Water retention. Can it disappear, then reappear on a lower dose of Prednisone?

[Dochaz]

I found that moon face and weight improved when I reduced Prednisone below 10 mg/day. But now, many months later and a few days into 3.5 mg, my face is puffy again and I'm gaining a little weight (not much). I haven't changed anything in my diet. Hardly any carbs apart from wholemeal bread for breakfast. No fruit, but lots of fresh veg. No processed food at all.Is this Pred? Could it be linked to seasonal allergies, pollens, etc ?

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Moon face is not really fluid retention - it is deposits of fat in specific, pred-influenced places.

The alternative adrenal fatigue supporters talk about water retention so I suspect it does happen (just their argumentation isn't scientifically supported). Some stange things can happen when the adrenal glands are struggling to adjust to the new balance of reduced pred as you taper.

I think pollen is pretty bad at present everywhere.

[Elephants2019]

I too have weight gain and water retention, weigh more now at (.25mg) than when at higher doses( started at 40 mg). I eat similar to you, and the weight gain makes no sense, so assume it is yet another side effect my body has with prednisone. (Hope for both of us our metabolism work this out sooner than later)

[FixThis]

I just noticed the inside of both of my ankles are swollen! I’m in the final week of a 5 week taper to .5mg. Yes I was on my feet a lot today but not more than usual. Any ideas?

[Chiqui1950]

i am finding, now at 4.5 mg, that most unusual symptoms do work themselves out over time if I give them a chance--- best of luck and congratulations on your progress!!!