Question:
How can I handle the hunger that accompanies steroid use after my surgery?

I have a chronic illness that requires periodic long-term use of high-dose steroids which cause, among a myriad or other side effects, a voracious appetite. Actually, the majority of my weight is a direct result of my past steroid usage. Therefore, I am very concerned as how this hunger can be managed postoperatively. (This is the one reason I may not go through with the surgery.) I plan on speaking with my surgeon about this, but I would love to hear from some who are actually deal with this on a daily basis. Thanks.    — [Anonymous] (posted on July 17, 2001)

July 17, 2001
Well I am on steroids too and have been since July 12, 1988. I put on over 100 pounds in "one years" time and NEVER have been able to loss them. In my case I'm a female to male transsexual who has taken testosterone shots (now gel) for the last 13 years and it DOES increase hunger. And makes water retention really bad too. Plus the surgery I had in July '93 that almost killed me was botched and that also caused MORE water retention. But anyway, I don't know what kind of hormones you are taking. When you say steroids it makes me think of testosterone or something related to it that does increase hunger. At this point I am 10 weeks post op. "I've had only one day when I was ravenous". I tried hard that day to be extra careful on fat and carbohydrates. So I would say to you, DON'T discount the surgery because of "this" fear. The surgery makes the hunger manageable. Perhaps that day there was some food item I desperately needed. It has not happened since, and as I said I gained OVER 100 pounds in less than a year on steroids and I am doing fine now although I will have to take them the rest of my life. Don't worry about it. :) IF the surgery is a good option for you, then GO FOR IT. ;) Feel free to emai me if you would like.
   — Danmark

July 17, 2001
Please talk to your surgeon. Use of steroids as well as many anti inflamatory drugs is not recommended after surgery . My Dr told me that I could not continue the prednisone I was on for polymyalgia. Maybe your surgery or meds are different but please check it out throughly. Good luck!
   — [Anonymous]

February 7, 2004
Not sure which chronic disease you live with, but, I too live with a chronic disease that requires periodic sort term use of both IV and oral steroids. Yes, I too get a voracious appetite, but it is only for a total of about 3 days IV then 2 weeks to "taper off" for me. Perhaps you should sicuss with your physician alternatives to the long term use of steroids. There may be some newer alternatives.
   — RickT