steroids and muscle weakness.

[JHan]

so steroids are given to improve tolerance to chemotherapy. But has anyone experienced "Weakness" sluggishness or myopathy as a side effect or it?

If you have, how did you manage it?

[Ohiogal]

1. I took steroids

during my 3 months of chemotherapy when I was diagnosed with cancer 10 years ago.

I had so many side effects from the treatments I can’t begin to list them all, but tiredness and weakness was definitely a biggie.

I pretty much just laid on the couch most of the time. Are you trying to do too much? If you’re having trouble just getting up and walking around, mention it to your doctor or chemo nurse. Maybe they can cut back on your dosage. I wish I had better advice to give....

[COLGATE4]

2. Increasing muscle weakness, particularly in the long muscles

of the arms and thighs is typical of steroid use. It will continue until the steroids are discontinued and recuperation takes a long time.

[JHan]

3. yup it's hit my legs.

[still_one]

5. Especially the thighs

[JHan]

6. yes the thighs especially!

[COLGATE4]

10. When you can't towel dry your hair that's when you know

it's gone too far.

[still_one]

4. Yes, Prednisone and the like can cause a lot of side effects. Everyone is different, but it depends

on how much you take and for how long.

It can cause both muscle weakness, and bone loss, if one is on them for a long period of time.

Everyone is different. For some,Corticosteroids can induce more energy, sometimes too much, and for others it can cause extreme fatigue.

Corticosteroids reduce inflammation. I believe they also use them on a short term basis to alleviate nausea which can result from chemotherapy. There are a lot of other uses for them also.

I have issues with eye inflammation, and prednisone causes similar issues to me with what you are experiencing.

It can also cause stomach irritation, which if you are taking it orally, it is advisable to take it with food, unless there is some reason your physician says you shouldn't.

If I am taking prednisone, even though my energy levels are down, I set a goal, even if it is a small goal to do a certain amount of exercise a day. Walking for me was great. It is good for both the bones, and muscles, but listen to your body, and of course consult with your physician to see what they suggest for the weakness you are experiencing.

Once you get through the treatment, things should get better, and you should start to get your energy back


Take care

[JHan]

7. my doc wants me to take up water therapy,

although I try to walk when i can, she'd rather me start gentle with the least amount of pressure on my joints as possible.

[still_one]

8. You have a very good doctor there. Maybe concerned about possible bone loss from the

corticosteroids

Her suggestion about swimming, or water therapy is brillant. That is suppossed to be one of the best all around exercises for your body, and it will definitely help keep your muslces from declining.

[JHan]

9. yup

[Glimmer of Hope]

11. I wonder if weight training could help? I just started chemo for my second recurrence and I wanted

to do things differently this time by walking more and doing a weight training program. I just started a free program with a local fitness club that I think will work as long as my platelets stay normal. If you have lost a lot of muscle mass, physical therapy is the best thing ever.

[JHan]

12. my doc wants me stay away from gyms and do water therapy...

but a physio appointment is def. on the cards and some thigh resistance exercises. I have weights at home so I can do some free weight exercises as well.

Hoping you beat the recurrence too... it sucks to have to battle this again

[Glimmer of Hope]

13. I hope you feel stronger soon!! I have ovarian so it is ongoing battle but I don't let it rule my

life.