I finally started my steroids (10 mg every other day with prilosec) just 2 days ago. My joints are hurting today and muscles in my shoulders hurt.
I can't stop the weight gain. I've gained 16 lbs in 8 wks or so. I know the last 2 lbs. have nothing to do with the steroids. But something IS causing me to gain this wt. I tried stopping the neurontin (only 300 mg at bedtime) as it is associated with wt. gain, and it did nothing to drop any wt. Went back on the neurontin cause I just couldn't get to sleep.
Someone here mentioned they had the dr. sub topomax for the neurontin. Anyone know who that was or any info on that?
I go back to the neuro mid Jan. for re-assessment and at that time they are hoping to put me on IVIG.
I'm sooo miserable being this big. nothing looks good on me....I'm a tub of lard and did nothing to get this way. Boohoo!
Hi Tinker :)
I do so sympathise with you. I'm not happy about my weight at all. My weight gain is due to an underactive thyroid though but it's really horrible having rolls of fat everywhere having spent most of my life being underweight.
I'd definitely ask the docs about the weight gain and explain that your eating habits haven't changed and you want to know what's going on.
Take care - Scottie :)
Hey Tinker-
I'm a steroid user, too, and I can certainly sympathize with the weight gain woes. I've been on and off them since 1996 and have gained almost 50lbs. since then. Now, I'm not blaming the steroids for each and every one of those pounds. But I also take Neurontin and have had several back surgeries in that time, so there were so many times when exercise was impossible. This is going to be my year of no surgeries and lots of physical therapy in the pool and weight loss! (right - I already know I need another surgery on my back so I'll probably still be here complaining about those 50lbs next New Year!).
I wish I knew what to tell you to drop the pounds, but I'm obviously not a good source of info-
Tracy
Thanks, Scottie.
I'm sorry you are struggling with the same issues as me.
I did mention this to my neuro PA before Christmas and she did think it could be the neurontin. But, I don't think that's it now. After being off it for over a week I didn't take off any weight.
I, too, have Hashimoto's thyroiditis and take Synthroid 100 mcg. I am very good about taking it as soon as my eyes fly open as I know it will speed up my metabolism and hopefully help with the weight.
Thanks for your reply. Tinker
Hi Tinker :)
make sure they are checking your thyroid pretty regularly. I went for a checkup recently and they found my TSH had gone up to 20. My endo told them to keep it at 2 or under. I needed my dose of thyroxine increases to 150mcg per day.
If the Hashimotos is playing up - that would be another possible cause for weight gain.
Take care - Scottie :)
Hey Tracy and Scottie,
Tracy, which back surgery are you having this yr. ? Sorry you have to go through that again.
Scottietottie, since I started the steroids, it will skew any test results I have. I'm supposed to see the endocrinologist in late Jan. (I think) and I think he will reschedule due to the steroids. He's doing a saliva test and checking the adrenals.
Sounds like a good plan Tinker. AI diseases cause stress and stress 'goes for' the adrenals. Sometimes it's hard for it to show up all the same. I know a thyroid doctor who often puts patients on 'adrenal support' before prescribing Armour thyroid. I'm not one of his patients but I know people who swear by him.
Good luck! Take care - Scottie :)
QuoteI know a thyroid drug who often puts patients on 'adrenal support' before prescribing Armour thyroid. I'm not one of his patients but I know people who swear by him.
Scottie, I think you had a little run on with words there, but i know what you mean. I'd like to ask, though, what is adrenal support? Is this a supplement you're speaking of? I'm starting two new supplements from my doc and i think they have to do with adrenals. Adreset and DHEA are what I'll be taking. Would these be adrenal support? Lucy
Lol - Lucy! Thanks for pointing out the gobbledygook! I've edited it.
DHEA rings a bell. I'm pretty sure that comes under the adrenal support category!
take care - Scottie :)
Quote from: eyeamdry on January 02, 2009, 08:37:55 PM
QuoteI know a thyroid drug who often puts patients on 'adrenal support' before prescribing Armour thyroid. I'm not one of his patients but I know people who swear by him.
Scottie, I think you had a little run on with words there, but i know what you mean. I'd like to ask, though, what is adrenal support? Is this a supplement you're speaking of? I'm starting two new supplements from my doc and i think they have to do with adrenals. Adreset and DHEA are what I'll be taking. Would these be adrenal support? Lucy
Lucy,
My endocrinologist put me on Armour AND 1/2 my reg. dose of synthroid when I first started Armour. He said I would need it, so I assume that armour make take a little time to kick in. So, I think that is adrenal support.
It made me so nervous that I quit it a few mos. ago.
DHEA and Adrenaset....I'd like to know more. Tinker
Steroids do make you gain a lot of weight.......i was once on 20mg a dag which was eight tablets and by god you ought to of saw how fat i was..... also steroids can give you joint pains too
Take care and hope all goes well
Elise xx