steroids

[steph1]

ive been seen this afternoon at the hospital in arthritis clinic and he is getting me in for biopsy asap, they checked my weight and to my horror ive put on over a stone since starting the steroids 4 weeks ago, how do i loose this ? any ideas

[Hidden]

Hello Steph,

I am with Slimming World and they have been great, I get loads of support from my consultant, the group meeting and online too. Couldn't do it without them! I have lost almost 3 1/2 stones so far - just over 2 stones of that whilst on steroids.

Steroids cause fluid retention and bloating especially around the tummy area and make you feel very hungry too.

The plan I am on means I can fill up on food as much as I like, in large quantities if I need to - as long as I keep to plan of course! - lots of fresh fruit and vegetables, salads, fat free yogurts, home made soups,pasta etc to snack on and I make sure that I have plenty to drink too. They have a good website and will tell you where your nearest class is. There are three plans to follow including one for vegetarians and there is loads of choice - been to class tonight and even had a cake tasting session which was quite nice!

What dose steroid are you taking? I am on 7.5mg at moment, it may be that you are on a high dose at the moment and as you lower the dosage you might find you are more able to lose weight.

Take care,

Karen

[steph1 in reply to Hidden]

Hi Karen I'm on 40mg I've put over a stone on in one month

[Hidden in reply to steph1]

Hi Steph,

On that dose, you will put on weight, but you can keep it under control to some extent by not eating any foods with sugar, no refined carbs and no salt on your food. Even fruit, which contains sugar will add to the weight. Your body cannot deal with salt or sugar anymore. The more salt and sugar you eat, the more you will swell up. Go on line to find healthy foods. Ask your GP to refer you to a diet nurse to help.

Your appetite will increase, but snack on wholemeal toast, salads, anything that is natural and not loaded with additives. Try to drink lots of water. It helps to flush out the baddies from your system. I always use canderel as a sweetener as it contains virtually no calories.

When I was on 30mgs pred I put on 8 pounds in a month, so you see it's comparable to your weight gain. As your doses drop the weight will come off.

Don't lose heart! Pats

[steph1 in reply to Hidden]

Just had the call going into tomorrow for biopsy scary

[Hidden in reply to steph1]

Hi Steph,

Try not to worry, I'm sure you'll be fine and at last things are moving for you now.

Pats

[Annodomini]

I am afraid to weigh myself - enough to say that last year's clothes either don't fit or are uncomfortably tight. When first diagnosed, I was determined to disprove the idea that steroids make you fat and lost a stone with Weightwatchers on Line. However, I eventually became rather depressed and lost the will to be sensible. Hence my present plight. Ironically, back in the mists of time, I was a Weightwatchers leader and really do know a lot about nutrition and how to lose weight.

[Hidden]

Hi Anno,

I believe that you are now on the lower doses, like me. I am on 7.5mg at the moment, but still getting side effects and finding it hard to reduce the dosage.

I think it's true that one of the pleasures for us is food. No wonder it's hard to keep the weight off.

I am only about 7 pounds over what I weighed pre PMR, but it's all in the middle which spoils the look of my clothes. I have managed to lose some weight though. At the beginning of summer, I couldn't get into any of last years tops, but forced myself to be more strict with my diet by refusing to buy any more clothes in a larger size. That left me with 2 baggy jumpers and it was getting hotter. I had to cut down on food and off came a few pounds. I was, at last, able to buy new clothes. I felt so pleased with myself.

Pats.

[nannyjc]

Hi Steph. I'm currently on 60mg steroids per day (for 3 weeks at least) and in the first week I've put on 6lbs. I'm going to Kenya on safari in 2 weeks and had bought very loose cotton khaki trousers. I've now had to return these to Bonmarche for the next size as I couldn't bear to go in the heat in tight trousers. I was really impressed with the shop as they kindly exchanged as the labels were still on even though we realised I'd purchased in March!! Thank you Bonmarche. Chin up for the biopsy and try and keep positive. x