New to Prednisone and perplexed

Hi all, I just started taking prednisone after going into a flare I just couldn't get out of. It's been looming and for years and years I've avoided the stuff, but I finally threw up my white flag and now here I am.

I started the dose a few weeks ago, taking 8 pills a day, and tampering every week. I'm about to reduce to 5 pills a day tomorrow. But here's my thing, other than the obvious possible side effects, my doctor didn't really tell me what to expect. So I'm a bit lost as to know if I'm on track or not.

The first week I was taking them, I was feeling so unbelievably fantastic. I had an uber (yup, I said uber) amount of energy and all my bleeding stopped within 2 days. Pain was really reduced and after about 3/4 days my bms started to get normal. It was fantastic!!!

Then crazy bruises started showing up. I've been doing renovations, so haven't been thinking too much about them other than to just think "oh there's another one". I've been getting up a few times at night to pee (never happened before), my energy has dropped and now over the last few days I've been getting psycho bad heartburn (so bad my partner almost too me to the hospital).

By the middle of my second week, I'd had 2 'accidents' again and the blood was back. It's still here, so is the pain, although reduced. So now I'm still pooping like crazy (though a little better than before),but also bruised, getting chubby, tired and with bad heartburn.

Is this normal? Is there a point where the prednisone is supposed to really kick in? Or am I experience all this stuff because I'm weaning off it? Should I be going back to my GI and telling him its not working?

Any input would be greatfully appreciated from those who've had experience on prednisone.
thanks!
BGGirl

Seems to be some people suffer with the side effects more than others but I experience the increase in energy levels (decreases as you taper down dose), retain fluid, acne,  pee during night, emotional all these gradually disappear when you taper the dose.

It may be your UC symptoms are coming back so you may be decreasing a bit too fast so I would speak to your doctor about that.  I have always decreased 5mg per week but if I feel that my symptoms are getting worse I have held at that dose for 2 weeks but speak to your Doctor for advice.

Hope you better soon

Hi there,

I am back on oral pred. after a wonderful 2 1/2 year complete remission. This current flare up seemingly came from nowhere! I began bleeding heavily last week and began 40 mgs. of prednisone, and increased my 6MP from 50 to 100.

Side effects, ahhhh, where to begin! Heartburn, yes. Bruising, yes. Also, I have mood swings... from happy ,happy to DOWN in the DUMPS- just like that! I really have learned over the years to just ride the waves and constantly remind myself that this is all part of this crazy UC. Sadly, I find that managing the meds is as difficult as the illness itself. Prednisone packs a punch, and ya just have to roll with it. I also have been up and down all night... that's the pred. insomnia!

Having a supportive husband, friends , and family helps a lot. Even so, this is a very personal experience that can leave ya feeling isolated and alone. UC is so little understood.  Go easy on yourself. Also, try not to resent those on the outside that just don't seem to get it! Times like these I really dig down and muster up personal strength... I take the challenge head on and try to be optimistic. Sure does make those remissions SWEEEET! Also, I find that keeping a sense of humor.. as much as possible, helps tremendously.

Lastly, this site is a welcome place to turn to- YOU ARE NOT ALONE! Hunker down, chin up, and keep positive. You will get through it! Keep in touch....

tree

Thanks everyone for your input on this.  I couldn't get ahold of my GI right away so upped my dose a little bit and it stopped the bleeding at least. 

Finally I've heard back from my GI and he is concerned at the reaction and is getting me in for another colonoscopy early next week   which isn't really what I wanted to hear, but maybe it will get me some more answers.  My only thing is that now that I'm back up to 7 pills a day the bleeding has stopped... so I'm worried it will all look okay "down there" when he goes to look!