7 year old coming off steroids

[katyamum]

My 7 year old has been on steroids for 3 months (3 days of IV methyl prednisolone, followed by regime of 20 mg - 15 mgs - 10 mgs - 7.5 mgs -5 mgs - 2.5 mgs). She'll be finished in about 2 weeks. She's also on 3 years of methotrexate. She has gained about a tenth of her original weight, and for her, she is overweight. I'm not going to put her on a diet, but does anyone have any experience of a child coming off steroids, and I wondered if there are any supplements I can give her, or dietary things I can make her (potassium-rich diet, sodium free diet etc) to help with redistribution of fat and water retension. She's healthy and well in all other respects. Her condition is called linear morphea. Thanks

Just a quiery? Have they given her folic acid to help with the side effects of the methotrexate?

I know you may feel like you need to change her diet, but not all methylprednisolone takers, will experience the side effects. Yes water retention can be very common, sodium retention and also lessening of potassiun in the blood. But I wouldnt add/take anything away from her diet unless your doctor agrees at the certain time that she may get the symptom iyswim?

I think your best bet is either speak to the hospital doctor whos looking after your Dd or get the opinion of the hospital pharmacist. (if they are the ones prescribing the medication to your dd)

Its really good to hear shes healthy and well atm. The medication leaflet will give you all the possible known side effect and what to do incase your dd does experience any.

She can take calcium and Vit D to help strengthen the bones during the steroidal use. She doesnt actually need to take a special diet up, but eat a healthy balanced diet, as well as do some sort of muscle strengthening exercise for 30 min a day.

I hope this helps.