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Prednisone and Adrenal Glands

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Lupus
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Posted 11/15/2012 3:35 AM (GMT 0)
My Dr. Encro. is checking to see if prednisone has compromised my adrenal glands. Has anybody else had this problem. I have excessive sweating.
Posted 11/15/2012 4:47 AM (GMT 0)
No. I do get hot quick though.
Posted 11/15/2012 6:10 AM (GMT 0)
Your adrenal glands normally produce 5-8 mg of cortisol, which is what prednisone is converted to by your body. That is why often we never get off of the prednisone but need to continue with a 5mg dose. The adrenals are often depleted in the early stages of Lupus before we have any kind of prednisone supplementation. Sometimes the supplemental prednisone kicks the adrenals back into action, sometimes it doesn't.

You need to make sure your rheumy and your endo work closely together to get you adequate and appropriate treatment for both adrenals and Lupus. The treatment plan may vary widely from person to person.
Posted 11/15/2012 5:50 PM (GMT 0)
I am on 5mg of prednisone now and still have several excessive sweating events a day. I don't understand all of this. I am 69 and my mind just doesn't understand the way it used to. Why can't I just stop the prednisone. I have gained 35 pounds since I started taking the darn stuff.
Posted 11/19/2012 4:02 AM (GMT 0)
Twinks,

Prednisone is a powerful drug and should not be stopped suddenly on your own. It can cause heart or other problems. Any tapering or stoppage should be done under the supervision of your doctor. Have you changed your diet since taking prednisone? I took it for 6 years and gained nothing because I changed what and how much I ate. Did your doctor ever test your thyroid function?

Bill
Posted 11/22/2012 5:30 PM (GMT 0)
Yes, I just had my Endocronoligst do a series of blood work. Everything checked out. I really did not change anything I ate but the weight just piled on. My mother and grandmother's weight was upl there in their later years, so I guess it is in the family genes. So frustrating. When my doctor first put me on 10 mg of prednisone I felt better than I had in years. But once the weight started I backed off until I am at 5 mg and feel pretty miserable. I am afraid if I add another 5 mg I will continue to gain more weight. I had to buy a new set of clothes for my weight gain and it certainly affects how I feel about my self.

Carolyn
Posted 11/23/2012 3:20 AM (GMT 0)
Prednisone does change your metabolism and diet should be changed to avoid weight gain.  Some are more affected than others but your dose is a low dose.  I was on 60mg for half a year and on lower doses for another 5 years and managed to maintain my weight but I did change my diet.

Bill

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