Copd

[Kellyhopkins]

Hiya im 35 got copd and my weight is going up due to the steroids any thing I can try to help x

[Hidden]

Wish I could recommend something but I don't have an answer but I am sure someone will let you know. Could do with losing weight myself, so the Doc said.

Valxx

[CornishBrian]

The steroids that we take for COPD etc are not the type of steroids used for increasing body mass....therefore the cause of your weight gain is not from the medication. The steroids will affect hair growth and nails etc but even after 25 years of steroids my weight gain is due to my lessening activity and exercise. The general rule with COPD seems to be that you should enter the autumn, winter period about half a stone overweight. This is to counteract weight loss during infections etc. Hope this helps.

[JULIEHUXTABLE1]

Hi Kelly, I totally understand. I am useless at following diets, weighing and measuring is not for me. Ive cut down on carbs, the ones I use now are wholemeal, seeded bread, oats. Ive cut out alcahol (surprisingly, I dont miss it) and Im drinking organic apple cider vinegar - couple of tbsp in a pint of cold water, and drinking about 1/4 before each meal. Ive lost 2 stone in 3 months!!! Not made much difference to my chest (I have pulminory sarcoidosis) but I am feeling much better about myself.

Good luck and dont forget to treat yourself!!! Julie Xx

[MarieW-F in reply to JULIEHUXTABLE1]

I have pulmonary sarc too - just saying hello!

[Hidden]

I also have put on weight due to the steroids but I needed more weight on anyway. What I don't like is my weird body shape caused by hyperinflated lungs. I'm barrel shaped now.

Are you on steroid tablets as well as inhalers? I am at the moment and weaning off the tablets. Not sure how that will go as I'm having a COPD exacerbation over the last couple of weeks.

Steroids will make you feel hungry so probably best to be careful what kind of food you eat. Are you active? Exercise will help if you have enough air to get through them. I used to walk a lot but can't do so at the moment so I feel out of sorts and out of shape.

[Hidden]

Good Morning, My husband suffers with severe COPD and has taken steroid inhalers for years - he takes oral steroids during an exacerbation (four times this year already!). The question is do you take oral steroids or just inhaled steroids. It might be an idea to ring the helpline and ask their advise - You can call the helpline on 03000 030 555 Lines are open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm. Take care, Love TAD xx

[peege]

Hi, you've got some good replies already.

35 is pretty young to have COPD from occupation or smoke inhalation. Have you been tested for the Alpha 1 Deficiency? There are others on here with it who may be able to share their knowledge & experiences to stay as healthy as possible.

High doses of steroidal inhalers can deplete your bone density and skin integrity (my skin did after only six months of Seretide 500, Nasonex & blue inhaler. Since going down to 250 skin doesn't bruise so easily although it's still very thin.

Extra dairy foods & vitamin D3 will help with keeping the bone density.

Re weight, are you taking prednisolone tablets as well?

My weight has crept up by a stone since loosing my Labrador in early Jan. we used to walk a minimum of an hour a day, usually much more when well. I've probably snacked more from sadness & lack of motivation too so it's back to getting my a**e in gear from this day forwards!

[vittorio]

..I

[vittorio in reply to vittorio]

...Its an old trick, but someone told me years ago that after taking Steroids, your weight MAY go up as they " Appear " to increase your appetite, , so for a while During the taking of these INFAMOUS ! PILLS and for a little while after =- I ACTUALLY EAT LESS TO COMPENSATE ANY POSSIBLE WEIGHT INCREASE - FOR WHATEVER REASEN ! AND IT WORKS !!! - and I am still Ten stone after being diagnosed with moderate C.O.P.D. FIVE YEARS AGO and must have swallowed HUNDREDS OF THESE PILLS - From all good chemists !!, - Try it folks - it may work on you , and you ladies will maintain your lovely figures !! - blimey, I sound like an ADVERT !! - Good luck ...

[Hidden in reply to vittorio]

Vittorio. Did you forget to warn the ladies about osteoporosis, amongst a few other things, due to taking these steroid tablets? Ladies with severe lung disease who need to take steroid tablet for an exacerbation have more things to be concerned about than maintaining their lovely figures. They have their health to worry about.

[soulsaver]

No matter what the reason, be it steroids slowing your metabolism, doing less exercise, cold weather etc the simple law of the universe is you are using less calories than you are consuming = weight gain - so to lose weight you need to take in less calories - so eat less. Easier said... I know.

[Marali83]

Hi Kelly

I do believe the steroids play a huge part in weight gain. I have always been on the slender side my whole life, not anymore!! Someone mentioned the barrel affect and that's exactly my shape now, from the the chest to the waist....no weight gain anywhere else.

Using steroids......damn if you do, damn if you don't.

[monkey65]

I've found a gluten free diet useful, if you don't replace the cakes/bread/biscuits with the over priced ready made gluten free types.

[MarieW-F]

I put weight on with the oral steroids I was on. I am off them now and on symbicort inhaler which has a much lower dose and I have lost weight. If its oral steroids then what they do is trick your body into thinking its hungry all the time - hence you feel hungry. Try and exercise if you can and keep low cal nibbles around you, celery, carrot, cucumber and a low fat dip. Good luck its not easy.

[Seaelf]

Having just watch the vids posted

here on "sucess story " didn t the woman mention phytort as natural alternative to steroids ?

[Trouts]

Hi Kelly, Sad to hear you have the dreaded Copd I'm on the same slippery slope as regards weight problem ,I was starting fat club(slimming world) last night but not been too well went to doctors and given steroids but on my way home for some reason I really couldn't breathe panicking I rang my daughter who calmed me down enough to get me home, she wanted to ring an ambulance but I didn't want to go to hospital again so she rang the doctor who sent me to a closer surgery and the doctor there gave me antibiotics to take as we'll so all in all not a good night so I'm off work today.

I think my other problem is I live alone so I don't think I'm coping with the fear of not being able to breathe how about you?

Regards

Gaynor