Blooming again!

[LizzieG101]

I haven't written for a while because three specialists and the GP practice were trying to work out a plan. They haven't and I am on increased steroids and blooming (again). 16.5 stones. They say the steroids are giving me high blood pressure and diabetes type 2 but keeping my lupus in check. What can I do?

[moreless Administrator 7 stone]

Welcome back Lizzie. I'd love to be able to help you, but have no relevant experience to draw on.

I do know that autoimmune diseases/disorders can 'hunt in packs', so it's possible you have thyroid issues too. As such, it may be an idea to post on the Thyroid UK forum too, to see if anyone there can offer some advice.

I hope you find the answers you're looking for.

[LizzieG101 in reply to moreless]

Yes, I forgot to mention I’m on thyroxine.

[moreless Administrator 7 stone in reply to LizzieG101]

If you're not optimally medicated for your thyroid, then that can lead to a raised Hba1c and cause lupuslike symptoms and weight gain. Maybe that's where you should be starting?

[LizzieG101]

The specialists say I am now, thanks to thyroxine, functioning normally regarding my thyroid. But I have been threatened (bullied?) over metaformin. Not sure how this will fit in with prednisolone and hydroxychloroquine. A bit scared.

[Missionwoman Restart Sept 2023 in reply to LizzieG101]

I have been on prednisolone and gained 3st. Had I known at the time I would have gone on the LCHF diet and would not have gained weight. Apparently it's the way our bodies process carbs when we are on pred that causes the weight gain. I don't have any other illnesses though so cannot say how it is for you when you have more to contend with.

[LizzieG101 in reply to Missionwoman]

What are you doing now to sort your weight gain? I seem to be in a vicious circle.

[Missionwoman Restart Sept 2023 in reply to LizzieG101]

Sorry not to have replied sooner but my iPad is giving me problems. I bought a book called the fast 800 recipe book. I am using it for most of my meals at present. The weight is coming off but I have also been off the prednisolone for 4 months which helps. I started on a calorie count but moved to LCHF and am really enjoying this method of weight loss. I find myself getting back on to it quickly following any meals out, of which I have no control. It's working for me and the breakfasts are great as I cannot eat eggs and almost every other plan has masses of eggs at breakfast. I am not allergic or intolerant of eggs but am unable to eat them.

[LizzieG101 in reply to Missionwoman]

I've been told this afternoon that al my problems, including diabetes ,are steroid induced. Except for the main problems of lupus and breathlessness, of course. However, they are hoping to reducemy steroids and put me on another less vicious drug but equally effective. I know! It begs a question! But hopefully then the weight will come off. Travelling in hope!

[Missionwoman Restart Sept 2023 in reply to LizzieG101]

Following the LCHF plan is helping me lose weight and I know if I had done it when I was on Prednisolone I would not have piled on the weight. If you are on the PMR Patient forum. This plan is what is working for others. I hope you have a successful weight loss and a reversal of the diabetes. Best wishes.

[LizzieG101]

Just a footnote for now. The steroids, given to me to cure my pneumonia and pleurisy, have given me cushings disease and type 2 diabetes. Has anyone on the forum recovered from CD and, if so, how? Thank you.