Asthma and weight gain.

[Charliesangels07]

Hi there, I am new to this, have never really been on anything like this before but I am going out of my mind with weight gain. My asthma flared up bad last year and unfortunately a very experienced GP persistently increased my dose of inhaled steroids resulting in her overdosing me for 4 months with 15 times the MAXIMUM dose allowed. This caused me to go into adrenal crisis and within 5 weeks I had gained 2 stone around my stomach and midline. I have been unable to loose the weight no matter what I do, I still need prednisolone frequently for exacerbations but I am on a NORMAL dose of inhaled steroids. I was also started on Gabapentin for neuropathic pain caused by all the inhaled steroids which I am aware can cause weight gain.I have a personal trainer and exercise 4 times a week including 5-10km runs and also follow a very strict eating plan from my trainer but I cannot seem to loose ANY weight. It is really getting me down so much so I can't look in the mirror. Has anyone else experienced anything like this? Any comments at all would be really helpful.Thank you.

[Hidden]

Hi I wish I could help you but I too have this problem I survive on less than 1500 calories per day and very low carb but the weight will not shift. Any suggestions from anyone would be great. I get so depressed when I can't fit in to anything and when peoples reaction is 'gosh you've put on weight' doesn't help either. Chin up maybe someone on here has the cure!!!!

[Charliesangels07 in reply to Hidden]

Hi Susie901, thank you for your reply and inspiration I'm so sorry to hear you are going through such a terrible time as well. Sending you positive thoughts and hugs. I feel the sane too with my clothes, it is a constant battle which I am loosing all the time as nothing changes. I too eat 1,000-1,500 calories a day and there is nothing changed in 9 months. I hope someone on here can help us and find a cure. Stay strong and positive and we can help each other through this hard time ❤ xxx

[Charliesangels07 in reply to Hidden]

Hi there, I sent a reply but cannot see it, I hope it sent to you suzie901 xxx

[polkadotcom]

Hi there, do you have PMR or GCA as well? Are you on oral steroids too? If not I think you have found the wrong community here, try the one for Asthma as they may be able to help you more.

[Charliesangels07 in reply to polkadotcom]

Hi polkadotcom, thank you for your reply and help. I don't have any of these conditions, I suffer from asthma but I am very frequently, if bit constantly, on oral prednisolone. Thank you I will try some asthma sites also.

Take care xxx

[Charliesangels07 in reply to polkadotcom]

Hi there, I sent you a reply, I hope you received it, sorry I am new to this xxx

[PMRpro Ambassador]

One of the ways some people in this community have coped with pred-related weight gain is to cut carbs a lot and that also helps with the risk of developing diabetes. Hope that helps a bit!!

[Charliesangels07 in reply to PMRpro]

Hi PMRpro, thank you for your reply and help. I am on a low carb diet and have been since January. For example, I don't eat potatoes, pasta or bread and try to only eat carbs like whole grain rice for lunch then veg with dinner. I suppose it must be keeping my weight at bay as I'm stuck. Thank you for your help and support. Take care xxx

[VLeleux]

I have to use Montelukast (generic Singulair) and Flovent inhaler daily. For rescue inhaler I use Combivent Respimat. I stopped using any other steroids. I use natural remedies. I use powdered colostrum on a regular basis in a bottle of water and Emergen-C. This helps my asthma greatly. I also have peripheral neuropathy. I take 800+ mcg daily of folic acid (or folate). This helps greatly with the neuropathy. I also have fibromyalgia. My body has reached the point where the only meds that it will tolerate are the 3 meds that I listed above. I have to research the internet for natural remedies for whatever ails me! I have had a lot of success with this.