Weight gain/loss?

[Jenny-]

Has anyone had any issues with weight gain after being on steroid injections and suffering with pain following exercise ? Struggling with this and I'm getting depressed due to it

[Sandy-]

Hello Jenny

I’ve only had one intramuscular injection 5 weeks ago, and haven’t put any weight on, although I would love to do as I am just under 7 stone and although I eat well I’m not gaining weight.

I too am struggling with pain after a busy week of varying exercise, and thought the steroid injection may be wearing off. My rheumatology nurse says it’s probably down to overdoing it. I started Hydroxychloroquine 5 weeks’ ago but it’s probably not kicked in yet.

I am now resting my joints and hoping for some improvement soon.

[Jenny- in reply to Sandy-]

I used to be like you! When I first started getting my injections I was under 7st and over 2 years I've ballooned.

Hydroxychloroquine took a while for me to see any results too!

[Sandy- in reply to Jenny-]

Thank you, that’s encouraging!

[Pinkypie2018]

Hi, I've had 2 intramusclar injections since January an I've had no issues with weight gain. Since I started methotrexate 6 weeks ago my appetite has virtually disappeared an I'm actually losing weight. Since spring has finally arrived I've been trying to go walking again but it just hurts too much at night. I'm not sure maybe over time they could cause weight gain but not as much as the tablets I think.

[Sandy- in reply to Pinkypie2018]

I’m losing my appetite too since starting the Hydroxychloroquine but make myself eat. It’s difficult and stressful. I’ve tried Complan but I can’t tolerate it. My IBS also makes eating difficult as I have had to limit certain foods

[Pinkypie2018 in reply to Sandy-]

One meal a day is all I'm managing an its even hard eating that, hopefully it's just a temporary side effect for us an we'll soon get back to eating!

[oldtimer]

When I was on high dose steroids I put on about three stones despite trying to control my portion size. Some of that must have been fluid retention as it came off speedily once the dose was lowered, but the rest (around 10Kg) has been a long slog and I'm still a little more than I would like as I often have to have a boost of steroids.

[Jenny- in reply to oldtimer]

Thank you so much, have you had to have anything to substitute the higher dosage of steroids?

[Mmrr]

I've gained 3 stones since diagnosis and struggle daily with a verocious appetite. I'm on daily prednisilone.

[Hidden]

Yes, put on a lot of weight, most in the first few weeks, And while a bit has come off in the 6 months I have been off its no where near what I gained. I was on oral Prednisone for a year and a half. Starting at dang it was either 60 or 80mg and tapering down slowly. When I hit below 20 mg each drop was painful and flu like. I have sarcoidosis that acts a lot like the rheumatoid-they do seem to have a lot of symptoms in common. But the sarcoid invaded my pelvis bone and the pred was to stop and hopefully fix. That it did to an extent they are shrunk to a tiny thing now. But the steroids are hard on the bones so now I have thinning of the bones. Sigh. And the extra weight sure didn't help the joints. And my back is horrid now, but at the top dose I had a moon face (look no wrinkles) and starting to get a hunch back. Very sexy look you know. LOL Good thing I kept my sense of humor. But my hair...its always been thin and straight. It got curly and a bit wirey. Really strange.

Marci

[Gnarli in reply to Hidden]

I 'liked' your post, not because of your troubles, but because you told of them with such warmth and humour. Wishing you better

[Ninaseven]

I have constantly struggled with weight gain. I was on methotrexate for 3 years with plaqunil, Arcoxia with steroids. Last summer my body couldn’t take it anymore. Came off everything in Oct lost 6 lbs in first week. Unfortunately then started on Enbrel and in a major flare since Oct. Added in steroids again before a new drug is added at end of month. Weight started coming back on immediately. I’m trying to move more but the weight gain is depressing. When I’m in pain and can’t move and then steroids kick in and I can go out and garden I think about my lovely little garden and the peace it brings me. I guess it’s all about taking the bad and trying to enjoy the good. I sympathize with you because you are so young. Good luck and try to stay as positive as you can. All of us has down times. 😘

[Cheylann]

No I haven't had weight gain but do get pain after exercise. Then again the steroid doesn't make you gain weight it's what and how much you eat that does.

[Hidden in reply to Cheylann]

Actually it really does, I had so much water weight on. face was so round and hump on back was not fat but water. Most has gone funny thing is it changed where I did put on weight. Used to be thighs and rear, but it made me gain in tummy area more, its changing back now but made clothes fit me weird. But it does make for an appetite.

[pd118]

I swim once a week has helped strengthen me

[Kerensa21]

I know steroids can make you gain weight but I’ve only had one shot at the start & do wonder sometimes if the drugs do too? Does anyone know? Put on 10kg since having this, not eating more & do exercise/swim etc. Nurse said at last appt lots complain of weight gain. I’ve always been slim but fat, old n wonky now ☹️x PS yes exercise makes joints ache, its hard getting balance right

[Leics]

Hi I must be a bit weird I started on low dose steroids a little while ago and lost weight whilst I was on them (inches more than weight) I think it’s probably due to the fact that inflammation reduced dramatically and I was able to move around more. Haven’t found intramuscular injections made any difference apart from helping pain and easing movement but I’m sure most of the time it’s fluid not fat. Don’t worry things will balance themselves out. Too much exercise is a no no just makes joints hurt all the more. Little and gentle exercise works for me if I don’t want my ass kicked.

[Cheylann]

Well its not really true fat it's water retention.