Weight...

[Jennykk]

I've been of 15mg of predisolone for 3 weeks after PMR diagnosis. My stomach is already bigger! Can this be the steroids already? Or have I just put on weight. ... Also my sleeping is terrible. Waking a lot. Any tips? Thank you

[PMRpro Ambassador]

The tummy problem could well already be the pred - everyone is different and although I didn't actually put on a lot of weight but it redistributed - to my midriff and face! You can help the weight gain with pred by cutting carbs - it has worked for a lot of people.

The sleeping - just try to rest even if you can't sleep. I know it can be difficult but I can't suggest much else because it wasn't really a problem for me.

[Jennykk in reply to PMRpro]

Thank you. I realise I'll needto wait and see and have been watching what I eat. Glad the sleeping wasn't a problem for you.

[Celtic PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Jenny, as steroids can cause fluid retention, apart from reducing refined/processed carbs try including lots of known diuretic-type foods into your diet such as asparagus, garlic, fennel, melon, celery. As far as lack of sleep is concerned, I assume you are taking the steroids all in one dose as early in the day as possible as taking them late in the day will cause wakefulness. Your nights will improve as you reduce the dose but, meanwhile, the only tips I can offer are to catnap during the day to try and make up for the lost sleep overnight, and a little walk in the evening can also help.

[Jennykk in reply to Celtic]

Thank you. I take the steroids first thing and have been more careful about my diet. The advice about diuretic type foods is valuable. Thanks.

[Chihuahua1]

The first weight gain from preds is caused by water retention and can show within this time frame. However, once you are on them you tend to have an increased appetite, so you need to keep a strict eye on what you are eating. If caused by fluid retention only you will drop it again as your meds are reduced.Weight gain though is very difficult to shed once it has happened

[Jennykk in reply to Chihuahua1]

Thank you.

[Charlie1boy]

Hi! You already have some good advice about weight, so I will not add to that. As for sleeping etc, this has been my biggest problem since being diagnosed in December 2014. I think the best advice is that given by the volunteer, which is to REST whenever you are able to do so.

I have experienced nights when I am awake from about 3am to 6am, then other nights when I sleep really heavily all night. Either way, I still feel tired out at various times of the day. It seems to be one of the main symptoms of PMR and preds, and I am just trying to manage it as best I can.

HopeFully your sleep pattern will settle down, but it seems there are no set rules and, as many others have said, we are all different. Just remember to rest!!!

Good luck.

[Jennykk in reply to Charlie1boy]

Thank you. I seem to get what I should try and do but still struggling to do it! Part of the denial maybe...but I have started to rest a bit more so it's a start. Thanks again.

[Charlie1boy in reply to Jennykk]

Well done. Getting the proper rest is one of the most difficult things to do, especially if you have been active. I'm still learning 6 months down the line, and I haven't really cracked it yet. The best advice I can give is to listen to your own body - it will tell you!

Wishing you all the best.

[jaida70]

So far I have been lucky in that I have not put on body weight (but weight loss can be related to GCA) but have put weight on my face. Unfortunately sleep patterns do seem to be common with steroids. Myself and a lots of others seem to wake about 4.00am in the morning. Do as suggested and try to grab some rest during the day when you can. Jaida

[Earlonda]

I am going through same problems and need answer. Stiff neck,sore thoat only in the morning, eating late at night more, wasp comes up on my boby and itches maybe cause of nervous. Somebody help.

[Houseofkash]

Sorry. It's prednisone. I was on for 42 days a few months ago. Gained 14lbs and have yet to lose it due to elevated cortisol