Newly Diagnosed

Hello Denny and welcome to the \"Club\" although sorry to hear of yet another sufferer. As for the side effects of steroids, yes there are many listed, BUT no-one gets them all and some people don't get any. Also, some people gain quite a bit of weight whilst others don't gain any at all. As you say you are already working hard to keep your weight down so you are already on the right track. You haven't said what dose you are taking, but some people start off on a very high dose (especially those with the linked condition of Giant Cell Arteritis) and get so very hungry consequently feeling the need to eat more. I tackled this by eating home-made soups and casseroles sometimes twice daily in the winter months and then more salads in the summer months, rather than the carbs and sugar laden foods. That probably sounds a bit daunting but it's well worth it when you reduce down on the steroids and don't have so much extra weight to lose. Don't think for one moment that you sound \"pathetic\" or not mentally able to cope....we've all been in the same position at one time or another, but do keep coming on to this site because you will find so much support from all the others who understand exactly how you feel, and I'm sure a few of them will be along to welcome you soon.

MrsO

Hello Denny, Two things occur to me which I hope you will find reassuring; first some people don't get any side effects at all and I guess they don't even need to look at this web site - one person I know had no side effects and got better in 9 months. So we may not be representative of steroid users! Also side effects come and go according to what dosage you are on and some one doesn't get at all and others there is medication for, like indigestion and calcium loss, which your doctor should tell you about.

And there are a lot of the moans here because I guess most of us don't want to bore our families daft with them! It's only really someone else with PMR who knows how you feel. Don't worry - it's upsetting to be told you have this weird long term thing the matter with you, but you will feel better as the steroids kick in. We all moan about the steroids but we also know we would be a lot worse without them!

Mrs O is so right tho', watching out for weight gain, especially if one can't exercise as much as usual, can stop the pounds going on!

We all have our ups and downs and this site is so good at cheering one up or allowing us to let off steam, besides all the practical advice! Don't worry, you'll get there! Green granny

Thank you thank you for your kind words and support, today I was quite weepy, I don't know why but there you go. It could be because I was discussing it with my 2 daughters and became quite upset, and that upset me more because they should see me being positive. But do you know after that I felt a lot better, actually admitting that I had been struggling helped me. I already feel better within myself and the stiffness is not half as bad as it was. I did not believe my Doctor when she said that I would see an amazing difference within a day or so. I have learnt so much from this web site that I shall continue to log on and hopefully help to support others as I am being support. grateful thanks. Denny

Hi Denny

Could not agree more with Green Granny. I have had Polymyalga for 18months and most of that time I have been on 5mg steroid every so often have had to increase/decrease but now seem to have stabilised on 5mg. I have not really put on much weight at all and manage to work full time look after my grandchildren and leave a almost normal life with some ups and downs. There are days that are better/worse than others and you do need to pace yourself. Obviously some people are a lot worse than myself and some are better. But this site is brilliant for letting off steam and having a good moan, because one of the benefits of steroids is it pads out the wrinkles gives you rosy cheeks so you look a picture of health and the family really dont underestand how you are feeling and everyone keeps telling me how well i look.

Good luck on your journey and hopefully you wil soon feel a lot better.

Regards

Linda

Hi there yes it does all depend on your doseage for the side effects I have never been higher than 20mg and havent had a round face etc I have put on a bit of weight but not a huge amount and my New Years resolution will be to get rid of it !! If you have other health issues it can be more difficult I know Make sure you do rest and put a lot of effort into looking after yourself I certainly wouldnt want to try and manage without steroids !! Try not to hit the carbs I keep carrots and celery around as with all the resting I have too much time on my hands sometimes Best wishes and when you are fed up just get on the forum There is always someone to moan with We all have good and bad days I went swimming today as because I seem to be getting muscle strains Im not getting my normal exercise and I was getting a bit fed up and I feel better after that If the rain stopped and we could just have some sunny crisp days it would help Roll on summer !!!!