Skip to content
My WebMD Sign In, Sign Up
Last Reply:
Prednisone weight gain w/ limited exercise capacity (at this time)
avatar
An_246804 posted:
Hi all...

I'm hoping someone out there can give me some insight into this bullet train that I'm on currently. Have had (+)autoimmune markers for past 4 years in addition to a knee replacement and vulvar cancer resection. Finally dx'd with Sjogren's DISEASE w/ rheumatoid arthritis being the autoimmune component and promptly started on Prednisone 10 mg, Plaquenil 200 mg, MS Contin 30 mg, Percocet 7.5/325, a couple of antidepressants (cymbalta, abilify, trazadone) and Clonazepam for sleepwalking (during which time I've awakened actually EATING. I recently started on Orencia 125mg/IM injections weekly but will likely be changed to higher dose as attempts to wean off of Prednisone were highly unsuccessful when my adrenals didn't kick in when dropped to 7.5 mg. The pain in joints, especially feet, ankles, hands, elbows feels like tobasco sauce instead of synovial fluid mixed with sand and when at it's worst, I cave and get a SoluMedrol injection. Now have Pred induced lipid abnormalities, DM, high blood pressure. I guess the limitations to getting more exercise is the bone crushing fatigue and fact that I keep falling asleep regardless of what I do... only sleep issues are the sleepwalking (documented w/ no sleep apnea). Currently 5'4" and weight 170# which to some may not sound so horrible but considering the condition of my joints, I HAVE to get it off! Drink at least one soy whey protein meal replacemt daily mainly because just not hungry and have probs even consuming 1200 cals to meet basic requirements. Do go to H2O aerobics at the Y when feeling "okay" but it whips me for the rest of the day.... any suggestions???

Thx,
4myk9z
1 Replies |Watch This Discussion | Report This| Share this:Prednisone weight gain w/ limited exercise capacity (at this time)Hi all...<br /> <br />I'm hoping someone out there can give me some insight into this bullet train that I'm on currently. Have had (+)autoimmune markers for past 4 years in addition to a knee replacement and vulvar cancer resection. Finally dx'd with Sjogren's DISEASE w/ rheumatoid arthritis being the autoimmune component and promptly started on Prednisone 10 mg, Plaquenil 200 mg, MS Contin 30 mg, Percocet 7.5/325, a couple of antidepressants (cymbalta, abilify, trazadone) and Clonazepam for sleepwalking (during which time I've awakened actually EATING. I recently started on Orencia 125mg/IM injections weekly but will likely be changed to higher dose as attempts to wean off of Prednisone were highly unsuccessful when my adrenals didn't kick in when dropped to 7.5 mg. The pain in joints, especially feet, ankles, hands, elbows feels like tobasco sauce instead of synovial fluid mixed with sand and when at it's worst, I cave and get a SoluMedrol injection. Now have Pred induced lipid abnormalities, DM, high blood pressure. I guess the limitations to getting more exercise is the bone crushing fatigue and fact that I keep falling asleep regardless of what I do... only sleep issues are the sleepwalking (documented w/ no sleep apnea). Currently 5'4" and weight 170# which to some may not sound so horrible but considering the condition of my joints, I HAVE to get it off! Drink at least one soy whey protein meal replacemt daily mainly because just not hungry and have probs even consuming 1200 cals to meet basic requirements. Do go to H2O aerobics at the Y when feeling "okay" but it whips me for the rest of the day.... any suggestions???<br /> <br />Thx, <br />4myk9z
Reply
 
avatar
brunosbud responded:
You're over-medicating. You need to start all over, seek new physicians and follow their instructions, exactly...word for word. You may argue, but I don't know why or how. Either case, I'm sorry for your poor health. Whether you lose weight or not, exercise is the smart move, no question. Light, non weight bearing equipment like resistance bands and recumbent bikes are great. After many years, I still use them, throughout the day, for muscle building and light cardio. Build endurance and joint strength so that you can walk short distances, pain free...once you've done that, walk your way to freedom. Good luck.
Report This| Share this:Prednisone weight gain w/ limited exercise capacity (at this time)You're over-medicating. You need to start all over, seek new physicians and follow their instructions, exactly...<i>word for word. </i>You may argue, but I don't know why or how. Either case, I'm sorry for your poor health. Whether you lose weight or not, exercise is the smart move, no question. Light, non weight bearing equipment like resistance bands and recumbent bikes are great. After many years, I still use them, throughout the day, for muscle building and light cardio. Build endurance and joint strength so that you can walk short distances, pain free...once you've done that, walk your way to freedom. Good luck.
Reply


Back to Top
Back to Top

See Related Eating & Diet Communities

See All Communities

Featuring Experts

Profile
Pamela Peeke, MD, MPH, FACP Expert
Known as the "doc who walks the talk", Pamela Peeke, MD, MPH, FACP, is an internationally renowned expert and speaker in women's health,...More

Popular Discussions

Start a Discussion | See All

Helpful Tips

Tasty lowfat item
Irene introduced me to a healthier peanut butter! http://www.betternpeanutbutter.com/index.php I was stocking up for hurricane and ... More
Was this Helpful?
Yes No
0 of 1 found this helpful
Post a Tip | See All

Helpful Resources

Post a Resource | See All

Expert Blog

Everyday Fitness - Pamela Peeke, MD, MPH, FACP

Achieve a better mind-body balance and live a healthier life with tips from wellness expert Dr. Pamela Peeke...Read More

Related News

Related Drug Reviews

  • Drug Name User Reviews
See More

Report Problems to the
Food and Drug Administration

FDAYou are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.