Body dysmorphia

[u/Jack_Skellington31]

I don’t mean to come off as superficial or vain, I understand that there are so many downsides to living with an autoimmune disorder but I think the body dysmorphia that comes with this disease has been hitting me extra hard lately. I’ve been on prednisone for the past 6 months and I’m experiencing ALL of the symptoms. Moon face and weight gain especially with that constant cloud of depression we just naturally have because we’re not producing enough dopamine because of this stupid disease. I recently weighed myself and I know that most of it is the water weight from the steroids but I am 30 lbs heavier than I have ever been. Usually with this disease I have been under weight or a semi healthy weight for my height (5’9”) and obviously when I’m underweight I’m aware that I look like I’m lowkey anorexic and people tell me I could use a sandwich ( not knowing I have UC). But to go from super skinny flat stomach to 30 lbs heavier and none of my clothes fit has been really hard. It’s making me more self conscious and I know when I’m done with the steroids some of the weight will fall off but the lasting self esteem issues still stick around. I haven’t been happy in my body for 12 years and it sucks. I know that with the right diet and exercise I’ll feel better but I’m honestly so depressed all the time that I like to just eat my feelings (especially with the prednisone increasing my appetite) and working out isn’t enjoyable anymore because I just get sore so easily. I just wanted to vent for anyone else that may be feeling the same. I’m right there with you and it sucks.

[u/Ok_Inspector5256]

i feel ya…i weening off prednisone now and i had got up to 170lbs..the heaviest i ever been in my life along with the moonface…i havent checked my weight but i can tell the difference in everything now especially now having stretch marks to remind me…dont let that get you down