Can anyone give some encouragement? -- Steroid Warning Network

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Date Posted: 09:32:53 10/23/07 Tue
Author: Paula (So discouraged)
Subject: Can anyone give some encouragement?

Hi all,

This is my first time here and this is a long post, so sorry in advance.

In August of' '04, I started using Climara estrogen replacement patches (which I now know is a steroid) to control severe hot flashes. I gained 10 lbs. in 3 months but wasn't too concerned at the time as I had heard the patch could cause weight gain from water retention.

In March of '05, diagnosed with high blood pressure and was prescribed Mavik.

In May of '05, I was having a difficult time catching my breath after very little exertion. I quit smoking after having smoked heavily for 25 years. Doctor sent me for a pulmonary function test (PFT) and was diagnosed with COPD/emphysema. He prescribed Advair 250/50 inhaler. Advair, I now know, contains fluticasone proprionate, a steroid. He referred me to a pulmonologist who agreed with the Advair use and dosage and added Albuterol inhaler as a rescue.

Complained to my doctor of rapid weight gain - 30 lbs. in 6 months (and that's on top of the 10 lbs. from the estrogen patch!). Could it be the Advair I asked? Not possible, he says, it goes directly into the lungs and not into the bloodstream. You obviously eat too much and must cut down and exercise more. I haven't seen that doctor since.

Before all this started I weighed 135, which was perfect for me on my 5'4" frame. I only eat low carb, have been eating that way for the past 5 years. I don't eat candy (nothing with sugar), no starches - no junk food period. Haven't changed my eating habits one bit. Am active and walk with my dog every day.

In February '06, I saw my pulmonologist because my breathing worsened after a prolonged cold.
He prescribed prednisone for 1 week and upped my Advair to 500/50. By the way, he also said no way does Advair cause weight gain. Also, he told me to lose weight as the extra pounds made it harder for me to breath. No kidding.

In May '06, I had continuous pain in upper right abdomen and fluid retention in abdomen and ankles. Saw a new doctor who sent me for CT scan, chest x-ray, and new PFT. The CT scan showed an enlarged, fatty liver. Chest scan showed hyper inflated lungs pressing down on my diaphragm and liver. PFT showed no decline in lung function since May '05. Doctor had no answer for the liver problem, other than to lose weight. Gave a prescription for Lasix 20 mg.

June '06, I started researching my health problems on the internet. Didn't do it before cause I know I can be a hypochondriac and I trusted doctors. Wish I had researched earlier. Boy, was I clueless!!!!! Apparently the estrogen patch can cause high blood pressure, the blood pressure pills cause shortness of breath, the steroid in Advair can cause weight gain.

Since all this started, I now had a weight gain of 60 lbs., mostly in my abdomen. My face had become very round, red and puffy. My neck was thicker. Was getting a weird fat pad on my upper back. Swelling all over. Depression, mood swings, emotional at the drop of a hat and short tempered. Oh yeah, add in an incisional hernia (a Cesarean 34 years ago) from the excess weight.

Then I learned about Cushing's and how steroids could cause it. The symptoms describe me perfectly.

On July 4th, I stopped taking all prescription medicines except the Albuterol as needed. It was my independence day. I just stopped without talking to my doctor. Stupid probably but I was getting desperate. Within 2 weeks I had more energy, less aches and pains, no longer as depressed or emotional. Still no weight loss and still had a nasty short temper.

Saw doctor in August and told her I quit medications and she didn't argue with me. At least when I asked if inhaled steroids got into the blood stream she said "absolutely". Blood test didn't show excess cortisol.

Now it's been 16 months since I stopped all steroids and I just cannot get the weight to budge. And, I am still quick to lose my temper.

I truly believe the steroids are to blame for all my ills - except for COPD/emphysema because I did smoke for many, many years. That one is my fault.

I am truly sorry for such a long post.

Can anyone offer any encouragement? Is it worth spending my money on being tested for Cushing's if it is steroid induced?

Thanks for "listening".

Paula

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Replies:

Re: Can anyone give some encouragement? -- Lori (Understanding!), 16:53:32 10/23/07 Tue
Re: Can anyone give some encouragement? -- Leslie (supportive), 01:59:42 10/30/07 Tue