Question:
My doctor put me on Prednisone and I'm afraid I'm going to gain weight...Help!

I feel like I'm falling apart. I apologize in advance for my complaining, but, I don't know what to do. I'm being treated for a back sprain with heavy duty pain meds and muscle relaxers (morphine sulphate & flexeril). They are the only meds that help but they give me the munchies and I've gained 4 pounds this week. Its like I can't control myself. By the way, I'm six months post-op. Now, I'm also being treated for an upper respiratory infection/asthma/sinus infection and even though I begged him not to put me on prednisone, he said its the only thing that will heal me. Now, I've been on this med before, pre-op and I know what horrible effects it has on me. It makes me sweat, HUNGRY, not sleep, etc. I've always gained weight when I'm on this med. I feel out of control like I did before surgery...as I'm always very hungry! I am trying to nibble of fruits and pretzels (I'm really not fond of meat from the beginning) I just don't want to go back to the way I used to be, I've lost 70 pounds and am down to 160 (a week ago, I was 156/157lbs.) Also, I'm worried that it isn't good for my pouch to be on so many meds. Like right now, my stomach feels very bloated (a side effect I've felt before). HELP!!! Sorry, I wrote so much but I'm really upset and worried.    — Kelley S. (posted on March 29, 2002)

March 30, 2002
I usually get extremely bad hives from general anesthesia and ONLY prednisone will get rid of it. I don't recall weight gain from it, but I know I was nasty and mean while on it. It's good medicine, but I hated being a mean horse's butt while on it. I sure hope it does'nt do it to you. If so, God help anyone around you. (Try to stay alone for awhile). lol
   — Danmark

March 31, 2002
I am 11 months postop and recently caught a head and chest cold. The cold exacerbated my asthma and I had to go to he hospital. I had to have a shot of Solu-Medrol in each hip and sent home eith an Rx for the metered dose pack. Needless to say I was not a happy camper. I know the ugly side effects of Prednisone. Yes, you do have weight gain with Prednisone. I had to take that medication for two years straight and a high dose of 60mg per day. Yes, you will gain weight..I gained 175#. This time I had the ugly side effects of irritablity and insomnia. I felt awful almost like I was ready to kill someone. I did not get the cravings this time. I support you to eat the fruit and leave the carbs alone. That's how I made it through without a weight gain. I hope you don't have to take the medication long. Good Luck....Margaret@goal
   — Margaret M.

March 31, 2002
I know your concern, I was diagnosed with a liver disease in October and have been on prednisone for 5 months now with no weight gain!! (Knock on wood) Hope you have the same luck as me! Try not to think about it or worry about it, and you will do great!! I know it is easier said then done, but try!!
   — Sarah C.