More swelling and water retention after aneurysm rupture and 6 months Prednisone
Dear all, I am curious if anyone went through something similar (not exactly the same). Trying to find explanations for this change.
2 years ago I was diagnosed with stage 1 lipedema. In April 2025 I had an aneurysm rupture followed by brain surgery and a month of ICU stay. Then late May I was put on cortisone due to a late allergic reaction to some medication (DRESS syndrome). I was taking Prednisone for 6 months and during this time my appetite and sugar cravings were out of control. Not surprisingly, I've gained 10 kgs (including the 5 I have lost in intensive care). What is strange, since August or September I have noticed that my lipedema flare-ups are way more sudden, that was not the case before these health challenges. During the night the swelling goes down, but through the day it increases significantly.
After another brain surgery 6 weeks ago, I have been cleared for exercise finally and am trying my best to wear compression every day, not to eat processed sugar, to eat low-carb, I exercise few times a week, I sleep and rest enough, etc., but this has not led to a change in the daily swelling/water retention shifts. Wondering if cortisone from last year had anything to do with this or if I may have developed lymphedema as well.
I am curious if anyone else had a similar worsening of retention/spanish after cortisone treatment or significant surgery. Doctors have not been helpful so far in this topic, although I will continue to seek for medical guidance.
Thank you so much, wishing you all well!