Rheumatoid Arthritis Support Group

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic, inflammatory, multisystem, autoimmune disorder. It is a disabling and painful condition which can lead to substantial loss of mobility due to pain and joint destruction. The disease is also systemic in that it often also affects many extra-articular tissues throughout the body including the skin, blood vessels, heart, lungs, and...

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Prednisone & weight gain

deleted_user
deleted_user
Hi,

I just started prednisone and am curious about the weight gain. I was diagnosed with RA 2 years ago when my hands and feet were affected. I was negative for the Rheumatoid factor and the presence of the CCP Antibody was 22.5 (only slightly above the cutoff of 20). I took bextra and got complete relief. When bextra was taken off the market, I decided to just see what happens. The next year was fine. However the last year I had a few more problems than normal with my hands, wrists and feet. Last month I got a flare up that affected every joint in my body and I was in so much pain I couldn't even sleep. I went back to the rheumatologist and this time my CCP Antibody test was 231 and my joints began to appear swollen as well as hurt. I began methotrexate 2 weeks ago and I believe its beginning to kick in. However, I have 2 small children and was told prednisone would give me immediate results until the methotrexate completely kicks in. I was reluctant because of hearing about possible weight gain. I am also taking an anti-inflammatory called meloxicam twice daily. I've only been on the prednisone 3 days and the results are miraculous. The plan is to start lowering it in about a week and to take it no more than a month or two. I am thin and very weight conscious. My doctor claims that it increases your appetite but if you don't give in to your increased appetite, you shouldn't gain weight because of being on it a month or two. What is your experience?

Beth
deleted_user
deleted_user
Hi Beth, I call my steroids my miracle medicine. afyer trying many different medications, I was till flairing way to much. I've been on remicade for 3 infusions, but have still had to turn to prednisone just last week, my only hand & arm had a bad flair, & since it's my only working hand due to a stroke, I have to be as pain free as I can be. I'm extreemly greatful, so far my r/h hasn't affected my other joints, & i do consider that to be such a blessing.
Yes prednisone will make you feel hungry, but if your calorie smart, you don't need to gain weight. I can't exercise because of my stroke effects, & I'm maybe 10#'s over weight is all, & I'm 65.
good luck to you.
gentle hugs,
vicky
deleted_user
deleted_user
Yeah the prednisone works the best for quick relief. It also affects some people differently. I would just say watch what you eat.
deleted_user
deleted_user
I think that I qained weight even when I did watch what I ate. I LOVE that it works and I feel like a real person,have energy but I do not like growing patches of fur on my tongue nor the weight gain nor the sores I get on my tongue.I don't know what to do anymore.Has anyone gained weight with methotrexate? Thanks
Misty
deleted_user
deleted_user
I think that I qained weight even when I did watch what I ate. I LOVE that it works and I feel like a real person,have energy but I do not like growing patches of fur on my tongue nor the weight gain nor the sores I get on my tongue.I don't know what to do anymore.Has anyone gained weight with methotrexate? Thanks
Misty
deleted_user
deleted_user
Yes, being on steriods made me gain a ton of weight. However, I've since seen a nutritionist and she showed me what food groups to be eating when and how much. I journaled 2 days of eating and I didn't log 1 protien. I was starving myself and gaining weight at the same time. Now, I eat the groups, enjoy foods and I'm losing 2lbs a month. That is where she wants me to be. At first you don't think it's working, but then after 5 month 10lbs gone. So, now with the steriods, no matter what (with the exceptional weekly indulgance), I continue to eat those food groups. And, I'm doing great!

My meal plan (32 years old).
About 1800 calories
Breakfast
2 carbs = 13 grams of carbs is a serving
1 protien
1 fruit
1 milk

Lunch
2 carbs
2 protiens
1 fruit
1 veg

Snack (can have whenever...even add to a meal if necessary)
1 carb
1 milk
1 fruit

She made a point that I MUST eat everything!!
deleted_user
deleted_user
Beth, I've taken Prednisone, on and off, for my RA over the last 2 years. Don't be afraid of gaining weight, I never gained more that just a few pounds, and I am thin also. I weigh 125 and an 5'4". Just try to eat lots of fresh fruit & veges and try to focus on a nutrient rich diet. This stuff is GOLD to me..it works right away and is a potent releif when you need it!!! I just know it will slightly increase my appetitie and I watch my diet a little closer when I'm on it. No FEAR! Good luck and TAKE CARE..joannm
deleted_user
deleted_user
Yes Prednisone works great! But it will make you eat like food is going out of style, hence the weight gain. My biggest complaint with the drug at the beginning, was the edge of your seat mood swings coupled with serial killer attributes. I was a force to be reckoned with! All that went away after the first four months though. Watch your diet in regards to portioning while taking this....
deleted_user
deleted_user
I too have been on predisone. In the beginning my GP thought the Predisone would cure it. It did, but halted my diagnosis. My Rheum said that Predisone is great at masking the problem. It makes you feel great, but the disease is still active. Just be careful with how you use your joints. There is a lot of info at the Arthritis Foundation website. I gained a lot of water weight while on it, about 10 lbs. Glad to be off of it. I am now on Enbrel and is really working. Take care.
deleted_user
deleted_user
i have been on prednisone for other things and do feel great relief from the RA. BUT the munchies are awful! You do not want to be on this too long, its can cause thin skin, easy bruising, hump in your back, lots of weight gain. My rheumy will not give to me. I am on the methotrexate, and remicade, and feldene for inflamation, and i do fairly well. I still have flare ups, but they are doable. Good luck to you, and be careful!
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