anniep1945

[anniep1945]

feeling constantly bloated whilst taking Prednisalone.

[earthwitch]

I think that's fairly common. Prednisolone isn't intended to be for long term use anyway, so I guess the sooner you can get your dose reduced and be off the stuff the better (under doctor supervision, of course). DMARDs are much better (and safer long term) options for treating RA anyway.

[Hidden]

Yes I'm quite bloated and have been on Pred for three months. More worrying to me is that when I try to taper too fast (and I'm only talking 1mg per week here) I feel like I can barely function - my heart slows down dramatically and I feel nauseous and faint, ache all over and all the blood drains from my face apparently.

So if you decide the bloating is intolerable please do taper off very slowly with the support of your doctor.

I tolerate Prednisilone much better than I have any of the four DMARDs I've taken so far but I'm aware that Earthwitch is probably right and that the long term price will be higher for me so I'm determined to get off it slowly but surely. The thing about some of the drugs I've been prescribed, such as Prednisolone, is that it masks my symptoms and makes my blood results misrepresent me. Also DMARDs and Biologics can just be stopped (and sometimes have to be) without causing withdrawal issues unlike Prednisolone. This always panics me a bit as I feel pushed into a corner by these type of drugs. Good for a short burst sometimes to knock back flares but not for longer term - for me anyway.

[Simone_Holly]

You're not alone! I find the same and it's not the nicest feeling so I do empathise. Maybe talk to your nurse if its making you uncomfy x

[nomoreheels]

I think any oral steroid can cause bloating or fluid retention. I'm on a maintenance dose of deflazacort & have it from time to time. I've found it can also be as a result of certain things I eat so it might be worth noting if anything specific you eat makes it worse.