Could anyone tell me if they have same side effects as me from pred

[zoey12]

My breasts have sagged dramatically in the last 2 weeks loosing all firmness. And are so different I am worried that the change could bring on breast cancer. As it’s not a normal change in them. I am on week 15 on pred. Gone from 15 mg now on 8 mg and feeling ok but have a few side effects.

[Nextoneplease]

Hello zoey and welcome 😊

No, I can’t say I have noticed this change - although it seems logical that muscle weakness could cause breast sagging. And our muscles do tend to get weaker both as a direct result of the PMR, and because pain and / or stiffness tends to mean we exercise less. Are you able to do a little gentle exercise, this may help?

If you are worried about breast cancer I would suggest you consult your GP.

Good luck, I hope all goes well. Let us know how you get on xx

[zoey12 in reply to Nextoneplease]

Thank you for your reply. I will get hold of my gp. This week. See if I can get answers

[Smokygirl in reply to zoey12]

Hi Zoey! I have been on Pred for Two and a half years (starting at 15 mg ) and my breasts have enlarged by two cup sizes. They are huge and quite different to before, even when I was pregnant 53 years ago! I’m sure it is liquid retention. There is very little info on the forum or indeed anywhere else on the internet about this and my GP is non the wiser! I have put on I stone in weight over the two years but having done the same often in past years and then taken it off again, the boobs never changed. This is totally different. Pred has defo changed my body shape, I am now down to 4 mg but my body is still very different.

I do boob exercises to try and maintain the supporting muscles.

Hold both arms on front of you and grasp each forearm with the opposite hand.

Then push hard . I do this 20 times morning and night.

You will see your boobs lifting as you push.

It will defo help to raise your boobs and maintain lift,

Good luck! Xxxx

PS You are reducing Pred very quickly—- perhaps slow down a bit now.

[Hidden]

Hello, I think breast start to sag with age. I've lost hair on arms, legs under arms and now noticing eyelashes are coming out. Nails are in a terrible state and fat under eyes. Started my original taper again today of 6.5mg (last time tried back in Mar) hoping I manage to get through the month without a flare this time.

Good luck

[Duketta in reply to Hidden]

I've been eating More protein and that has helped me to retain muscle and keep weight down. Also low carb . God bless!

[zoey12 in reply to Duketta]

Thank you. Yes I will try more protein good idea

[PMRpro Ambassador]

i think it is very unlikely that changes like that will "bring on" breast cancer. But you should talk to your doctor if you are worried.

However - it really would help us to help you if you told us a bit more about your PMR diagnosis, how long you have been on pred and how you are reducing. Don't assume everything is side effects from pred - PMR itself causes a lot of changes too, the pred is to improve the pain and stiffness and you cannot just reduce the dose willynillyand at speed without running into other problems.

[zoey12 in reply to PMRpro]

Thank you for your reply. I appreciate it. My bust has definitely sagged with the tissue inside disappearing from predoslone as it’s happened. With 1 to 2 weeks. Dramatic change Sudden. I went on pred 15 mg late jan 2022 then 12.5. Then 10 mg. no pain no problem with pmr. Living normal life on the pmr side. Light exercise. But lots of side effects of pred. Lots of Fat round belly and bum. Fat all down my back from neck to bum you can see fat under skin. Then I got stomach pain 3 weeks ago doctor put me on lansoprazole 30 mg then I don’t get ulcer. Also something to help me go toilet easier. I eat healthy veg fruit salad. I am really worried about being on pred as it’s changing my body very rapid. Worried about health

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to zoey12]

A normal healthy diet isn't enough to manage weight when on pred - cutting carbs, sometimes drastically, is what really makes the most difference for almost everyone as well as it reducing the risk of steroid-induced diabetes. So if you are relying on a lot of fruit you may need to rethink that.

You may be worried about pred - but learning to make friends with it is something that helps a lot. It is what is reducing the pain and other symptoms that sent you to the doctor in the first place. And it is reducing the likelihood that the PMR might progress to GCA - and then there is little choice, in the UK at least: much higher doses of pred or risk sight loss.

Could you add your little synopsis to the Bio part of your profile please so it is easy to find again?

[zoey12 in reply to PMRpro]

Thanks for reply. Is veg still ok and salad for weight Not sure how you do the add bio new to site but will try

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to zoey12]

Above ground veg and sald leaves are great - this website is really good for info as to what is good and less good:

dietdoctor.com/low-carb/foods

Often just removing processed foods is enough, but you have to investigate what is right for you and how much YOU have to cut.

[zoey12 in reply to PMRpro]

Yes ok. I will have to do more trying out different foods etc. See how I go

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to zoey12]

Just highlight and copy your comments above -then go to your profile -easiest to tap avatar top right of screen. Then choose Update Profile …

Under your banner/avatar your bio appears - just paste what you copied, and tidy it up a bit if required.

Don’t forget to save changes.

[zoey12 in reply to DorsetLady]

Thank you I will have a go

[Uglow]

Without belittling this Iv been tucking mine in trousers for a few years anyway😂but I get this mine is arm and legs look scraggy I think it comes with steroids from what I remember reading. Ask Gp For mammogram tbh Iv not heard this as a symptom but I’m not a doc. Good luck don’t stress get appointment. Xxxxx

[Orpheus82]

Any change in breasts should prompt immediate consultation with GP. We all make assumptions and self diagnose particularly when changes in our bodies come at the same time as taking medications for other conditions but this can just be coincidence. It is important to put your mind at rest.