I lose weight when on steroids!! My weight drops 5 lbs immediately and the swelling in my lower legs better on it

Kidney issues will show on labs and urine test. I have lupus with kidney disease and the test that my doctor checks every three months are chem. panel which will show serum creatinine which often becomes elevated when kidneys flared (compared to your normal), CBC which will show Hemoglobin which often will be decreased when kidneys are involved, urinalysis to see if you are loosing protein in your urine which is a sign of kidney involvement. Cast cells also present on urine test usually means kidney involvement.
24 hour urine test may be ordered although now this can be figured out with labs.
People with kidney involvement also have low complements, specifically C3 and C 4.
Anti DS DNA to show overall lupus activity is also done. CRP which is a measure of overall inflammation and SED rate he will usually run as well.

I was also one of those fortunate people who did not gain weight on prednisone. Just be mindful of the side effects of prednisone/steriods. I currently am suffering from avascular necrosis of both my hips and left knee which the doctors state is due to the steroids I have taken over the years for my lupus.

I would be sure that your rheumatologist is ordering the above tests on you. I wish you all the best.

Weird.....I was going to ask a similar question! Prednisone usually causes a moonface and edema/bloating yet after a couple of days I am shrinking everywhere, noticeably. My face looked 10lbs lighter overnight and my eyes were so much less swollen! Same with my legs and ankles! It didn’t even occur to me to check my waist

I paid a terrible price tho and think because I skipped doses Saturday I launched myself into a really big flare? I swelled up like a balloon suddenly. Before my eyes my fingers, face and legs grew to the point I couldn’t clench my hands etc.

I keep freaking out something is wrong with my kidneys. My labs don’t pick up much tho except a slightly elevated bun level from time to time. I’ve also had protein in my urine but it was only caught once

I don’t pass fluid tho 😔 I hardly pee. Even on the prednisone this time I’m no passing fluid. I’m really worried. I wish I had more info for you. You’re not the only one who worried the shrinking on prednisone might point to kidney issues tho

Thank you JAMS. Sometimes my mind really races. Like is it kidney failure? Cancer? I never gain on it.