OK I registered on 14 June and created a new post – didnt show – trying again.

68 years male chronic asthmatic – Type II diagnosed about 6 years ago – steroid induced.

Have been on Prednisone ( or equivalent since 10 years of age for chronic asthma.

Dosage varies due to health. Currently trying to reduce dose once again. 4 days ago reduced my 1mg from 15mg to 14 mg per day.

Just that made a big difference to my GCL’s.

Levels vary depending on what I eat. Dark choc and sugar (in coffee) appear to make little diff. Bread ( even hi fibre Low GI) sends them skyrocketing.

Gave up rice ages ago – consume little potato. No junk foods. Gave up biscuits ( except for the occassional extra-dark Tim-Tam).

Have watched “TrustMe I’m a Doctor” and read The 8 week Low Sugar diet book.

Have worked out much re my problem by myself – I’ve been self-medicating ( varying dosages) for years. Dr’s know little and have probably had no experience with such long term steroid usage.

For instance, 2 1/2 years ago I was having serious trouble exerting myself ( Summer in Sydney – often causes ashma problems). 3 GP Visits and one to my respiratory specialist – just asthma – increase the prednisone – All was OK according to previous Cardiologist visit ( had angina for 20+ years – med controlled).

Went on Cruise, figuring getting fresh sea air would help – 4 days later was in ships hospital – diagnosed with heart failure-no other symptoms – turned out 1 coronary artery was blocked and the other 2 were nearly so. Placed on IV meds on ship – lost 2 litres of fluid in 2 hrs. Within 2 weeks had lost 13 litres (13KG) – as soon as home Cardiologis immediately place me in hospital – next am first stents received – 6 weeks later – 1 more.

Havent had asthma, cold, flu or such since.

Still have lots of belly visceral fat and a fatty liver, for which, according to Specialist, nothing can be done.

Anyhow, enough of my problems. Will try the diet, to a lesser degree. once steroids are down to 10 mg per day, which from past experience will get me off insulin (Nova-Rapid) and halve my diabetes pill dosage ( Diamicrom and Diabex)

Anybody here had experience with long-term cortico-steroid usage?

Thanks.

Hiya

I too have been on predict for over three years now for PMR. Got told a lot of rubbish along the way by different rheumys the worst being it couldn’t cause long term eye damage well five surgeries later for steroid induced glaucoma and I beg to differ. I am on a 10/7.5 reduction plan at the moment but last time I went below 6 my adrenals went crazy and I got ill so as you know it’s slowly does it and if I can get to 5 I would be happy to stay there. Weight gain is such an issue and although I’m ok and am not prediabetic yet and my chore sterol is low I know this won’t last unless I take action

So I’ve done 3weeks and it’s going ok but I have a lot of weight to lose. I am not weighing myself just going by how my clothes feel. Weighing makes me a bit obsessive and since this is going to be for life I am trying a new tack. Like most women I have clothes in a range of sizes so that will be my measure.

Sorry for what you’ve gone through.