I've been using a steroidal asthma inhaler at, what I understand, is a reasonably high dosage for several years now.
In the last year or so I noticed some side effects not listed in the medication side effects (presumably because the literature provided only lists standard 'now' side effects, rather than longer term issues).
Primarily, these were weight gain/inability to lose weight, edema in the lower legs and stomach issues, amongst others. From a distance running perspective these are, obviously, problematic.
I also noted a dramatically reduced tolerance to volume of training.
I raised them with my asthma nurse who dismissed them as unrelated because they weren't on the provided literature, but I have since found large anecdotal evidence of all the above.
Also, I have had, again over the last year, increasing issues with tendons/ligaments and lower back pain - I am currently dealing with some mild Achilles tendonitis and lower back pain.
According to the osteopath treating my back, a side-effect of steroids is the effect on tendons, etc, and he has seen cases before caused by accumulation of steroids via inhalers.
So my question is, really, does anybody have any experience of the above and if so, can you add anything useful in terms of how long it takes the body to regain equilibrium after stopping usage of the inhaler?
Also, any longer term side-effects that I may need to watch out for?