Prednisone is a double edged sword! While it helps with more severe issues it causes a bunch of symptoms that are almost unbearable to deal with. Although I have been on as high as 40 mg and I had had a complete physical transformation also. I cannot image being on a higher dose. If you want to learn more about why you are transforming physically this way look up Cushing's Syndrome. People on steroids develop this due to the use of the drug and it impact on the adrenal glands. You will not always look that way! There IS hope! I had gained 40 lbs in about 4-6 months. Once I had been tapered down I have lost about 20 lbs but I do eat very well (I have to anyways due to my liver diseases) and exercise. The steriods can take a toll on you mentally too, so don't be afraid to speak with your doctor about this also!

I took steroids in my youth and it was horrendous! The bullying was severe. However my body went back to normal. I am used to being 130 to 140 lbs however now I am over 200 and am extremely embarrased and sad and moody and dramatic. I have a hairy face( cream remover every two weeks) and the chin and neck fat is really one of the most embarrasssing parts. Oh wait then there is the sweating that is so bad I carry a fan with me and am now the fat sweaty hairy woman. I am extremely depressed about this and am trying to find my way to deal with this. I will have to take prednisone for the rest of my life on and off.. I used to be cute, have an awesome wardrobe, which I took my time and bought nice things, and I dont make alot so what a waste of money.

I was tested fo rlymphoma they were so sure I had it they did a bone marrow sample right then and there at my first visit.. I am so sorry about your diagnosis but I know how you feel about deciding what is better, the symptoms of the disease or the symptoms of the prednisone. Right now I am getting to a point where I want to taper on my own. The docs had me at 50mg. and I went one mg every 2 weeks and made it down to 25mg. then had to go back up to 40mg. I have churg strauss syndrome ( extremely rare) so the alternative meds are few, and there is no support to study the disease because of its rarity. Basically I am screwed.
I did talk to my doctor and had to start an anti-depressent I was just too unhappy and this helped up until the last few weeks, something is trigger ing me to be anxious and snappy and sad. The good thing is I recognize it and will tell my doctor ( I am a navy wife and just moved to new city so I am transition of finding doctors) and try to get help.
So like KateB686 said, please talk to your doctor if you start getting the mental side effects, you should not have to deal with that on top of everything else.
cheers, stay tough, you will taper off an dget your shape back.
Danielle

Thanks so much for your stories helps to know we are not alone. I've been off for 3 weeks now waiting for something to happen, still have the moonface the extra weight now also tremendous aches and pains. Just need a light at the end of the tunnel.....