Not sure what to make of this

I was diagnosed with severe UC in April, and for a while the meds (Lialdia and Azathiropine) helped, and then the symptoms came back. I was asked to go on Prednisone and to take a CAT scan. The scan showed up clear. I decided to stop with the prednisone because 1) its making me constipated 2) its making me eat like a monster. Now since I've stopped, there's so much urgency and there is bleeding too. And pain with it. since the scan showed up clear, I'm worried this could be something more than colitis. It showed no inflammation, but I was on the prednisone at the time so that could be a factor. I'm even worried that maybe I could have a tumor...Not sure what to make of all this. What do you guys think?

Prednisone only works while you take it. Your scan was clear while you were on it but now that you are off your colon is inflamed again. You're not going to die but you do need a better treatment plan. A CAT scan is a wierd way to check for inflammation. I'm not even sure how accurate it is for that purpose.

I advise you to seek the advice of a gastroenterologist who is an IBD specialists. preferably one who belongs to a good teaching hospital.

I would also get a stool sample to check for C. diff

First of all - prednisone is the worst. my bf's mom had the best description: "Its like there's a hungry demon inside you."

I was on prednisone for 6 mo. when I was first diagnosed. I gained 25 lbs, turned into a rage monster, and my colitis finally got under control.

As far as cancer goes, it's a big concern for me as well, since my maternal uncle died of colon cancer at 35. But as long as you are seeing your GI specialist and getting colonoscopies regularly (every 3 years for me), AND taking your meds, you're doing all you can do. Any extra stressing and worrying is just adding to the problem.

Also the CT scan - don't they pick up tumors? That was my impression when I had one.

Richie.;.; said...
I was diagnosed with severe UC in April, and for a while the meds (Lialdia and Azathiropine) helped, and then the symptoms came back. I was asked to go on Prednisone and to take a CAT scan. The scan showed up clear. I decided to stop with the prednisone because 1) its making me constipated 2) its making me eat like a monster. Now since I've stopped, there's so much urgency and there is bleeding too. And pain with it. since the scan showed up clear, I'm worried this could be something more than colitis. It showed no inflammation, but I was on the prednisone at the time so that could be a factor. I'm even worried that maybe I could have a tumor...Not sure what to make of all this. What do you guys think?

Prednisone healed the inflammation so it wasn't visible, you stopped prednisone and the inflammation returned, as did the blood, pain etc. Prednisone is a great rescue medication as it quickly heals you but you cannot stay on it long term (prednisone is dangerous when taken long term). Your other uc maintenance medications need to be sufficient to sustain you when you safely taper off of prednisone. It sounds like your maintenance medications are not sufficient, thus the return in symptoms. It sounds like you just stopped taking pred, very dangerous (adrenals may not wake up, strong withdrawal symptoms possible) if not done under a taper and doctor's directions.