Hello out there. I'm fairly new to this website but have found it very helpful so far. I'm also fairly new to the whole Arthritis thing. The last few weeks I've started to feel like a monster. Let me explain. I've always been a petite, healthy, fit woman. In the past couple years my world has turned upside down with the whole diagnoses of arthritis, lupus etc. I'm on plaquenil, methotrexate, and have recently had my prednisone doubled. I'm also on thyroid meds, and have had to start low doses of estrogen replacement therapy (ERT) even though I'm only 35 as I have been bleeding for about a year straight. I feel like a water balloon. I weigh more than I ever have in my life, and since the prednisone was doubled and the ERT was started I've put on even more. I look in the mirror and don't recognize the face looking back at me. I have a definite prednisone "moon face" going on, but it's more than that. I feel so gross. I have tried everything to manage the weight gain, but it's like I have no control over it. I am eating as healthy as possible, lots of fresh fruits and vegatables, limiting unneccasary and fatty carbs, etc. Exercise has been a huge issue too as I'm in a serious flare, and even the briefest walk, or swim at the pool results in 2-3 days in bed. I don't know what to do, and can't stand feeling like this anymore.
I felt like some of you who have been doing this longer than me may have some suggestions to deal with the water retention, diet, exercise etc. I have talked over all options of exercise with my doctor and we haven't had much success as I am in too much pain right now, and they have not been having much success in getting my inflammation under control. PLEASE SEND ME ANY HELP or ideas...
I've been so depressed that I've considered not going to my Best Friends wedding next month, as I can't face my friends looking like this. It's more than just the physical appearance though, it's the whole mental, emotional and physcial changes that are happening to me.
THANKS,
Becky
Hi Becky,
I wrote you a reply with what I hoped was encouragement. Then I went to post it and it disappeared
Take care, help is on the way. That sounds exactly like a slogan, I'll bet it is.
Barb Thanks Barb, I look forward to your insight. I can use any help I can get these days. Becky Hi Becky, I definitely know where you're coming from...although, unfortunately I don't have any magic answer! I'm 24 and was on prednisone for 12 years, and just got off it this past summer. I was puffy much of that time, how puffy depending on the dose at the time. I really didn't find any way to loose weight while being on the pred, with having the same exercise issue and all. However, I did learn some important things when I puffed up so bad I got stretch marks all over. You can't give up things that you would otherwise do (such as a wedding) or you are "letting the prednisone win," and you are just going to get more and more depressed. Keep your head up and know that this IS temporary! Let your friends know what's going on, so they can support you and understand why your body is changing so much. That was my biggest mistake in high school; I didn't tell everybody why I gained 50 lbs in a matter of a couple months-I just hid out, hating school. Take care and GO TO THE WEDDING:) Nichole:) Hi Becky; You poor girl, I feel for you. I wrote a reply to the "worried" topic in this forum,so if you could take the time to go in there and read that, I think you will find a great website to get into. It explains an excellent therapy and you will eventually be able to come off all the ugly drugs you are on. Please do read it. Thanks for the encouragement Nichole. I know in my head that this is temporary and that I can't allow it to keep me from doing what I enjoy and love, it's just hard to apply my head knowledge to life. I am going to the wedding and trying to focus on the positives. Take care Becky Hi Becky, Finally getting back to you. As my husband says, "I've been down in the hindquarters", lately.
I agree with everyone that told you to go to the wedding. Tell your family and friends about prednisone and how it can cause weight gain, just by thinking about food. I have found people to be very supportive. You don't sound as bad as me when I am on prednisone. I could literally "eat the wallpaper off the wall", I have such a gnawing in my stomach. I had been weaned off prednisone but have had to go back on it again.
Its hard when you look in the mirror and don't recognize yourself. All my life I had been thin, it runs in the family. I had to renew my drivers license and in the picture I look like Mrs. Claus with my round face and rosy cheeks. If I ever get off any of the weight I'm going to have it redone. It'll be worth the money to me. My only advice is not to give up about losing the extra weight. I keep thinking that something new will come along and I won't ever have to take prednisone again. I think the key to losing the weight is getting off prednisone permanently. Hang in there, we're all in your corner. Barb Thanks for your openess and honesty Barb. I agree, that getting off prednisone is the most important factor, and my Doctor and I are working towards this but just haven't found a treatment that gets the inflammation under control enough to reduce off it yet. We are starting Enbrel this month so we'll see what happens. It's refreshing to read others stories and know we're not in this alone, and also the importance of maintaining a sense of humor through it all. THANKS again Becky Becky, I also understand the "pred Problem" as I had to take it for many yrs. On the Good side the "Moon face" and extra weight made it possible for me to become a Santa ! Without Padding !! I really hope that made you chuckle as sometimes you really need one to get through another "A" Day ! Go to the wedding, the ones you care about and care about you will understand the situation . Have some fun and try not to overdue it. Your body will let you know, even if you just go and sit your friends know how much you care JUST by being there and you will never have to say.....If Only I had gone Every day is a battle with Arthritis , win that day for your friends.......and save me some cookies from the wedding for December 24th
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