3 months on prednisone and I have gained weight and have a huge face!! I am starting to taper, will my face go back to normal?

[Smarti99]

[PMRpro Ambassador]

You don't say what dose - but yes, as you taper it will improve though not all at once. Some people don't lose all the weight until they are at very low doses, others find it starts to go after about 10mg/day.

However - warning coming up! Don't taper too quickly thinking you will lose weight faster. The most likely result of that would be a flare and a need to return to higher doses.

[Smarti99]

I was on 30, and reduced to 25 yesterday. Over the next 7 weeks my rheumatologist has me tapering down to 15, til I see him again in 10 weeks

[Jan1961]

Hi.. I was on 60mg's a day and until i have got down to the dose i am on now (10mg's) i looked damn awful.. i was frightening the kids in the neighbourhood !! My balloon face has since went down.. but i still dont look anything like i do in my pic... please don't rush things.. it will happen the lower the dose you can reach without a flare up... your health is much more important than a puffy face x

[Smarti99 in reply to Jan1961]

Thanks Jan. I was just diagnosed with PMR in April and I am learning how to cope with the condition and the prednisone side effects. You are right, my health is more important. I make an effort everyday to do my hair, put on some make up, a nice outfit and a smile

[sangje]

Hi I am in this community as my mum has PMR -but we both have been on pred for different reasons - I found the face thing particularly difficult but it went when i got to about 5mg - same with mum. As previous people have said - please don't rush it -as i was on it for another health condition i went from 5 to 0 and had awful withdrawls - mum is going very slowly and it had not been quite as bad as that respect. I found it helped to think of people who loose their hair on chemo - and be grateful. Its a horrible med but saves our lives so its worth it. Good Luck

Sangje

[optimist-ok]

Yes, Things do improve with a lower dose of steroids. I was on 60ng a day & had a 'moon face' which felt solid & I couldn't even smile, at least I tried but it didn't show! Things gradually got better as the dose reduced. Once down to 10mg my face began to go back to a more normal look.

[Smarti99 in reply to optimist-ok]

Thanks for your reply. My face is solid and I am getting the hump between my shoulder blades. I find yoga helps with this. I also noticed my upper arms are getting solid like my face and upper back. Hopefully as I taper down it will all dissipate.

[1Purplecrow]

Hi smarti99. My remarks are regarding weight gain. I have discovered that "messing" with my prednisone dose triggers appetite fluctuations. When I have to increase prednisone, due to a "failed" attempt to taper, (for whatever reason), I spend a few days dealing with munchies before I settle back down to 'normal' food intake. The remedy that helps during these times, is to focus on fresh fruit and veggies. Watermelon and fresh pineapple have been helpful, along with nuts. Anyway, I've struggled with weight, and gained about 12 lbs since last October! I'm not happy about that, but I am happy to have relief from pain, thanks to the prednisone. My dose is 7 mg now. Hang in there friend, you will get better!

[Smarti99 in reply to 1Purplecrow]

Hey Purplecrow. Thanks so much for your input. I had a friend blurt out this week, "what's wrong with your face" I used to like blunt people, now not so much.... The medication enables me to move and keeps me from going blind or having a stroke. I hate the side effects, but understand the benefits. I know this is not forever and just need my family and friends to accept and love me through this. We will see who comes out on the other side....

[estherdevers]

when your preds are reduced to about 10, your face and weight will go down, mine did

[5lupins]

Hi , I started on 60 mg . I was so relieved that I just didn't look for A long time and stepped out into the world .so my advice is just be you. Those who love you know you and everyone else are just people living their own lives. Look after your self . I think this illness is like the AA one day at a time and we all know how hard it is so you are ok here. Bye.