Steroids

[Helen]

Hi,
I got diagnosed in August this year, which was a massive relief after the year I had where I was getting tested trying to find out what was wrong with me. As soon as I was diagnosed I got put on corticosteroids (budensonide) and even though this has helped major in making me feel relatively normal an my old self again, I've suffered with the weight gain and swelling! I wasn't too worried about the weight gain because I did lose a lot of weight when I was ill an so at 8 and half stone I'm still not big but just struggling with the whole puffiness that it gives you. My face is probably the part I'm most insecure about because you can't just wear a baggy t-shirt etc like you do with the 'I look 3 months pregnant' stomach. Has anyone else suffered with these side effects? I just find it lowers your self-esteem an I now try to avoid pictures because of my fat face. I've started a new maintenance drug so should be off the steroids in a couple of months! Just wanted to know whether people who are no longer on steroids have reverted back to the days where they didn't feel all bloated an puffy? Thanks Helen
Ps any tips to reduce puffiness would be appreciated although not sure if this is something I'm going I just have to put up with for the mean time?

 

[Earnellzwifey]

I'm sorry I do not have any advice for you. I am currently dealing with the same thing. I just stopped prednisone after almost 6 months of use. I have weight gain, really puffy face, and even had to get put on insulin. I have lost a few pounds, my old appetite is back, and my face has went down a little. I just hope it continues to improve.

 

[hainman]

hi helen,im afraid thats the norm on steriods pal,they do give you a bounce in yer step but make you look like a beach ball with arms and legs,once they get you on a level keel they might reduce them and the moon face will subside a bit,
i was told that in women the puffiness was worse because its to do with water retension,
i hope you get the answer your looking for
Craig

 

[Helen]

Yeah I think I've come to the reality that I'm just going to have to accept it for now an hopefully it will all subside once I'm off them! Yeah I get a lot of water retention, on my feet an ankles too. Thanks guys