I had flu this year and was given strong doses of cortisone. I took it for 14 days and after that I had to get 4 cortisone injections in my shoulder. I put on 6 kg since being in hospital until now. How do I get rid of it
I feel uncumfortable and difficulty in breathing Thanking you
Maree.erard
First of all, you should not have been given cortisone while you had the flu. Cortisone is given to reduce inflammation. It does so by weakening the immune response. With a weakened immune system your body is not effective at fighting off the flu virus. Extended treatments with cortisone will result in a longer recovery period.
Prolonged use of cortisone can result in weight gain. It does so by a few related mechanisms. First, it increased the appetite. You eat more. You gain weight. Second, it caused fluid retention i.e. water weight gain. Third, cortisone encourages fat accumulation and redistribution. You get fat stored in the belly, back, and neck.
To get rid of the fat, stop taking cortisone, but don’t stop cold turkey if you have been taking it for an extended period of time. Quitting suddenly can cause body aches, weakness, joint pain, or fatigue. Reduce the portions you eat. This will help loose some of the weight. Exercise will also help reduce your weight. It will take time but you should be able to get back to your pre-cortisone weight with dedication and perseverance.
I thank you for your letter, the only thing is Iam 67 years old it will not be so easy to loose the weight gain.
Thanking you for your advice.
Kind Regards
Maree Erard