Steriods

[Thirza1]

Hi

I have previously been on steriods

In witch I gained 3 stone in weight

I have had to have them 3 times now at 60 mg a day for several months as my kidney function dropped down to stage 4

I was wondering has any one been on hydrocortisone tablets as I have been put on these now apprantley for a long period

Due u gain excessive weight ?

Do u get a round face ?

Should my hands still be swelling

Does any body know

thank u in advance

[Hidden]

Hi,

One thing I've found out in the six + months I've been on this site is that there are a significant number of differences between the treatment of CKD in the USA and in the UK.

Below is the link to an article I found on your situation from Oxford University. Hope it helps.

ouh.nhs.uk/patient-guide/le...

[gilders]

In the last 23 years, I've been on steroids for approximately 15 of those years, so I do have experience of long term steroid use.....and the experience is not good. I get the symptoms you mentioned, plus many others such as severe cramps, insomnia, depression, anxiety, etc

I also find that my blood pressure increases when on steroids. This may be due to that fact that I'm on steroids when other health problems are active (hence the need for steroids) and it could be the other health problems causing raised blood pressure, but I suspect it's the steroids. This is important as high blood pressure causes kidney failure.

Most of the side effects of steroids subside when I drop below 5mg/day.

[madonbrew]

Personally I can'ttake steroids long term anymore as they mess badly with my mood...making me suicidal. HOWEVER...I know they can be a useful drug for some people!The moon face does generally happen,along with the weight gain. I got bad acne whilst on them.

I guess it's a weigh up between the kidney verses steroid symptoms. If you can deal with the symptoms then they're probably be a helpful drug for your kidneys.

[Mysticlad]

Yes, it is a common side effect and along with CKD 4 will cause you to retain even more water weight. Limit your salt and sugar and try to cut back on the calories if possible. The moon face and swelling is all part of it. I know, been there done that, have the T-shirt. Used to get 240mg a day on some days. Horrible side-effect rich medicine but effective for when it is needed. You can learn more about the side effects here. I am sorry you have to go through this.

medicinenet.com/script/main...

The worst part of long term steroid high dosage are the psychiatric side effects in my opinion and experience.

Hope this helps....

[Thirza1]

Ho gosh thank you

[madonbrew]

I would agree Mysticlad. My consultants no longer consider them as a long term treatment plan for me because of the mental health side. I can take them short term when needed for my asthma,but anything over a month isn't a possibility.