Post Tx Prednisone (Face Bloating & Weight Gain).

[anonymous]

Just wanting some information from people who have had a transplant and have taken Prednisone after. I realize it sounds very superficial, but one of the main factors putting me off the idea of a transplant is the face bloating and weightgain. At the clinic you can almost always tell the people on steriods and I don't want to look like that.

My question is: does or has anyone managed to take Prednisone post tx and avoided those side effects? Or, has any one had a transplant and not required the use of steriods after? Is there anything you can do to limit the effects? How long and at what doses must it be taken after transplant?

Thanks for the help.

 

[Emily65Roses]

I just wanted to say... it may be superficial, but it's important. And pretty much everyone will agree with you there. It's superficial, and in the end, I'm sure tx is worth it... but the side effects of the meds are still worth thinking and asking about.

 

[IG]

Face bloating, it's actually called moon face (for obvious reasons) um, actually I'm 2 years post transplant, and after those first few months when I was on really high levels (40mg I think) I did have a touch of the roundness to the face, but other than that my face has thinned out though it's not as thin as what it was pre-transplant (obviously since I gained about 20lbs.) Gaining weight, honestly it's something you want to do. Seriously. It feels so much better when you get that weight and don't have to fight for every pound. I haven't had trouble getting the weight that I needed and after about 120lbs. I'm at the "normal" range for my height, age, etc. I haven't had problems with it. Weight gain hasn't been a problem, I've been able to keep it under control very easily.

As for avoiding the side effects, sorry... as far as I know it depends on how your body reacts and I don't think there's anything you can do about it really. As for lung transplants, as far as I know they are MANDATORY. Since they help to suppress the immune system they are appart of your anti-rejection medications. Limit the effects, once again not sure, I think it depends on you. For the first few months or so you're on really high doses of Prednisone(I believe you start out on 40mg.), and they eventually taper you down. I think after... 5-6 months you're on 5mg. and should stay on that unless your doctor changes your dosage.
Hope this helps :-/