NeuroTalk Support Groups - Prednisone and weight gain

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I have been on prednisone since January 09. My dose has gone up and down during that time, my highest was 100mg/day while I was in hospital for the thymectomy. At one point in the summer I got down to 10 mg/day. Right now I have started my taper since late October and am currently at 25mg/day.

I have gained weight. I would say that I have gained 30 - 35 pounds. All of the weight has gone right to my abdomen and my face. My face is as round as a pie. I wonder where my cheekbones have gone. I do have cravings mostly for unhealthy stuff like sweets.

I also notice that my sleep habits are affected. I sometimes only sleep five hours a night. This is a real problem for me because I usually get eight to nine hours of sleep every night. When I don't get enough sleep my MG doesn't have a chance to "recover" overnight.

I am curious about the potassium supplement. My mom mentioned that maybe I should take it but I have never heard about it.

Kendra, I hope that the side effects you experience are minimal. Take care ~ Melanie

prednisone and weight gain

Kathy,
Thanks for the book info. I remember hearing some people talk about it but wasn't on Pred then so didn't pay alot of attention. I will go get it this weekend.
Congratulations on losing 25 pounds!!! That is incredible. I have been trying to cut down on my salt intake and am making sure I get plenty of potassium. Keeping my fingers crossed.
Kendra

prednisone and weight gain

Melanie,
I have to agree with you that I have noticed I am craving more sweets than usual. I have always been a person who craved salty foods so this is unusual for me. I also haven't slept good the last few nights. I go to sleep but feel like I wake up off and on all night long. I like you need 8 or 9 hours per night to feel decent.

As for the potassium I think eating 1 or 2 bananas a day is good. There is some risk of getting too much. Not sure what it is exactly but I know Dr. are cautious about prescribing supplements. I have read there is a connection between the weight gain and an increase of sodium in the body and a depletion of potassium. From what I understand if you eat a low salt diet and get enough potassium it is supposed to help keep weight gain to a minimum. This drug is truly a double edged sword. It has made a world of difference in how I feel but the side effects, short and long term are scary. Thanks for the reply.
Kendra

Hi Kendra, I started out at 60mg daily, and over the years, it has been all over the place. For severa months , I was at 10, I was in heaven, as I thought, YAY, I'm on my way to getting off of Prednisone....um...nooooo, I'm back up to 15, and on my way to 20mg.
CycloSporine has really helped. I don't think I'd be on such a low dose of pred if I wasn't on CycloSporine. It has really made a difference.
But since my step-father passed away, I've been doing everything for my Mom, so I've been really weak. It's only been a month and half, since he passed, so there was a lot to do, and there still is.
She'll be going into her own apartment soon. We have all her stuff in it, just need to unpack, and arrange things for her. She thinks she's going to try to stay there tomorrow night, But we'll see.
I've heard from many people, that once on Prednisone, they crave sweets. I seem to crave potassium, sallty stuff. And fresh veggies. Which is great, cause I don't need the extra calories from those krispy Kremes...lol
Love Lizzie

prednisone and weight gain

Lizzie,
I have heard of Cyclosporine but am not sure what it is used for. Is it an immuno suppresant?
I am so sorry to hear about the passing of your step father. I know how tough that can be. My mom passed 7 years ago and it took a long time to get my Dad's life back on track as far as teaching him basic everyday things that Mom had always done. I can't imagine having to deal with that now that I have MG. I am sure your mom is so grateful to you for being there to help her.
Craving fresh veggies is awesome!!! I wish I could say that I am craving them!!!
Kendra