How long until Prednisone starts working?

K so I've been on Prednisone in the fast and it seemed to work right away. I've been on it for around 4-5 days now at 40mg and I don't notice an improvement. If anything, I'm having more bowel movements and I feel constipated. Every time I run to the bathroom, I feel urge to pass a really large BM but I am never able to do so - hence the constipation. One thing I did notice is that I'm able to get to the bathroom on time. Before, I wouldn't even be able to get to the bathroom before I had a BM in my pants :( But other than that, I've noticed no improvement.

What's happening? Prednisone used to be my miracle drug!

BTW - I've been on Prednison 3 times prior within a one year and a half span.

ALSO, I'm taking Imuran at the same time I take the Prednisone. Do you think the fact that I'm taking them at the same time could have some sort of effect? Also, I tend to take my calcium and Vit D also with the Imuran and Pred as well.

Are you using any rectal drugs as well? Cortifoam and Mesalamine enemas really help!

"Before, I wouldn't even be able to get to the bathroom before I had a BM in my pants."

I like this. Sign this guy up!

Kidding aside, the disconnect between your feeling an urge to go and what you describe as "constipation" needs some clarification. If the stool you're passing is hard or hardish you're constipated; if its more soft yet well formed its normal, and if its liquid its diarrhetic. These are important differences to grasp in your case. Should your stool be hard and pass with difficulty, I'd guess that the at least some of this sensation is attributable to the prednisone itself. It can make your bowel feel stiff. But you claim that you're going with somewhat greater frequency which would not be consistent with "constipation" at all. Its my view that you're experiencing the typical manifestations of tenesmus, an urgent desire to evacuate the bowels but with passage of little stool. These are symptoms produced by inflammation and are likely to be a sign of progress given the incontinence you reported above. Sounds to me as though the prednisone is starting to slow down your disease. Without question, give things more time.

That's $350. You can pay with cash at the front desk or we'll accept some form of slave labor if a cash payment works a hardship for you.

I agree with Ca-Ca about the tenesmus (boo) but I think you need to be patient. When I was on pred the first time, I was better so quickly, seriously, like one day and I felt "Normal". After I had a relapse and I had to increase the dose back to 40mg, it took about 10 days on 50mg before I saw a great result. I guess you never know what to expect. I Have to wonder if the more time you're on the drug, the harder a time you have responding .I wonder if anyone who has been on pred 5x in the past still responds in a day or two? I hope that we respond quickly in the future - hopefully we can avoid prednisone regardless.

Thanks you two! I agree about the Pred not working so well anymore. The first couple times I was on it, I noticed a HUGE difference in a day or two. Now it is taking forever! This is my 4th time going on it though; that's probably why. I'm gonna see my GI soon and I'll ask her how she feels about the enemas with the Pred.

Question: If Prednisone is systemic then why take enemas? I understand they target your rectum and the lower part of your colon but the Pred is getting there too. I jut dont wanna be taking too much at one time. Pred is pretty nasty on its own. What do you think?

Captain I like the sense of humor.... and with this disease we have to find humor where we can!

I agree you must have some rectal inflammation, I myself ended up back on oral Pred this week, and my GI told me to continue the hydrocort enemas also, but Pred works really well and really fast for me.. I wish it was something you could stay on forever. Take out the moon face, the no sleep and the osteoporosis and I love it! I will be starting 6mp in alittle over a week also so I am hoping this keeps me on the right track.

For someone who was constipated her entire life these last couple of years have taken their toll. I run I run I run... never intending to becoming a runner. :)

Baggravation,

"@ Captain - I think the bloated feeling is the gas :( I'm seeing my GI in about a week so we shall see what she says. BUT, it's not that I don't pass anything when I go. I always pass something, it's just not a lot. And it doesn't look like stool. It's white, almost clear looking. I'm thinking it's mucus."

I think we've got it pinned down: Its tenesmus. The mucus would be consistent with this view also as both it and tenesmus are symptoms of inflammation. Frankly, I think you're on the mend. You're having fewer bowel movements, no blood and no incontinence. That's progress. Stay the course. Here's a link that can provide some perspective:

http://www.clevelandclinicmeded.com/medicalpubs/diseasemanagement/gastroenterology/inflammatory-bowel-disease/

By the way, I have some uranium mine stock I'd reluctantly sell to someone that just absolutely begged me for it. Why we could even see the transaction as a way of my expressing concern for a fellow sufferer. I mean that's me, always the patsy.

Post Edited (Captain Ca-Ca) : 2/4/2012 7:18:29 PM (GMT-7)

Baggravation,

"THANKS! So can I do anything about this tenesmus? How do I make it stop? :l"

Well, there are two things you can do, actually. One, since tenesmus is a sign of inflammation, you can treat the inflammation which is precisely what you're doing by taking the prednisone. Two, you can make a generous contribution to the Captain Ca-Ca Center On Inflammatory Bowel Disease. Now admittedly, I take a small fee for my work at the Center but ....

Post Edited (Captain Ca-Ca) : 2/4/2012 7:36:03 PM (GMT-7)

@ Captain - Ahahaha, you just never stop do you ahah! :D I guess I'm gonna have to wait this out. Oh how I wish there was an easier solution :(
@ Carlie - I'm going to talk to my GI about the enemas. I just recently switched my GI and my previous GI took me off the steroid enemas. I actually hate steroid enemas cause I have a hard time holding them but they make me feel better instantly.

@ Captain - Thanks Captain :)
@ Unbannable - it worked for me once, here's hoping it'll work it's magic again!