So for the second time in 4 months I have bronchitis. (not sure whats up) This time so bad that I have to take not only antibiotics but Prednisone. Not only do I feel like a space cadet...I have gained 5 lbs since Tues...wtheck. :( I have 3 more doses to go. Gosh I hope it comes back off fast..I have my 6 month f/u next week. Thanks for listening/reading.

Dawne

Like some people just reminded me you would have to eat a lot of extra calories to gain 5 lbs. without it being water. In your case it probably has to do with meds too. It will come off if you continue to drink your water, eat your protein and exercise. Good luck and do not get down. Hold your head up high. Look at what YOU have already accomplished. Stand strong!

yes...its a side effect of the meds...Dr said it may..but darn didnt expect this much...I thought maybe too, Im not eating enough...dont feel like it ya know?  Thank you so much for the encouragement !

The meds do not just magically add weight!  They may increase your appetite, but the only way you gain weight on steroids is the same way you gain it when you are NOT on them... you ingest more calories than you burn.

Lora

I've been on steroids many times.  People say they can increase your appetite, but I didn't find that to be true BUT the "power of suggestion" was a temptation for rationalizing eating more.  I've gained weight but it was from being inactive.  If you gain weight it won't "fall" back off, but you can work to get it off.  It is WORK - writing a food diary, counting calories, grams  carbs & protein.  Exercising, et.

Eat protein first, then veggies & fruit.  Eat less calories while you are in and not as active.  Drink plenty of fluids and get your Vit D & C in.  Protein helps us heal, personally I up mine to 100gm a day when I'm ill - may need protein powders or drinks to achieve this.

Best wishes, Penny

oh no Im not hungry AT ALL ..food sounds horrible.  Thanks Penny!!

Sorry to hear you are feeling so poorly, the weight will come off after you are off the meds.  Have a weird question...do you take Lisinopril? As a diabetic they put me on it as a preventative to supposedly protect my kidneys, I had bronchitis every 4 -6 weeks for 2 years and were going to send me to a pulmonary specialist and it dawned on my doctor "oh, you are on lisinopril...that is a sensitivity to the drug!"  3 days after being off of it I have never been sick again.

Been in your shoes recently.  Seems Like immune system is shot. Becareful, they will burn your pouch up.  Take them with yogurt, it will help.

Prednisone will cause the body to lose potassium and retain sodium. The sodium retention will cause water retention and weight gain to some degree but is resolved when the drug is stopped.

Weight gain can also result from inactivity because you don't feel well enough to exercise.

Prednisone will also cause the body to redistribute fat if the drug is used for long periods usually associated with chronic diseases and can be noticed as fat pads on the back of the neck, face, back and abdomen. These patients appear bloated and round-like. This is NOT what will happen to you since you are on them short term.

Hang in there......just a bump in the road ! It will resolve.....just stay on YOUR plan.