Still puffy from low dose of Prednisone

Hello,  I'm a healthy 40 year old male.  I  was given a

Prednisone "6-day pack" in late July for tendonitis in my

hand.  The dose was 24mg the first day, tapering down 4mg each

day to a final 4mg on day 6.  I developed an incredible

appetite  for the next week (kept it under control), and seemd

to retain a much higher proportion than normal of whatever I

drank for the next couple of weeks.  During that time my face, chest and belly swelled significantly(especially my face).  Since then, the

swelling has subsided by about 50%, but the decline seemed to

plateau about a month ago.  My face is still puffier than

normal, with puffy cheeks, jowels, and a double chin that were

not there before.  It does not appear to be full blown

"moonface", but it is a noticeable difference over my prior

appearance.  Stomach and chest are flabbier, too. I have

dieted down to 6 lbs below my normal 165 (I'm 5'11"), but the

puffyness will not diminish.  Is this fluid retention or

(heavan forbid) the "redistribution of fat" that I've read can

happen with Prednisone.  In either case, can I do anything

about it?  Also, can you recommend a particular kind of specialist
for this situation (if necessary)?  I'd like to look normal again.
Thanks.

[Kevin Pho, MD]

This sounds like Medrol dose-pak you were put on.  Typically, the side effects don't last this long.  I would consider testing for other causes of edema and puffiness.

This can include an echocardiogram to look for heart failure, blood tests to look for kidney disease, as well a urine test to look for cortisol (i.e. Cushing's disease) or protein in the urine.

These options should be discussed with your personal physician.

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin, M.D.
kevinmd_

[susan70]

A related discussion, Prednisone was started.