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Posted 10/19/2007 2:22 PM (GMT 0)
Well my Dr. just e-mailed me regarding my Flare-Up.  She is going to call me so I don't have all the details yet but she is suggesting a short course of steroids...what does that mean?  I am thinking Prednisone.  What are the side effects? What can I expect? How long does it take to work? Thanks!
Posted 10/19/2007 2:41 PM (GMT 0)
I had the choice between prednisone and entocort and i picked entocort for the fact that it has less side effects, research both of the steroids and pick the one you feel will work best for you, your doctor should help you with this
Posted 10/19/2007 2:51 PM (GMT 0)

I've been on Pred twice, and in my experience it kicks in pretty quickly.  It got my joint inflammation under control within 48 hours, and my d within about 72.  Next time (boy, I hope there won't be a next time, but I'm realistic enough to admit there probably will be) I plan to ask for Entocort.

The most obvious side effects I've had are increase in appetite, weight gain, and a case of thrush that nothing will kill.  I finished my taper yesterday (woo hoo!) so I'm hoping that the thrush will start to go away soon.

Posted 10/19/2007 3:04 PM (GMT 0)
Your doctor will be able to tell you which drug you need, but Entocort doesn't work well for people who may need a high dose of steroids, that's why they usually use Prednisone to try and get an acute inflammatory flare under control. They can start with a high dose and taper as quickly or as slowly as you need.

Prednisone should kick in pretty quickly, but depending on your disease you may have to stay on it while waiting for another drug to take effect (like Imuran or 6MP). I haven't been able to get off the steroids and have remission for many years, but some people do.

Good luck, I hope it works quickly for you and throws you into remission.
Posted 10/19/2007 4:30 PM (GMT 0)

I had an acute flare up last week that sent me to the hospital. I was dehydrated but fortunately not anemic or deficient.  Started Prednisone same day and at 10 days out finally getting some control. Decreasing dosage from 60mg to 10mg. 6th week. The side affect that bothers me is insomnia.

I haven't gained any weight since losing about 8 lbs. only because I 'm trying to stay on an "any free" diet, eg. Gluten, wheat, dairy, corn etc. at this time and mega doses of vitamins. It's worth a try, anything is!

I am thinking about trying Probiotics in a few weeks when it all settles down.  Does anyone have any experience with Probiotics?

**************************

Trudy, diagnosed with CD May, 2006. Three flare ups since, IBD at least ten years prior. Switched from 6 Asacol per day to one Lialda - a new drug in the Asacol family once a day.  Prednisone for 6 week to hopefully getting it in remission.

Posted 10/19/2007 5:55 PM (GMT 0)
I've been on 40mg pred a day since early August, and am finally starting to taper at a rate of 5mg a week (now at 30mg). Prednisone worked well for me, but at a cost. Since I'm also taking other things it's hard to know which sensations are from what, but nausea, bloating, thrush, racing heart, insomnia, ravenous hunger, acne and "moon face" are all things I've experienced. It's all dealable, and really you gotta get the inflammation under control, but it's definetly not something you want to be on longer than you really have to. I've decided that at this point, I'm just going to continue to taper no matter what happens (even if I start to flare again). It's just not a workable long-term solution. I'm also on a loading dose of 6MP, so hopefully that kicks in and will resolve the rest of my issues as I come off the pred. Hope that helps.

Post Edited (Idolwild) : 10/19/2007 12:02:39 PM (GMT-6)

Posted 10/19/2007 7:12 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks. Fortunately the Prednisone is kickin" in and I don't have some of those symptoms except insomnia, some bloating, constipation and eating - but I'm eating healthy foods a lot.
Good luck to you.
Posted 10/19/2007 10:31 PM (GMT 0)
Prednisone may be OK for the short term, but I hope you can taper off of it quickly. The side effects can be severe. about 5% of people who take prednisone start to develop glaucoma, which is increased eye pressure. I'm one of those 5%. If you notice blurry vision, get your eye pressure checked. If you've got glaucoma, you've got to get off prednisone - you don't want to risk blindness. I'm not trying to scare you - probably you're one of the 95% who can take prednisone. However, my experience is that doctors do NOT warn patients about the dangerous side effects, so you need to do your own research (or ask here on Healingwell).

regards,
Robert
Posted 10/19/2007 11:50 PM (GMT 0)
pee wee :)

There are a ton of posts regarding probiotis...they are a must, no point waiting to try them, get them as soon as you can...make sure to get a good one that does NOT contain a ton of preservatives, any sugar or sugar substitutes, dyes, artificial anything...

A good one that I use which is affordable (90 caps cost under 30 bucks and only one/day is needed) is Primadophilus Reuteri made by natures way.

As far as Prednisone goes, I've been on and off them for yrs with no horrible side-effects however they are no longer affective for me.

:)
Posted 10/20/2007 1:16 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks for the info on the Probiotics. I'm starting them soon now that the worst of this flare up is almost over.

Right now the Prednisone is working along with not eating anthing that may be intorerant.
Not that I'm intolerant of anything yet, but it's worth giving the guts a break. I'll find out as soon as the symptoms are totally gone.

On the lighter side were keeping the toilet paper companies in business. You still have to keep your humor although it's hard at times. LOL
Posted 10/20/2007 2:00 AM (GMT 0)
Pee wee :)

Here's a link regarding probiotics...in this it talks about IBDers taking them while flaring to help with flares....

 

http://www.cbc.ca/health/story/2006/10/12/probiotics.html#skip300x250

 

 

:)

Posted 10/20/2007 2:56 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks for the info on probiotics. Now that I've read more, I'm going to start taking tomorrow.

Posted 10/20/2007 3:37 AM (GMT 0)
I hope you find much relief with it pee wee!!!

:)
Posted 10/20/2007 8:24 AM (GMT 0)
Entocort does have fewer side effects, it worked for me for a yr and a half and then it died out.
I'm on pred 35mg (was at 40mg) and going down to 30mg. I got a whack of side effects, but no D, so that’s good, 3 weeks without that!
It took 5 days for it to kick in for me; apparently it can take up to 7 days I was told.

Everyone is diff, you gotta see how it works for you and etc etc, whatever you do don't give up.
I had to deal with severe pain in my knees and hands for a week and it wore off after I got use to the drug, then it turned into headaches, not sleeping well and being up all night (like now) and irritated/angry at times, and a fast heartbeat/ little shaking so i've been put on sleeping aids and anxiety meds and using them when I need to. We're trying to find my dose that's good for me. Btw, puffy face has started at day 5, not going away and was told it won't till i'm off it. Everyone I know noticed the weight gain in the face, oddly my weight is the same as 3 weeks ago. Go figure.

Good luck, and remember, we're here for you if you need us! Best wishes!
Posted 10/20/2007 10:04 AM (GMT 0)
I agree with all of you mentioned PROBIOTICS. Helps me a lot.


The side effects I had while eating prednisone, which is a steroide:

increased activity - while higher doses too active. (started at 40 mg x 2 days, 20 mg x 4 days, then 10 mg x some weeks, then lower and out) While on 40 mg and 20 mg: HIGH activity, while on 10 mg: High, but acceptable...while on 5 mg....lazy as usual :-)

I got no "moonface".....I had a slight trouble sleeping if I woke up in the middle of the night, this dissapeared when started on 10 mg.

I talked a LOT while on high doses. (My poor family)....

But remember: sideeffects occurs in different shapes :-)
Effects: got pain free / other sympt dissapeared from day 3 - 4, pain / other symptoms returned when on lower dose. Entocort is nicer to the body. If your doctor say it's ok, why not try it instead?

Good luck
From Ingrid
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