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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 4/5/2012 10:55 PM (GMT 0)
Hello All,
So I've been at the hospital for about 4 days now. I've gotten a scope and a MRI with barium suspension. The scope turned out terrible, they couldn't get past the sigmoid colon due to a stricture. It was pretty depressing. However, the MRI revealed that the rest of my colon and intestines seem quite alright. That cheered me up a bit not going to lie. Today the doctor started me on SoluMedrol IV steroids. I'm already noticing an improvement. They said if I improve by the weekend they're going to place me on Humira and 6MP to tackle the disease. I'm staying positive. My question is this. How many of you have been on this IV steroid before? What were some side effects? I'm on 60 MG a day right now.
Posted 4/5/2012 11:05 PM (GMT 0)
Yes, usually predinsone(solumedrol) administered via IV is very powerful since it goes directly in your bloodstream.

I remember when I had that done, it would end the bleeding in 1 day.
Posted 4/6/2012 12:51 AM (GMT 0)
Yeah my bleeding literally stopped after the first dose. Crazy.
Posted 4/6/2012 1:28 AM (GMT 0)
I was put on either 60 or 90mg of solumedrol during my hospital stay. Unfortunately my UC didnt respond to it - even when combined with cyclosporine and 6mp. I didn't experience any bad side effects: just some sweating and itching, but those could also have been caused by the dilaudid.

After surgery they switched me to IV hydrocortisone (?) I believe... and I reacted very badly to that. It didn't do anything to my body but it made me just feel so... suddenly sad and extremely anxious... afraid to sleep... as soon as I identified how badly it messed with my emotions I refused to take it and got put on oral prednisone instead :)
Posted 4/6/2012 1:41 AM (GMT 0)
I was on it at diagnosis in 1999. Side effects were diabetic and had to receive insulin. This was only temporary and resolved after the med was stopped. Sweating, insomnia and a terrible yeast infection. That was in part due to high doses of antibiotics too. If you can get some probitotics that might be a good idea. I also suspect they will ck your blood sugar levels to make sure you are not diabetic.

I pray you will feel better soon.
Posted 4/6/2012 1:51 AM (GMT 0)
i was put on IV prednisone for 7 days and had really bad side effects. didn't notice anything positive after i switched to oral prednisone either. i hope it helps you and can get you feeling better.
Posted 4/6/2012 3:59 AM (GMT 0)
Prednisone requires conversion to prednisolone by the liver in order to be used. My understanding is solumedrol is just that in IV form.

I had 120 and it eventually worked. I hate all the fake cortisol variations. Never want to take that again. High does Prednisone failed to do anything last time. I was tapering down when I paid the price. It was listed as a co-factor in my stroke.

Going to beat this thing naturally if at all possible. Going on 20 months now, looking for 24.
Posted 4/6/2012 4:36 PM (GMT 0)
BB, I believe solumedrol is more powerful than pred but I don't remember by how much. I would not worry too much about the side effects at this point as clearly your doc feels you need this. I hope the humira/imuran kick in very soon and you're back on your feet in time to enjoy the summer.
Keep us posted.
Posted 4/6/2012 7:13 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks everyone. I just want to be better by the summertime so I can enjoy taking my motorcycle out for a ride! I'm just hoping my face doesn't moon swell! It's my money maker :p
Posted 4/6/2012 9:19 PM (GMT 0)
Fortunately I haven't needed IV steroid, but I did have left-sided inflammation similar to what you describe-- where gastro could not push the scope any further due to narrowing of lumen. It's scary! I was started right away on 40mg oral Prednisone, which began working quickly, TG. After a 3-month taper to 2.5mg Pred I was slowly able to get back on 5-ASA meds. So-- hopefully, the IV steroid will subdue your inflammation to the point that doctors can find a new regimen for you. Yesterday I posted about attending a lecture on anti-TNF meds given by a visiting Belgian gastroenterologist/IBD researcher, Dr. Severine Vermeire. She seems so genuinely concerned about patients' needs and effective monitoring of biologics & immunosuppressant meds that I came away feeling IBDers do have a good chance to achieve/maintain remission using them-- so long as their gastro provides the necessary support. If the Cleveland gastros get you on to a successful drug therapy, be sure to stay in contact there when you return to Kent State-- because you'll need continuing care that is very informed & competent. The right kind of care can get you back on your motorcycle, but you have to pursue it consistently. All best wishes! / Old Hat (31 yrs with left-sided UC; presently in remission taking brandname Colazal)
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