Steroids and side effects..

[gracifer]

steroids and side effects..

I found out the other day I have thrush from taking my steriods. Was wondering if anyone else, particularly the women, out there have had this delightful thing after/during taking steroids? And that its like impossible to get rid of at the moment :/ Also I now possibly have a UTI..it feels like if its not one thing its another with my body at the moment

 

[saltimbanc0]

Not a woman im afraid, not actually sure what i am right now (massive steroid doses and undx illnesses not even the start).

Have been on pred for long time - intially 30mg for years without any what id call sides.

Generally they can surpress your immune system and make infection more likely - i know particularly stomach bugs, canida etc can be more likely.

Other sides (and mroe crecently w=on masssive doses - 400mg IV i got them big time) are weight gain and edema - fluid retention due to hyperkalemia (cushings) increased appetite, insomnia, increased heart rate and blood pressure and blood sugar (explaining the appetite). Those are the noticeable ones id mention.

Long term it can lead to thinning of bones (osteoporisis) i think because it decreases calcium absorption. This is normally countered by caldium and vit d supplements if on steoids long term.

I would actually want to reassure people - generally side effects are rare and reading them can scare people off steroids. Used responsibly, acutely for inflammation and beng monitored id say they are a great tool for flare ups etc.

 

[Eve_L]

I never experienced any sort of infection like that and I was on the pred for about 6 months or so. The main side effects for me were the joint pain, puffy face and definite weight gain because of the incredible appetite. I still havent got the weight off and that was over 4 years ago. I know they worked for me and made me feel better, but I hate taking steroids and will do anything possible not to have to go on them again! They are eeeevvviiilll!! :devil:

 

[gracifer]

yeah i've also been given spots and an appetite that would put a sumo wrestler to shame lol! Must be one of the unlucky ones to get thrush lol! Trying to wean myself off them at the moment.. because i don't wanna stay on them for a moment longer then i need too.. aw well..

 

[Jennifer]

I'd wean off of them with the help of your doctor rather than doing it yourself. Often times when the flare isn't fully under control people tend to flare right back up once the dose has been reduced too much or too soon.

I never got any infections while taking steroids either.

"A small number of patients on prednisone develop yeast infections of the mouth (thrush) or vagina. Fortunately, effective medications are available to combat this problem should it occur." http://www.gihealth.com/html/education/drugs/prednisone.html

Instead of getting off of the steroids, I'd treat the thrush itself.

 

[gracifer]

Aw yeah sorry, the doc gave me the go ahead to get of steriods as i seem to be getting better.. plus, trying to treat the thrush currently..

 

[Rebecca85]

I got thrush from the antibiotics and steroids they gave me when first diagnosed. It cleared straight up with the single dose pill and cream combination. My boyfriend also took the pill, because sometimes men can carry thrush without getting symptoms, and pass it back. And I was told to wash towels, sheets and undies on the hottest wash you can, to kill any thrush that might be lurking.

 

[Misty-Eyed]

Yes but I got it in my throat instead. Men- you are not immune from thrush just because you don't have lady parts lol.