To take pred or not?

Really???? The GI told you that a flare doesn't come w/periods?  Let me tell you, I always flare during my period, even if it's a mini flare, it's still there.  I consulted w/my OBGYN about this once and she explained, in a very scientific way (and why I can't be specific), that the digestive tract directly affects the reproductive organs and visa versa.  The worse time of the month for me is period time--I have even contemplated a hysterectomy, but OBGYN didn't think removing the ovaries was a good idea--I just read a research article last week that stated that women who have their ovaries removed before menopause have a high risk of dementia, something about the termination of needed estrogen.  As far as Prednisone goes, I take it when the benefits outway the negative--for me, can't stop going to the bathroom, I mean bad, can't control the bleeding for an extended period of time, you get the point.  You know Protofoam works for me, its an anal steroid, was told has no long-term systemic side effects.  How about good ol Rowasa enemas?

Have you tried entocort? it is like pred but the side effects are not the same. It is much easier on your body. It does take a bit longer to work, but I think it is worth it.

My symptoms are worse right before my period. I get god awful cramping (not menstrual) and more trips to the bathroom. It started after I went off the pill but has gotten better the longer I've been off.

Well, my periods are pretty bad, probably not typical. My symptoms last for approx. ten days--usually start w/bad headaches, fatigue, and increase the closer I get to my actual flow days. The first day of my actual period I feel like a truck has run over me, sometimes I cannot walk. The first day I have bad diarreha, increased blood and mucus, stomach pain and cramps. My flow days only last for 2-3 days b/c of the birth control pill and gets much better after that. The pill really helps me. The reason I know UC affects my menstral cycle is b/c I've had bad periods since I was a teenager, but when I was Dx w/UC they became almost unbearable. For all those wondering, as I said, I've explored hysterectomy option, herbal/supplements (primrose oil, flax seed oil, various "women's" formulas, wild yam cream, etc., etc....and acupuncture, relaxation, yoga, pilates, meditation, walking....AND still the same. But, on the bright side, I still do a lot of the physical stuff, when I'm able and take good herbs/supplements. I feel for having several chronic conditions, I'm in pretty good shape, physically I mean. Oh, I forgot the most important thing that gets me through all the bad days, pain medication (I wouldn't be able to funtion on those days without them).

Well, as of this morning, I've succombed to taking the prednisone. 

My bathroom trips increased from 2-3 times/day Wednesday and Thursday to 5 times Friday to 8 times yesterday all with blood in the stool. 

I understand what others are saying, now. When the blood and pain get to a certain point, it is time for something different.  My hope is that in 2 weeks, my dose can be lowered and I can be off of the big P sooner than later.  I am getting ready to start Weight Watchers at work, so that can only help, I pray, to ward off the munchies and weight gain. 

Please keep me in your thoughts and prayers and I will do the same for all of you and those not here, too. Support going through all of this really makes a difference.  I know my husband and family are there, but it's also nice to have you all, who are actually going through many similarities.  I hope that after this stint of P is over, perhaps my GI and I can talk about the Rowasa and Entocourt and the other possibilities out there.  

It could be that the antibiotics you were on recently caused this flare-up. I hope you'll be able to taper down the Pred after a week or so. Good luck & take care. / Old Hat (nearly 30 yrs with left-sided UC; currently on 3 X 3 Colazal daily for July flare in descending colon; should be back in remission soon)