Ok, so I had a follow-up at the dermatologist about that skin infection today and am a little bit panicked about my newest prescription. My infection is gone but leftover inflammation is still irritating the nerve, so he wants me on Prednisone, which is an anti-inflammatory steroid. The side effects of this are, among a list of other things, weight gain. I have seen this for myself, we used to prescribe it to dogs all the time when I worked at a vet's office in high school.
I expressed concern to the doctor about the side effects, and he seemed to be that it was no big deal for a 5 day course. But he also mentioned he has me on a double dose daily. So I am basically terrified and pretty sure I don't want to screw with this, partly because of the effects of the drug and partly because I know it will make my ED anxiety increase to the n-th power right as I am starting my field work next week. If the weight gain is just from increased appetite, I can handle that. The past decade+ of my life would be way different if I weren't so adept at managing appetites. But if there is more of a physiological mechanism going on . . . that absolutely freaks me out, I hate the thought of putting something into my body that changes the way it works. Control issues, anyone???
Other side effects are excessive thirst and problems sleeping, plus a risk of hives and fever, things I really don't want to have to deal with while I'm getting settled into my jungle work. Starting a new drugs two days before disappearing into the tropical forest is probably not advisable even for Normal people, right?
So the point of this panicbabble is to ask: has anyone been on a short course of Pred like that, and if so did you notice any effects accumulate in the space of less than a week?
10 comments:
Cammy!
Never fear! I've been on Prednisone, literally, more times than I can count for lung stuff. Every time I have a flare up, I am prescribed MASSIVE amounts of Prednisone for 5-10 days.
So, about weight gain: I've never had problems with it. YES it will increase your hunger and thirst levels, but it will not just magically and spontaneously make you put on weight.
Also, I have never contracted a fever or hives on it; I have heard that those side effects are extremely rare.
Honestly, 5 days is a relatively short time to be on it. As long as you stick to your MP, you should not gain weight - like I said, I have NEVER gained weight on it, though I have had to deal with increased hunger and thirst.
Good luck!
i took prednisone for 5-7 days and noticed nothing at all, and i am extremely sensitive to meds.
hope all goes well. i can understand you're being nervous before going to the jungle, of course.
i have always resented weight gain that didn't come from my eating.
i hope short term will feel more manageable for you
Like Brie I've been on prednisone more often than I care to count. Although weight gain can be a side effect it is from appetite and water retention. The water retention problems can be avoided if you give your body the fluid it wants when it's thirsty (and even if you don't it will pass once you're off the pills).
I've been on prednisone both short term and long term including at some massive doses and haven't had any problems.
Good luck and I hope the skin infection clears up quickly!!!
I could be wrong, but I've always thought that Prednisone just makes you retain water, which may cause weight "gain." When you stop taking it, the water retention will stop and your weight will go back down to normal.
Cammy! I've never commented before, but I just wanted to let you know that I've been on a two-week regimen of Prednisone before. I had the *same* concerns as you, and you should know that I never experienced any weight gain. I am also usually really sensitive to drugs, too, so was thrilled that I didn't gain.
I've taken the same meds before with no problem. I know that the ED mind will try and trick you, but 5 days won't affect you in a huge way. Take care of yourself and feel better soon dear.
I was on prednisone once in high school to clear up a severe reaction (head to toe hives) to Prozac. I know it increased my appetite, but like you said, even if you are hungry you can control what you eat. I didn't have really great control at that time and ate an entire plate of chicken that my mom was going to serve for dinner. Oops, my bad!
I DO remember that prednisone made me super duper INSANELY happy! I mean, I felt like there were rays of sunshine beaming out of my head! I'm not sure what that was about.
Not to be the downer here, but you asked us to share our experiences: every time I go on Prednisone (usually for an asthma flare up--I've also been on it 2x for random food allergy-induced-boils on my face) I do gain weight. I HATE taking Prednisone for this reason. However, it always takes care of my symptoms within 24 hours, which is the really important part! And, the weight is just water weight because it's usually gone within 5 days of DCing the medication. It's really important that you take it if your doctor prescribed it; don't let your ED get in the way! Just expect that you may have some temporary changes, don't weigh yourself, and wear leggings or yoga pants and baggy Tshirts so you won't be as bothered by the changes.
I have no experience with this medication in particular, but it sounds like you've gotten a lot of good encouragement! I have taken medication that made me gain weight, and it did cause me a little anxiety because of ED, but I worked through it. Your awareness going into the situation should definitely help!
You know I would have had exactly the same reaction you did! But I agree with the other commenters - it's just 5 days and it's for your health:) After reading a later post - going backwards, I am! - I'm glad to hear that you feel better about this!
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