HealingWell
Search Close Search
☰

Tapering off Pred, making me nervous

Support Forums
>
Crohn's Disease
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply
❬ ❬ Previous Thread |Next Thread ❭ ❭
Posted 9/5/2008 4:52 AM (GMT 0)

Ok so, on the 11th I have an appointment with my surgeon to schedule my surgery for my 2nd bowel resection, I'm actually really excited about it because I just want to get it done and over with so I can move on with my life, for now at least.  My problem is my Crohns specialist is dropping down my prednisone at a faster then normal rate because he wants me as low as possible on it before the surgery, right now I'm at 65mg, Ive dropped down 35mg in the last 2 weeks, I'm already starting to feel crampy and the D is back.  I'm starting to get really nervous because I know whats to come...horrible stomach pains, and horrible D.  I work full time, and I want to be able to work up until the surgery because I know I will be out for a couple weeks (so no pay) but I know once I get down to around 50-40MG I wont be able to function without pain medication.  Is it ok for me to ask him to prescribe me some kind of pain medication to get me through the tapering until the surgery?  I always feel really guilty about asking for it, for some reason I think they dont believe the amount of pain I'm in or drill me with questions on why I need it.  Kinda makes me feel like I'm some kind of druggie I guess.  And for some reason I just dont feel right coming out and just saying "hey can you give me some pain killers?"  I dont know what to do, should I just be direct? And what should I do if he wont give them to me?  I'm just really nervous because I know whats coming, and I know its going to be bad. =(

Posted 9/5/2008 8:04 AM (GMT 0)

Hiya!  I feel for you!  It seems that the more nervous or 'stressed' one gets about something the more likely it is to happen.

Don't underestimate how this worrying will effect your CD!  Stress is a major player.  I would start by trying to be a bit more positive and bit more hopeful.  Tell yourself it won't make a difference rather than worrying about getting worse.  I too get caught in the trap, when I get a few gut pains or some LBM I can start to worry 'is this a flare'  but over the years I have learned that I can think a flare into existence.

I know we are not all the same, but stress effects us all. And dealing with it better will improve your overall health.  As cheesy as this is and as much as it pains me to say it "try to look on the bright side"  Positive words can overcome worry and doubt. 

So here it goes:  I really think that you will be able to cope and that with some pain meds and with the forthcoming surgery you will soon be off the Pred and be able to face the day with new confidence.  i believe in you! {{{{{{{{{{{{MAG102886}}}}}}}}}}}}}

Don't worry about asking for pain meds, it is normal and par for the course.

Posted 9/5/2008 9:39 PM (GMT 0)
Hi I was on 30 mgs of pred. when I had my surgery. Ask the Dr. for pills if you feel you need them tell him how you are doing .As long as it don't effect your surgery. Glad you are feeling confident about your surgery and we are here for you if you need to talk. I did not take pain meds prior to surgery so I really don't know much about them. lol gail
Posted 9/6/2008 1:26 AM (GMT 0)
First I have to say how impressed I am that you are able to work while taking such high doses of Predisone. You are a real trooper. I feel like a real baby complaining about 40 mg. Don't be afraid to ask for pain meds. Just having the pain meds at hand will make you more stress free. Good luck with your surgery.
Posted 9/8/2008 3:31 PM (GMT 0)
Most dr will give you what you ask for if you can present your caes well and know what you want before you get there. In my experience, if you come to them with the solution as well as the problem, they are thrilled. My suggestion, ask for tylenol with codeine (Tylenol #3). They are mild on the narcotic scale, so you should be able to function and still work with a relatively clear head. An added bonus is that Tylenol with codeine can be constipating, so with CD and the never ending diarrhea, it kind of evens out. Ifyou need something stronger, the next step would be your lortabs or percocet. Just don't go in asking for oxycodone or oxycontin, as these are the most widely abused drugs and would probably make you appear drug seeking. Good luck and i hope all goes well with your surgery.
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply