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Posted 2/18/2009 4:45 PM (GMT 0)
Hi everyone.. I am currently in a flare now for almost 5 months and been trying to get it under control with Lialda, 2x 2 a day, and it was working for about 2 weeks... Now my flare is back worse than ever, blood, clots, cramping, feeling sick.. the whole enchilada...(wish I could eat those)...  Anyway.. Now my doctor is going to start me on Prednisone, not sure of how high a dose at first, probably around 40mg.. but was curious as to what can I expect once I start it???

  I have heard so many scary stories about it and when my husband took it last year for his diverticulitis, he got SO MEAN that I had to move out for a few months... it was HORRIBLE...

  Now I have to take it and I'm so worried..  What could I possibly expect from this drug?

 

   Thanks~~~!!!!

Posted 2/18/2009 4:50 PM (GMT 0)
I have been one of the lucky ones and the only side effect I have experienced is insomnia (which I kind of had before). I didn't gain weight, no mood swings, though I did have a couple of days where I felt some joint pain. The relief that I experienced within 24-36 hours was bliss.
Posted 2/18/2009 4:58 PM (GMT 0)
My side effects are not so bad, mostly weird. Appetite through the roof! Hence, some weight gain. Moon face, and fuzziness on my face, too. No need for more than 5 hours of sleep (I get a lot done). Heart racing and thumping, teeth feeling funny, some blurriness of vision. All temporary. I don't get the mood swings, fortunately! And it works for me, right away. I mostly hate the weight gain.

Good luck! I hope you can keep your home life peaceful this time.
Posted 2/18/2009 5:00 PM (GMT 0)

Exactly as UC in Memphis said.  Don't know if you will find out how it affects you until you try it.  I started at 40 mg.  and in two days felt like a new person.  My only real problem with it is a little vision - I am a senior and have that anyway.  Insomnia which I also have anyway did not get enough worse to worry about.  I listen to radio.

Bottom line is I am happy I am taking it - I took Xanax before for anxiety and I just make sure I keep taking it - it has helped I am sure.  I remember my husband's moods were terrible on prednisone but we are all different.  If you start at 40 mg. and have significant problems you have to taper but it would not be long before you could be off it - worth the try for me - and I was sooooo against it - but when you are cramping/bleeding/nauseated, etc. and have tried all the other options with no luck - it is worth a try (to me anyway).

ElaineNY

Posted 2/18/2009 5:08 PM (GMT 0)
Elaine I am so glad you are getting some relief!
Posted 2/18/2009 7:07 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks so much everyone.. I just got off the phone with my Dr's nurse and they are probably going to start me on Pred... I'm not as worried now as I was... the main problem for me would be the weight gain.. I'm already about 25lbs overweight... but, if it's only temporary I can deal with that.. I guess I'll have to join a gym or something to try and counteract the weight gain... lol.... and, I guess I could use a little insomnia and enerty to get some things done around here... I'll try and look at the bright side :)

Thanks again
Posted 2/18/2009 7:13 PM (GMT 0)
I loved prednisone, mostly. It worked within a day for me. I was on it over a year at various doses. Never gained weight. One simple solution to not gain weight--don't eat! It is hard, though, because it does increase appetite. Drink lots of water and avoid salt.
Posted 2/18/2009 7:29 PM (GMT 0)
I try to go low carb/Atkins, because you can eat more, protein is more filling and I won't gain.
Posted 2/18/2009 8:01 PM (GMT 0)
I agree with Peety - I did super low carbs while on pred and that helped a lot. I still retained some water. For me the UC symptoms were so much worse than the few side effects from the pred that it was worth it.
Posted 2/18/2009 8:24 PM (GMT 0)
just got moved to back to 30 a day no sleep for me hope it helps. glad to hear it helps some
Posted 2/18/2009 8:34 PM (GMT 0)
I was started on 40mg a day and it did nothing, if your flare is that bad witch is sounds like it is, tell them you want 60mg a day to start off on. The only side effect I got was mood swings here & there. I don't know how you can gain weight when you go to the bathroom so much like I do. I lost 25lbs. in the past 2 months and I can't gain my weight back till my flare is gone.
Posted 2/18/2009 9:54 PM (GMT 0)

I'm in the minority too . . I have no noticable short term side effects from Prednisone.  I get the jitters for the first day or two and maybe some sleeplessness but nothing worse than what I normally have.  Also, I am hungry but I am able to keep it at bay. 

Prednisone will make you feel better.  Definitely give it a try and eat as healthy as you can, stay away from salt and you'll get through it. 

Posted 2/18/2009 10:16 PM (GMT 0)
Insomnia, joint pain in my knees and moodiness.

I took it in the morning to curb the insomnia (GI prescribed ambien too)

Being aware of the moodiness is 1/2 the battle. Calm down and think before you open your mouth :)

As for weight gain, I keep a food diary daily regardless of Pred or not. Every time I thought about eating, I look at it to remind myself I don't need to be eating right now.
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