1. Community
  2. Bones, joints and muscles
  3. Polymyalgia Rheumatica and GCA

Steroid-induced diabetes

Posted , 8 users are following.

christine_fay
christine_fay

I have been diagnosed as having Steroid-induced diabetes. Apart from other things like a massive hike in cholesterol levels for no reason. I have been steadily reducing my Prednisolone and in the past two weeks have been on 5mg every 15 hours. I am managing wirh not unreasonable pain but exhaustion and stomach cramps and awful breathlesness is really affecting me. I cannot even put a sock on without gasping for air. I have a regulat stabbing pain in my upper left abdomen. I have another appointment on Thursday morning... I have been told to lose a very latge amount of wieght, to excercise at least 1 hour a day walking or cycling and to cease eating any sugar starch or fat. I do not get an hour a day to spare to excercise. I am on the go from morning to night with my work and with caring for my disabled husband. Housework kills me and my washing machine is going at least 3 times a day with bedding and towels and trousers for my husband... Any suggestions ?

 

2 likes, 4 replies

4 Replies

  • Silver49
    Silver49 christine_fay

    Posted

    I think you have a lot to cope with and I am sorry to hear you have steroid induced diabetes. I can't see how you can fit in exercise. I have put on weight with the steroids and it sounds like you have too. Are you able to follow the eating pattern suggested? I would imagine that must be a thought to carry through when you have so much to do and are feeling tired/ exhausted. I don't know if you live in the UK but is it possible to do an online shop? This may give you a little more time once you get in to a pattern. It would remove the temptation of sugar, starch or fat. I don't think you should cut out fat totally. I think the Mediterranean diet would fit and you can look on line for tips and recipes. I hope you would be discussing it with your GP/ specialist. I wonder if you could fit in simple exercises when you are doing housework. I have seen tips for this but can't remember where and you would have to be careful not to exacerbate the pain. Best wishes.
  • LayneTX
    LayneTX christine_fay

    Posted

    Gosh, this is when we need volunteers or charity type organizations to lend a helping hand like laundry, or give a person a couple of hours break.

    I wish I could help people. But just for a few hours. But with our PMR of course we can't be lifting people nor running vacuum cleaners. Heck I can barely keep up with my own house and I'm alone most of time.

    Try to take care of yourself.  If you not in good health too hard to care for others. Give your self some quiet time, demand it. wink 

    Feed your body the whole foods most of time, I know sometimes we just need a break from those. But yes be good to your body. Avoid sugars much as possible.  I'm reading more and more how bad they are on body.  No nutrition in sugar. 

    bless your heart.  I hope the best for you. 

  • pat38625
    pat38625 christine_fay

    Posted

    Hi Christine, sorry to hear about your steroid induced Diabetes.  Like yourself I was diagnosed in August/September but not on medication for it.  I don't know how you work and care for your husband.  I could not work or care for anyone else even if it was for my son/s.  I have nothing left to give.  If my cup was full then maybe I could but my cup is empty.  I need to take care of me.  I have little or no energy whatsoever.  I am at present on 7mg pred and am hoping to reduce soon down to either 6.5mg or 6mg.  You may need to have a long chat with your dr. if you can and maybe some outside help could come in or do laundry, anything to take the stress off you.  Also the pain and breathlessness needs to be addressed.  You have a lot on your plate which needs to be shared by maybe other members of your family or a voluntary organisation.  You will be of no use to man or beast whilst constantly juggling so many balls in the air.  I believe my PMR was brought on by stress.  Please make appt. with dr, as soon as possible and be honest and let him/her know exactly what's going on.  What would happen to work or your hubby if you had to go into hospital God forbid but it's something to think about.  I'm not being harsh just realistic - my thoughts are with you Christine.  Regards Pat
  • constance.de
    constance.de christine_fay

    Posted

    You poor thing.  I have no idea how people cope with an ordinary day's work when they have PMR, let alone be practically a full time carer.  Surely you can get some help somewhere?  Where do you live?  Isn't there a Social Department in your County?  One of the main things to avoid a flare, is REST!!  How can you possibly rest with all that going on in your life?

    Wishing you a better future.

    Regards fr Constance

Back to top

Report or request deletion

Thanks for your help!

We want the community to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the community are not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in respect of any healthcare matters. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek appropriate medical assistance immediately. Use of the community is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified as being in breach of those terms.