Is this a flare?

Hi Cannynancy,
The fatigue and loss of appetite are concerning. Your bowel issues depend upon what is your "normal." I have Crohn's with IBS-C. So I often will have pain or bowel issues and I am not necessarily in a flare. I suggest that you have your GI doc order a bunch of blood tests to look at anemia levels, inflammation markers (like sed rate and CRP) white cell elevation, etc. You can also get stool studies to look at caloprotectin (sp.?) or even elevated white count in your stools. IBS does not cause changes in blood work or inflammation, so if any of those are abnormal, then you are in a flare.

Our bodies can sometimes resolve a flare on their own or with dietary changes. The nature of the disease is periods of remission and relapse. I find that a short prednisone taper helps my flares along. If you are needing prednisone more than once or twice a year, then you probably need an ongoing medication change. At least that's the way I understand things. I hope this helps and you feel better soon!

I don't know about the length of pred as each Gi seems to do it differently, but most start at about 40 mg and taper down by 5mg each week. I think you want your blood work and to figure out what is going on before starting prednisone.