prednisone!!!

I am having an allergic reaction to something (have no idea what) and I have this horrible rash / hives on my legs, arms and chest. I went to the dr's on tuesday and they gave me a shot of steroid and put me on oral antibiotics and a antihistimine. My rash has gotten worse, so today at the dr's they gave me another shot of steriods and gave me a prescription for prednisone. I cant believe how hungry I have become just in the first 6 hours!!!! I am uncontrollably hungry!! Has anyone else had to be put on steriods and have gone through this? I dont feel like I have any control over this hunger! I will go to the store tomorrow and stock up on low cal, low fat snacks and foods to get me through the next 5 days while I am on this drug. Does the hunger subside after you are on it a few days or does it stay with you as long as you are on them? I feel so lousy and frustrated at the fact that I cant itch or scratch my rash AND I want to eat everything in the kitchen!!!! ARGH!!!!!!!!! I have also been told that I may feel a little edgy!!! A LITTLE????? Who are they kidding??? I feel A LOT EDGY!!!!!!!! Thanks for listening and I hope someone has a few answers for me!!! Cath

I don't get the hunger reaction, but I do get the hyperness reaction.  It is very, very common to be very hungry when taking steroids.  I am sorry you have to deal with this.  Loris

Thanks Lois,  I just want to eat and scratch!!! What a concept....I think I may be on to something.... Cath

I had a similar thing happen many years ago -- woke up with a rash, couldn't figure out what it was so I went to the doc and was put on steroids.  The following morning, I was so swollen from water retention (believe it or not, gained 10 lbs in fluid alone!), I couldn't walk (my feet were so swollen).  I was also famished...couldn't get enough food as far as I was concerned.  The kicker -- my husband was due home from being on a 6 month float in a couple of days (hadn't seen him at all in 6 months), and I had worked so hard to lose weight, look good, etc....that stunk.  Anyhow, every time I have taken them after that, same result.  So...I don't take steroids any more if at all possible.  I'm sure everyone reacts differently to them...sounds like you know what your reactions are now (unfortunately).  Good for you thinking ahead and going to get low cal foods...great idea!  I hope things get better soon for you!  :)

so I guess I could wake up tomorrow having gained weight and still be itchy like a mad women??? Wonderful..... My husband is staying away from me .... but in the same house. What a bummer to have what happened to you.... I am sure he was so glad to see you no matter what!!!!!!!!!! Thanks!! ! cath

Hey Cathy.  Having 4 lung diseases and the bad heart, I have become a self proclaimed expert on steroids. The last time I was on them was when I was admitted to the hospital back in March, and was on Salmeterol, an iv steroid and then on Prednisone for 2 weeks when I was discharged.  While they are an awesome drug to serve their purpose, I call them the schizo drug.  They seem to have multiple personality.  The hunger feeling is one like no other.  You have the uncontrollable urge to eat EVERYTHING that isn't nailed down.  And often, you find yourself doing it.  I am not sure what is worse.  The hunger or the mood swings.  It almost makes you feel as though you have become schizo too.  The 5 days I was the hospital and the 2 weeks on them at home, I gained 20 lbs.  With me, the hunger lasted a few days after I stopped taking them because you aren't supposed to stop them all at once.  You have to be tapered off of them.  Going shopping for low cal, low fat, sugar free stuff is wise.  I can definitely relate to what you are going through.  If you have questions,  please feel free to pm me. Hugs, Theresa

Schizo is the perfect word! I feel like a walking time bomb waiting to go off!! The worst part is so far my itching has not gotten any better. I feel like I want to take a serving fork to my legs and scratch the skin off!!!! AGH!!!!!! My finger nails will have to do for now... Thanks for the advice. I SO DO NOT WANT TO GAIN WEIGHT DURING THIS TRYING TIME!! Cath

You are very welcome.  When I have an allergic reaction to things I eat that I shouldn't, usually chocolate and/or strawberries, it makes me break out too.  I take aveeno baths which help with the itching.  Benydryl (sp) is also good too.  Hope it subsides soon hun. Theresa

I have HIGHLY sensitive skin and break into random TERRIBLE hives from time to time. So I have been through all of this and on the Scrip too. My advice is to stock up on HIGH protein snacks...it helps you stay fuller longer! Good luck hun!

Good idea... beef jerky, protein bars, cheese etc. etc. etc.... thanks for the input! cath