puffy face

[Doraflora]

I’ve been on Pred for three years in March. I’ve been extremely fortunate not to have put on any weight whatsoever. However, my face has gradually got fuller and at the moment it’s the fullest it’s ever been - although I am suffering with some “dreaded lurgy” throat virus that is doing the rounds at the mo so I wondered if it’s connected with that.

I did request blood tests over two weeks ago so I’ll give the surgery a call today & chavvy them up!!

But is it usual to have swelling in the face nearly three years after starting Pred?

thank you once again oh wise ones - and wishing you all a happy & healthy Christmas

[PMRpro Ambassador]

There are certain places that pred causes fat to be deposited and around the face is one of them. It is quite likely it can creep up o you and suddenly you notice. But fluid retention also contributes to the puffiness for many,

[Doraflora in reply to PMRpro]

I think it’s crept on since I turned 70 in May🤣

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Doraflora]

Too much birthday cake!!!!!

[Doraflora in reply to PMRpro]

how did you guess🤣🎂

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Doraflora]

'Cos you must have had mine - I didn't get one

[SheffieldJane]

My face swells more if I increase my dose for sick day rules even. Annoying!

[SnazzyD]

Being ill made my face worse and eating salt. Depending on your starting doses, it can creep on and then suddenly you see a hamster in the mirror. I think not putting on weight probably slows it down too.

[Doraflora in reply to SnazzyD]

well I’ve slightly increased my salt intake to see if it increases my sodium level. But thank goodness my surgery have now given me a date for all my bloods to be checked.

They’ve now got their bums into gear since I rattled their cage today about them “sitting” on my blood request for the last 2.5 weeks (as my own GP is on leave & they’d not actioned my request for it to be looked at by another doctor). Hopeless they are! Not like our last surgery who were very proactive.Hey ho…

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Doraflora]

Keep on - you'll whip them into shape

[SnazzyD in reply to Doraflora]

oh yes, you have that issue. Tricky.

[Merryfield]

I have been on 40 mgs of pred for 5 weeks and tho I haven’t gained weight, I am getting some chipmunk cheeks. I accept it for now. Started on the generic Medrol tonight. Dealing w PMR seems like more of trial and error than anything else😬

[Doraflora in reply to Merryfield]

you’re right, Merryfield. Suck it and see, as they say. But what would we do without Prednisolone?

merry Christmas 🎄

[Merryfield in reply to Doraflora]

Thanks, Doraflora. For now, I watch this escapade in old age as if it is some other person going through it!

[Doraflora in reply to Merryfield]

more like one more of life’s adventures, Merryfield, some of them a lot better than others….