Losing weight not trying

[Hammit39]

Hi everyone- i am just a week out of being diagnosed with RA and Fibro. Did my first week of methotrexate and daily prednisone and gabapentin. I am down 8 lbs without trying to lose any weight. Is this normal? Has anyone else experienced a similar situation?

[Runrig01]

Sorry, are you saying you’ve lost 8lbs in a week, since starting these meds. If so that’s not normal. Prednisolone and gabapentin tend to make you gain weight, whilst methotrexate causes nausea or vomiting, but shouldn’t cause that level of weight loss. You may lose a couple of lbs as inflammation subsides.

[IlovePorridge]

Hi, I am still waiting for definite diagnosis. I have Sjorgen's and Reynauds, but scleroderma and RA still being 'considered'. Whatever autoimmune condition it is, has caused scarring on my lungs, and I also have leaky kidneys. Since July I have lost 15lbs, and it certainly shows. I've had so many blood tests, including testing for cancer. Fortunately it's not the latter, but still worrying. Like most of us. I've done lots of research and weight loss isn't unusual with scleroderma. I have yet to be prescribed any medication, except 2 inhalers and eye drops and mouth gel etc. I have an appointment on Thursday with respiratory consultant so I'm hoping for a few answers. The reason for my response is to let you know that others lose weight for all sorts of reasons but it is very important to let your doctor know so that they can deal with it appropriately. Best wishes

[Gnarli in reply to IlovePorridge]

Oh bless you but that sounds awful. I hope you get a concrete diagnosis soon. It's so much better if you have a name for your issues don't you think? There is a Scleroderma and Reynaud's group on HealthUnlocked which might be helpful for you. Wishing you well

[Gnarli]

In the early days both before and after diagnosis I lost a lot of weight. It was weight I couldn't spare and ended up looking gaunt. As said before any unintended weight loss needs medical attention. It may just be the progress of your RD but always worth having it checked out.

[Leics]

I have had occasions when I’ve lost weight for no reason. I never gain any weight when on pred but that’s probably because it can affect my stomach. Last year I lost 10KG in six weeks and I don’t know why. But I’m a little overweight anyway so I wasn’t worried about it. I did inform GP and rheumy though and they kept an eye. I haven’t regained the weight but I have lost 4 lbs over night before but that is usually fluid loss and upset stomach. I can lose fluids quickly as I have a stoma so have to be careful I replace it in that case or I’d be in trouble with dehydration. So make your docs aware.

[Old_Sceptic]

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[OshiKiki]

not much help really. I took Methatrexate 6 tablets on a Sunday and folic acid once a week on Wednesday took it for about 8 yrs did wonders for me been off it 7 years now Best of luck