To take prednisone or not to take prednisone

My colitis is being weird. I haven't had solid BMs much in the past month and a half or so. Once in a blue moon that happens where things are normal. Now, I'm not having urgency, but when I do go it's very little and loose and there's blood. I know it's not good, but it keeps going up and down. I was bad, then good, then bad again with the BMs. I've been off and on prednisone; I'll be on it for 2 months, then good for a month and a half, then back on prednisone again. My eyelashes are falling out easily and my hair is thinning. Don't know if that was the prednisone or lack of some vitamins...(?).

Problem is...right now I don't have insurance. Good news is I'm going to have it May 1st. For now, I have to pay full price for a doctor's visit, and he's a general doctor :P.

And the only other meds I've taken are 6mp which made me nauseous 24/7. If the 6mp is better for your body than prednisone, I'll do it. I'm a little scared of enemas :P

Any advice is definitely appreciated.

For most people, 6MP has less side effects than Prednisone. But if you're nauseated all the time, It may not be better for you. Since you're going to have insurance in less than two months, Pred might keep you under control until then. When your insurance takes effect, try to get back on 5-ASA's and do consider rectal meds also.

Hi!

Firstly, your symptoms seem to mild so far to be considering Pred, you don't want to end up steroid dependent so early on. You should try rectal meds first, I was scared of them too but the 10% steroid foam stopped my bleeding within 10 days and it's a doddle to administer (takes 15 secs before bed).

How quickly has Pred worked for you in the past? Is it instant or does it take a while to kick in?

Yep...rectal meds...start with at least the Rowasa (or generic), which is a 5ASA retention enema.

Can't stress rectal meds enough.....

q