykids Posts: 124 Member
    edited August 2017
    Thank you for the suggestions. To clarify I see the dr very 3 months and get blood tests every 2 months. I have been dealing with kidney disease (polycystic kidney disease) since I was 11, I am now 42. I was not on bed rest or in the hospital (1 week for the transplant itself). I am the mother of four and did all the housework, shopping and all that. Near the end of being on dialysis I used a motor cart at walmart, days after transplant that was no longer necessary.
    Until recently I just had nothing extra, worn out. And my Nephologist (kidney dr) has supported me trying to regain and/or improve what I once had.
    And yes I do want to add muscle.
This discussion has been closed.

Categories