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Posted 9/11/2009 2:20 AM (GMT -5)
Hi, i have been taking prednisone and tapering for a nasty flare-up.  I tapered really slowly, and was feeling pretty good.  I was off the pred for 3 weeks and doing well - going to the bathroom 1 or 2 times a day, when all of a sudden yesterday I got stomach pains and  the big D.  I thought maybe something I had eaten disagreed with me.  But today, the big D is still there, along with stomach pains.  I have already gone 3 times, and before I go to bed, I'll probably have to go again.  I am beginning to think my UC is coming back.  I am so depressed.  I have suffered through 5 months of pred and feeling all of its effects (i get every side effect possible on that stuff, and in addition have a general feeling of "unwellness" while on it).  This DD has taken so much of my life away from me.  Now I am totally depressed - I feel like I suffered for those 5 months and now it was all for nothing - because it seems to be coming back.  Does anyone have any suggestions?  My big question is:

Has anyone had this situation happen to them, and then be able to get out of the flare without prednisone???  If so, how did you do it?  I am currently on 4 Lialda pills/day, rowasa enemas at night, and folic acid.  I refuse to take Imuran/azathiaprine/remicade, etc.  That is not an option for me.  And I don't want surgery.  (I know, I'm tough to please!)  Please, if anyone could help me with some advice, I'd really appreciate it!  Thanks!

Lara

Posted 9/11/2009 11:31 AM (GMT -5)

I know it's very hard.  I am battling a flare at the moment with steroid enemas morn and night and was seeing some improvement until today things seem to be getting worse again.  Isn't it strange how you can be fine get stomach cramps have "D" and then your mood immediately plummets to some dark place. 

I have always needed pred before and this time might be no exception but I will keep trying with enemas. Have you tried the pred ones before?, I hate using them but suffer no side effects with them so would rather go down that route.

Hang in there

Posted 9/11/2009 3:46 PM (GMT -5)
Hi,
I have been thorough your situation at least 15 times. I have only found taking more prednisone works. Your temporary solution is a codiene product to slow your system down, but it won't make the problem go away. the trick is to take the prednisone until something else (that I've listed below) works for you.

I know you don't want some things listed above, so maybe try Humira (that is my greatest thing going right now, with no side effects), sulfasalazine, asocal, 6-MP, 5ASA or colozal. All of those will help you if you want to use them. I would run it by your GI. If you want to take antibiotics try cipro or flagyl, they will also help you.
Posted 9/11/2009 10:48 PM (GMT -5)
Hi,

Just wanted to chime in and let you know you aren't alone... I've been in a bad flare for the last year or so and finally bit the bullet and started the prednisone on June 30.. I was at 40mgm for about 2 weeks then my flare kicked back in, so I upped it to 50mgm for a week then got into a "remission" (no bleeding, normal poopies) so I started tapering at 5mgm a week since then. I got down to 15mgm then after about 3 days, a little blood started again so I upped it back to 20mgm... Now I'm on day 3 of that and the blood has still been there and has been getting a bit worse.. SO.. tomorrow I go back up to 40mgm until the bleeding stops (hopefully) then start tapering all over again at 5mgm... I am so depressed too and have been considering surgery.. but upon reading other posts on the Ostomie forum.. some people have had such hard times with that that Im totally scared to do anything now... and BOY can I relate to your saying how you suffered for 5 months for nothing.. that's EXACTLY how I feel.. although I've only been on it for just over 2 months so far, it has changed how I look and feel as well.... I have just about every side effect too!! Even lots of little pimples on my lower back which I just noticed about a week ago.... Just know you aren't alone feeling down... Im feeling the blues pretty bad too....
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