How can i get over the bloated feeling while taking prednisolone?

Increased appetite, I felt peckish all the time and kept snacking. My Rheumatologist at the time told me to

have only one main meal a day and to drink lots of water. I didn't find this easy at all but as I gradually decreased the steroids, I got myself more under control. It was such a relief not to have the aching, that I was

enjoying eating! I did cut out bread, pasta and biscuits, substituting crackers. I don't think I put on much

weight but when I was off the steroids all together- I put it on then anyway! I think we all have a battle with

weight and Prednisolone. Good Luck and I am glad you at least feel better from the PMR. Cosima

Sorry to hear that you've recently been diagnosed with PMR but good to hear that your aches and pains have disappeared within just a couple of days of starting the

Unfortunately both the bloating and increased appetite are side effects of the steroids but they will resolve as you reduce down slowly through the doses.

I was ravenous when I started on the high 40mg dose and I found it helpful to eat the right foods little and often. I would save some of my evening meal and re-heat it the following day for an early lunch which would keep me going until mid-afternoon when I would have a small sandwich.

If you reduce refined carbs including potatoes and bread it will help to avoid too much steroid-induced weight gain.

Among good diuretic foods to help with the bloating are asparagus, garlic, fennel and melon.

Hope that helps and good luck.

My main problem is that I have never been a breakfast person and now that i have to eat befor taking my meds it seems to trigger the appetite. I am a pasta lover so that is going to take some getting used too.

I work constant backshifts so because I'm not in at tea-time i start eating after nine when i get in, any ideas how i can get round this?. Thanks

You could make yourself some good soup, if you have the energy at the weekend. I just did one last night and chopped (not tiny pieces!) leeks, carrots, swede, celeriac,one small onion. You add three bay leaves. Then I put 2,1/2 pints of stock (made with Marigold Swiss bouillon powder) and let it cook in the oven at 140 degrees for 3 hours. You remove the bay leaves and Purée the soup in your processor and add a little more stock . It does seem rather a lot of work but the soup is delicious and you can heat it up so quickly when you get in from your back shifts.

Hope you manage

Best wishes

Cosima