pred 8 wks now!! is it ok????

I think your ok, that's nothing compared to what most people have taken, are u symptom free?

oh as far as symptoms I still am going the same no of BMs like 2-4 but no blood, urgency is reducing but recently lots of lower back pressure and pain near pelvis.

I've been on pred twice, both times were for 3 weeks. I agree with you, get off of it as soon as possible b/c it messes with your whole body big time. Of course, talk to your Dr. about it. Good luck!

Ive been on pred since before halloween, I am just now tapered down to 20 mg-

Carlie

The longest I was on prednisone was a little over 7 months. Basically I started at 40 mg, did the taper, flared within a week, then was right back on it. I was ten on the 40 mg again, as that dose for probably 6 weeks before I could taper. I was put on Remicade and had to slow my taper prior to every infusion so as not to cause a reaction. I hate prednisone. It gave me anxiety, heart palpitations, and horrible joint pain when coming off it. Oh yeah, and osteoporosis. There are many people who are on it much longer, sometimes even a year or more.... Hope you can get off if it soon. Are you doing the Rowasa? They can help with the final taper when you are prone to re-flaring.

Penngurl75, I understand. Often the Rowasa makes me feel bloated and gives me a lot of gas during the night, though that could just be the flaring. I often alternate between the Canasa and Rowasa (generic) and that seems to help. The Rowasa causes more trips to the bathroom in the morning for me but I figure it is all that extra stuff that went in has to come out, plus it softens things up. I have never noticed weakness though.

I've been on Pred since March 1st at various levels, from 60mg to my current 5mg. I've had flare-ups every time I have tapered down. Currently at 5mg and feeling the bet I have ever felt below 20mg.

I've had a couple of side effects including roid rage and weight gain....30 lb gain over a couple months. The good news is the side effects diminish once you get to the lower doses.

I was on Pred for a little over 7 months for bullous pemphgoid (blistering skin condition). Was up to 100mg/day initially and tapered down to 10 mg after 4 1/2 mos. Finally got off it about 2 weeks ago. My face has slimmed down, gained about 12 lbs, which is coming off, have osteopenia. So far, no other side effects. Side effects @ 100, 80, 60 are all the same - felt like I drank 12 cups of espresso, no sleep for weeks, raging appetite, really bad leg cramps, accentuated mood swings. It's bad stuff.

8 weeks isn't too long. If you're off in a month, you shouldn't have very much trouble with the side effects, they will go away quickly. I was on pred for a year! I hate to say that, it's awful to think about. My weight ballooned up and it's taken me months to get back to where I was pre-pred. I am still carrying a few extra pounds and my chin is not 100% visible. I've been off for about 5 months. I hope I am back to normal some day.

Do you take your 6mp before bed? I find that it works best for me if I take it late in the day, that way I sleep through any side effects of the medication.

Is your UC managed?

Urgency takes a long time to go away. When you're in remission for a couple of months, you will notice a decrease in urgency.