Bloating and gas

[lsplumb]

I've currently tapered from 25 mg Pred down to 11 currently over 5 months. My biggest problem with this whole prednisone/PMR journey right now is extreme gas and bloating. I've read that prednisone can cause this for some people (I look at least 6 mos. pregnant!). And it's not fat. I've actually lost weight since I started Pred, which I attribute to a much better diet. I've also read that prednisone can lower potassium levels, which can lead to some degree of constipation. Also, Pred can change the microbiome in your gut--and not for the better. If blood sugar levels go up--as they can do on pred--then that, too, can lead to bacteria and fungi growing out of control, which could also lead to gas and bloating. So... my question is: has anyone else experienced this problem, and if so, were you able to fix it, and how? My naturopathic doctor has had me on a candida-killing supplements for several months thinking that Candida might be the problem. But so far, no improvement. Have to say, this extreme bloating is VERY uncomfortable and sometimes downright painful when trapped gas builds up.

[piglette]

Pred. can change our body shape so we look like lemons, as our fat seems to redistribute itself. It can also move up to the back of the neck area.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

It is quite a common complaint from many people on pred. I don't think you can say definitely it isn't fat - pred encourages deposition of fat in particular places - I didn't gain weight on pred, the fat moved around to the usual places: midriff, around my face and at the back of my neck. As piglette says, the pred makes you sort of lemon-shaped with stick arms and legs.

Were you started on any other medications at the same time as pred - a PPI for stomach protection for example?

[lsplumb in reply to PMRpro]

I'm pretty sure my bloated belly isn't fat. If I can have a complete bowel movement (usually after taking as osmotic and extra magnesium citrate) my lower belly flattens out quite a bit. But then it just blows up again during the day (after eating). Not taking a PPI. But am taking low-dose naltrexone to see if it will help with the PMR. But don't think it's the problem... Maybe just something I have to live with while on Pred?

[Gardenbay]

I have bloating and wind also some constipation, people accuse me of eating too much, but I don’t over eat. I have been prescribed Fybogel to ease the constipation,but it appears I have to take more doses. I also eat plenty of fruit.

I just don’t think I will lose the bloating until I’m off pred. I now take 1 mg one day the 1/2 mg the next.

[winfong]

For wind, I'd suggest something with simethicone in it. For constipation, try an osmotic laxative. In general, you might want to give the IBS forum a look as well.

[montebello]

I had terrible bloating and acid reflux until I started taking prilosec about 2 months ago. Everything has now returned to normal.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to montebello]

Whereas there are others who developed it after being given priloec/omeprazole!

[posthinking01]

Can I ask please what supplements you are on as this could be the problem ?