Am I under stress? :o) I have been under a great deal of stress for over a year now, I would say, though it is getting better (and worse). My Mom has just been diagnosed with cancer so yes, I'm under stress, but the weight gain is more likely due to the medication I'm on. I managed to lose ONE pound (haha) and it seems to be stabilizing. I cut my Lyrica in half so I'm thinking maybe that's it. I'm only on a three month trial of it, though, so it's not responsible for it initially. I know prednisone makes me gain weight - but last time it was only about 20 pounds. I've gained about 50 pounds in 4 months. It is extreme. But to preface that, I did not really eat for nearly a year before that point - my disease was running rampant and I was hospitalized for a loooooooong time. I'm sure I've said that before - it is my bone of contention as I was in a hospital that did not recognize this disease when it was staring them in the face.

I desperately need to lose the weight as it will prevent me from having a lung transplant and that worries me (not that I need those lungs yet). I don't want the reason why I don't live to be that I was too fat. That would just be sad!!!!!!!!

That prednisone is nasty, wicked stuff. I thought it was very strange that I was gaining instead of losing when I began tapering off of it. It was several months before the weight went down. Drink plenty of water and watch your salt intake while your experiencing this. You'll likely notice that there's alot of gain in your mid section and this will lend itself to some difficulty breathing as well...don't freak out...but, do mention it to your doctor.

It will get better...I promise...

Thanks for the words of encouragement. I'm really hoping it will get better! I have ILD as well as PM so I really don't need extra trouble breathing! :o) And let's face it, my muscles don't need to hold up anymore weight!

My first experience with Lyrica was that I gained 25 pounds very quickly and it wouldn't go away when I quit taking it. Took awhile. Between Lyrica and prednisone...ugh, very difficult. I am back on Lyrica now, but at a lower dose, and I don't know if it helps or not to take it at bedtime when I wouldn't notice any immediate appetite increase, but I'm telling myself that.

deb g
KY

Hmmm... so maybe it is the Lyrica. I cut the dosage in half but maybe I'll try taking it at bedtime instead of in the morning and see what happens. I only have a 3-month prescription so I might just quit after having the half-dosage for a little while longer. I'm dosing down on prednisone so I'm kind of scared to do two at the same time.