I am now on 2 mg. but I am sunrised That I am slowly putting on more around my stomach bum etc. And moods are not getting any better. I thought I would slowly loose around the belly. Does anyone know why Thanks. I have not been doing my exercise as much. Just lost the will to do them
Slowly getting a bigger belly even though dropped... - PMRGCAuk
Slowly getting a bigger belly even though dropped to 2 mg
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zoey12
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68 Replies
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I know how you feel Zoey12
Maybe these may help
verywellfit.com/fitness-mot...
mayoclinic.org/healthy-life...
I think I need to look into these myself!!!!
Stay Safe
I checked out the links. the one to the Mayo clinic works but the one to Very Well Fit did not. I had to go scroll down a bit and click on motivation, then How do you find.... I also found Best exercises for when you're feeling sad, on the fitness page Oodles more good stuff on the motivation page, especially if you click the Load more button! Thank you for the links!
PMRproAmbassador
Are you gaining weight too? Exercise rarely does much to manage weight - when on pred, even low doses, it is cutting carbs that will achieve weight - and particularly fat - loss.
I have found that my lack of energy, fatigue and low motivation is definitely having an impact on my weight and it is settling around my middle. I have started walking on my husband’s arm. I never want to go and have to sleep afterwards but it is getting easier and the reward is a lift in mood. A few years back I used a Fitbit and got up to 30,000 steps a day during PMR. My subsequent diagnosis of GCA/LVV floored me as did the emigration of my second daughter and children, then the pandemic. I have borderline Diabetes 2 as well. I think we face the long climb back and it starts with the first step.
Yes it looks like it’s going to be a longer road than I thought. I must start at least some excersise soon mmm
Totally agree about the exercise-mood improvement connection. It hurts to walk even a short distance. But when I do, hobbling or on husband's arm, I feel so much more positive. Even after only 700 steps (a great achievement for me) I get hope feeling almost buzzy. I find that my very gentle rehab/yoga has the same effect, even when it hurts to do it! Keep trying, it's worth the struggle.
Gosh i was just thinking the same now I’m on 5 mg wondering why tum and backside are growing and look quite pregnant! Just realised too it must be down to more calories and very little exercise! Oh dear if only i had the energy!!
Never mind the calories - cut the carbs!!!! Exercise really doesn't have much effect in weight loss - not unless it is a very high intensity stuff. And even then - it makes you want more to eat ...
Thanks you are a great help with all my questions. Really appreciate your help
Sorry I meant to say carbs - but i seem to be hungry all the time especially when i’m tired and eating does seem to ease stomach ache!
Weight is the same its the shape … will have to start cutting down on carbs now … have put post it stickers in the kitchen when i find myself reaching for the biscuit tin!
I had a similar experience when I started pred - I'd gained weight with untreated PMR, couldn't move and craved carbs in the afternoons! Then I started pred and the weight moved so there were fat depositis in the usual places: back of the neck, around my face and around my midriff. And when I went low carb the first place the fat went from was around my waist - trousers almost fell down! Wouldn't have mattered but they were the ones I'd taken with me to wear at my daughter's wedding a thousand miles from my home! I really just got generally fatter though, never did develop the pregnant look.
I’ve been off prednisone for one month and I too am terribly disappointed that my stomach is still here. I’m only on Actemra. I got to around 5 mg prednisone back in February and thought for sure I’d start looking like I used to but no such luck. I’ve cut way back on carbs and sugar but I can’t say I’m completely off them
Oh. Sorry to hear you haven’t lost weight I would have put money on it that after a month off it. You would definitely get looking more like your old self. You would have thought that less prednisolone in your body means body should start to show some sign but I wonder what’s going on then. Is it to do with adrenal glands not yet working to full capacity I have no idea. But it’s very disappointing. I too eat low carbs. But I do get tempted now and then. But not a lot
Cut the carbs drastically but up the protein and fat intake. No low fat products ( full of sugar) use full fat as it keeps you feeling fuller for longer. Lots of leafy green veg. Drink lots of water.
Be careful. This was my plan and then my cholesterol levels went through the roof! I've now switched to alternative milks, cut the eggs and cheeses an eat kefir instead of yoghurt. Makes it really difficult when you have the munchies!
Does it all improve the cholesterol?
I have been taking a half dose of statin as well, so it's hard to tell which has worked (belt and braces!), but yes my cholesterol levels have come down. I've always followed a low carb diet I just think I over did the full fat stuff.
I eat a lot of cheese, traditional up a mountain stuff, but milk is semi-skimmed - can't abid full fat in tea which is actually all I use it for, Bit nail-biting at present as I am on tocilizumab and that can raise cholesterol - and BP but my BP is absolutely fine on it. One cardiologist got iffy about me taking a statin - despite the previous attempt having almost had me in a wheelchair . So I tried again - and promptly had the start of a big flare which is why the rheumy got out the big gun! I base my refusal on the work that shows there is no protective effect for women who have not yet had a cardiovascular event and I haven't. Atrial fibrillation doesn't count and my usual cardiologist is fine about it - the spare wasn't. Ah well. I shall tell her I don't particularly WANT to live feeling as I did on the statin after 3 weeks - the first 2 weeks was fine!
Rheumy wants me to come off the statin, GP wants me to stay on it. I want to control cholesterol with diet and exercise. My hubby just confuses me with his constant research. What I really want is a magic pill that will get rid of the PMR, fix the osteoporosis, bring my cholesterol levels down, remove all the unsightly fat deposits and make me look 30 again. Anyone got one?
Don't we all - and they couldn't say there is no demand!!!!!
Unfortunately diet rarely works unless your cholesterol is in the stratosphere because of a really dreadful diet! I have seen it. But most cholesterol in the blood is made by the liver ...
Oh dear. Am I stuck with it then? I'm lucky I have no unpleasant effects, I just get so sick of taking pills!🙄
So I have good liver function, low triglycerides but high cholesterol at 8 - and I would say I have a really good diet. But I was pretty non- plussed to read that steamed salmon is the worst thing you can eat for ‘oxidised’ cholesterol. I’d be better off eating beef carpaccio ! Which I don’t eat ! I rarely eat any carbs at all, I don’t have a sweet tooth, I no longer eat cheese but do like a nice glass of chilled dry white wine in the evening … which stretches to 2 with probably too many almonds! I’m mainly a fish and veggies sort of girl these days. And after all these changes I’m still overweight. But I am finding these podcasts by Dr Gregor pretty fascinating .. so theres one for example on Flax seed which is a making the case for flax seed as a way of reducing plasma oxylipids to tge level you have in your 20’s and thereby bringing down inflammation- which I’m hoping might be excellent news for PMR. And I think the best way to reduce my cholesterol is to up the oats and beans and to try harder to get the weight down. I mention Dr G again as I love the research based approach - as I’m sure you would ? In fact I’m wondering if we could start an informal trial on this forum of flax seed eating and see if members note any benefits. What do you think ?
"I love the research based approach"
So do I - but it is very difficult to provide research-based claims for dietary changes - they are observational studies and very difficult to control.
Sounds a good idea. Our own informal research. If we don’t do it no one else will. I will be away for a week starting tomorrow so after that I will get flax seeds work out how much a day to eat. And does beans mean baked beans thank s
Not just baked beans but beans in all their glory!
Baked beans have all sorts of rubbish added to them so I wouldn't think they fit with DrG's approach which I gather is more WFPB (whole foods, plant based) and that means not highly processed food - which is where I'd classify Heinz beans ...
Working on it, but it’s slow progress😳
My cholesterol has been slowly climbing at last two yearly bloodwork tests. I’m due again to be tested in September and this past year have made a number of dietary changes (replaced full fat yoghurt with 0%, milk in tea instead of cream, consume more good fats including avocados and fish oil recommended by GP, more turkey/chicken/fish vs. pork/beef. Shame I enjoy eggs, butter and other fats so much but try to limit them. Throw in diverticulitis and my food options are narrowing!
Like you, I don’t want to go on another pill (statin). Seems the more medications you are on, the more potential side effects. Was on high bp medication for a year but lifestyle changes resulted in me going off it altogether for two years now. Fingers crossed I’ve made some positive progress in the cholesterol department. Glad yours has come down.
Just been waffling away to PMRpro on this thread about Dr Greger’s nutritional podcasts on inflammation, cholesterol and what to eat to reduce it. Flax seed, oats and beans seem to be the way to go !!
jinasc swears by porridge and an orange for breakfast - recommended by the local stroke unit for her cousin and it brought her cholesterol level down long term.
Hope I can find time to watch a few of the podcasts - I much prefer things in print ...
Yup all added to my diet. Feel like a horse sometimes!
I'm glad too, but having to give up cheese and eggs is a killer😂. Let's hope it's all worth it. Good luck to you
Why eggs? They have been rehabilitated.
What??
Eggs don't increase blood cholesterol ... A study showed they are innocent.
Oh I,m so glad chickens are innocent! We keep them at school; collecting eggs with a hen sitting on your head is one of my favourite things!🐔🐔🐔. I was however, eating a ridiculous amount of eggs. I haven't given them up completely, jus a smashed avacado and poached egg treat on a Sunday - smashing!
Oooh - now THAT sounds an improvement on avocado toast! What is the excitement about that?
Try it!
Avocado toast? I have - totally underwhelmed
But with a runny poached egg on top?
No - will have to practice the poached egg bit though!!!
Ah, have admit someone makes it for me...😉
That's cheating!!!!! In-house chef ...
🤣🤣🤣
My favourite meal at our lovely local caff is 'loaded toast'. It's got avocado, black beans, feta, mushrooms, multicoloured cherry toms, rocket, a few seeds, and a poached egg. I really look forward to it!
Oh my goodness that sounds amazing - passing it on to my personal chef right away!! 😂👍
They were closed for a month and I missed it so much I had to recreate it at home. Even nicer with a chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc! I hope that your personal chef is better at poaching eggs than I am.
Ooooh - yum!!!!! Notes on your recreation wouldn't come amiss!!!!
Here is one of my attempts. Nothing very complicated really. At the time when I did it they were using edamame, not black beans, and no mushrooms/seeds/tomatoes (I think they kept having trouble getting the edamame beans, and they added the other things when they put the price up). They lightly fry sliced mushrooms, and I must admit they are a tasty addition. In my defence, the glass contains low alcohol prosecco!
Loaded Toast
just catching up here - avo on toast might well be a bit bland unless you add chilli seeds, lime juice and a bit of coriander or rocket. I’ve bought the porridge - now to develop the habit !
I like avocado, I like good toast - I just don't quite get why the combination became such a "thing"!!
No idea Zoey, but will join you in your misery. I've dropped down to 6mg pred and have suddenly recovered my appetite. Weight has suddenly increased round tum and I will have to pay more attention to diet and exercise. I was trying to cut the carbs, but with loads of birthdays and an anniversary in August, it's difficult. Tiredness, I think, adds to the problems as energy that would help weight loss is lacking.
It looks as if a difference in steroid intake must be a factor, but I don't know how.
Anyway, I can thoroughly sympathise and will be joining you on your efforts to beat the bulge 😀
All the best.
zoey12 in reply to
Great. Please do try find some energy from some where to do a bit of exercise. And I promise I will start on my stationary bike in garage again. And some sit ups. Have a go. I really don’t understand why more. Bulge goes on. When adrenal glands are suppose to be working a bit more now. With less pred. But obviously that’s not how it works. I m learning all the time.
in reply to zoey12
Hello Zoey,I have some stretching exercises that I continued after my physio prescribed them for osteoarthritis in my lower back. I need to walk more. I used to go swimming, but am worried about Covid now. I will investigate other forms of exercise. A good way to start a slimming regime is to put on clinging cotton jersey top like the one I bought in error, it shows every single bulge. I just wear it in the house ! It reminds me of my true weight 👀
My other clothes are more forgiving....
Good luck Zoey and thank you. I will try to lose weight and by the sound of it, you will soon be losing those extra pounds.
zoey12 in reply to
Thanks. I will start exercise next week. Ha ha. Yes I am away holidays for a week then I start. I will try to get beans. And flax seed. Too. I eat. Turmeric. And ginger. Juice. After simmering garlic for 10 mins. Picked up this idea from Chinese herbs. They always seem to use a tea. Also bit d. Oil I just got sunflower seeds and pumpkin seeds to put on cereal. No idea if I am doing right. Just going with gut feeling. I guess everyone is different and some foods are ok for some people but don’t work on others. You just got to find your own. Position good luck x
I am having the same problem, Zoey. Have been on less than 5mgs of Pred for 2 years now - presently on 3 but just cannot shift weight from my fat stomach although have managed to lose an inch off my hips. Tried on a dress for a wedding recently and looked like a sack of potatoes! Was a size 10 a few years ago! Reducing carbs would be difficult for me because I eat very little meat and don't like eggs - you've got to fill up on something! No way could I give up potatoes. I walk a lot and go to a gentle exercise class every week. Guess we are stuck with it! If you find an answer, do let us know!😀😀
Yes I will let you know if I ever find anything. I really thought when I get down to 3 mg it would make such a difference. I think watching what you eat. Best you can. And definitely excersise is our only option maybe step up the excersise. I thought adrenal glands start to work a bit at this stage so why don’t they control the bulge.
Oats and beans and lentils might help. I love potatoes too in every form - I blame my mother as she had a craving for mashed potato when carrying me .. yes alright that was 67 years ago ! But I don’t add butter to beans or lentils and I find I like porridge made with water so I’m trying this instead.
Thank you, Seekingasolution! I love porridge too but a bit hot for that at the mo! Have managed to cut out cake chiefly because I can't be bothered to make them and I don't like the bought ones much! Will just have to try a bit harder!
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