What should I take to minimize Prednisone side effects?

I'm sorry to hear that you're having to start pred again. Such an awful drug. I was only on it once and never again. Totally wasn't worth it for me. Unfortunately I have no advice for you on how to lessen the effects.

Have you tried/talked to you doctor about Entocort? It's prednisone but it's less aggressive in terms of side effects. They say it takes longer to work but it worked quickly for me. For me, it was 100x better then anything prednisone did for me. The only cons are: It's expensive and long term side effects for me sucked. >_<

Thanks guys! My doc prescribed cortenema's on Tuesday, but when I noticed the eye infection and the skin manifestations, I called him today and he said, stop the cortenema's, we are going to have to put you on Prednisone. He didn't want me "double" dipping on the 'roids. My UC is manifesting outside the colon, which is why I have to take Pred orally. I wish I didn't, but it is what it is. I'm sorry it didn't work for you, Asia. It is nasty, but knock on wood, it's been very effective for me in the past. I'm hoping this round goes without hiccups. I'm starting with 40mg for 8 weeks (weening off 5mgs per week). Do you mind me asking what your long-term side effects were with the steroid enema's?

Yes Sue, I am already thinking of how not to gain the weight. I'm going to stick with my diet and start swimming. I love when I swim b/c for some reason when I'm in the water, the pressure of the water around me makes me have to pee a thousand times. Of course, I get out and go...that would be gross in the pool! LOL. So I'm hoping that will help wiht any fluid retention that comes along with Pred.

Any other advise about supplements? I didn't even think of asking my GI...maybe I'll call him tommorrow if no one else responds. Thanks again!

Thanks, Denise. Ahhhh, weight-bearing exercises. Gotcha. I will definately do some of those. You say walking is good? I used to like weight training, but lately my joints are just too sore, especially my hips and joints (from the inflamation, not the pred as I just started taking it today). I have been on pred about 3 or 4 times in 10 years since getting UC. Not too bad, but 3 or 4 times more than I would have liked.

I will definately talk to my primary about the bone density test. I had one during a health screening at work during open enrollment and it came back normal. That was about 3 years ago, right before I went on the last round of pred. And thanks for confirming I should be taking calcium with vitamin d. I'll hit the drug store tomorrow and pick up a bottle...actually I heard Target has a HUGE blue bottle and it's pretty cheap.

Great, hair loss. Didn't read that, nor do I remember havnig hair loss the other times I've taken pred. I lose enough without being on Pred. Hopefully I don't go bald...LOL. My husband is always complaining about my hair in the shower drain...he's such a nice hubby...always cleaning out the trap filled with my hair. I'm already moody, maybe it will mellow me out...I can dream!

I have been taking Prednisone orally/by I.V. injection on and off since last August. During my recent hospitalization I was given Fosamax (5mg/per day), Calcium and Vit D to prevent bone loss.

Yes, you should be taking a calcium supplement with vitamin D while on Pred (wouldn't hurt to continue taking them indefinitely either) and you should be taking a good probiotic (daily and indefinitely, flaring or not) one that contains at least 10 billion live cultures, refridgerated ones are usually best and if you look around, you should find some affordable ones too.

:)

Hi guys!  Thanks for the extra tips!  I have slacked this past week...crazy busy with work, but am going to stop and get the supplements tomorrow and start ASAP.  I agree with those that I should continue to take them even after I stop the pred.  I am just really bad about taking more than I already do (fifty wet noodles lashes across my back). 

Old Hat, I had a nice run for a while, but I got sick with the flu and the butt started acting up along side and hasn't stopped.  Then it started migrating to other parts of my body....skin, eyes, joints.  It's been an awful 2+ months. 

However, with that said, and since starting the Pred last week, I am feeling GREAT.  I am having minimal swelling and weight gain.  I'm sleeping good at night (with the exception of getting up to pee) and have tons of energy during the day.  I did have a couple days where I was craving nothing but JUNK food (pies, cakes, sweets, etc), but that seems to have subsided.  The bleeding has stopped, stools are formed, but I do feel a little bit constipated.  Other than that, I really have not had any issues with being on Pred and actually don't even mind.  I'm loving the part of feeling great, like I am unstoppable and have no health issues at all, and the increased energy level.  I know I'm crazy, but being on pred isn't the be all, end all for me.

Yes, I can tolerate some dairy...yogurt and certain cheeses - and some ice creams.  I've been eating a lot of swiss cheese lately (could be the constipation problem), and have my fridge stocked with yogurt.  I cannot do regular milk, and have been drinking fortified Rice milk instead.  I just went down to 35mg of pred last night...here's hoping I have no issues of a flare up recurrence.  I've never had a problem weaning off pred, but you never know and it doesn't hurt to pray a little either...LOL.

Once again, thanks for the responses and I'm glad to see so many old faces still on here, plus a lot of new ones.  I know I don't come around much - working, trying to keep up a house, husband, kids, activities - I do think of everyone often and send my prayers to you all in hopes you are doing well and staying healthy.

Trixy!

Prednisone actually causes excessive hair growth for me me and my sister (I thought it did for most as well). I never heard of it causing hair loss. I enjoyed my early years of prednisone use: it was an instant healing of colon for my first ten years of use. I get an increase in energy and appetitie and color back in skin. I never had bone density loss or other problems I read about. The only annoying thing I ever noticed was my heart would infrequently beat hard at doses above 60mg. I still get off the stuff as quickly as possible but I owuldn't be afraid of it unless you know you've had problems taking it.

Eat low sodium, consume diary as tolerated (I eat lots of cheese and yogurt), take valium if you experience mood swings. Impact exercises are a good idea but may make you flare symptoms worse so experiment with those. If you feel angry or frustrated just go into the garage or get in a parked car and scream and yell yourself  out until you get it out of your system.