steriods

Other frequent reactions to short-term steroid use include insomnia, acne, hair loss (or sometimes it just moves to somewhere you don't want it - like your face) and joint pain. Also, you can have extreme irritability instead of depression.

Your doctor may not be talking about steroids, though. I don't see where you're on any 5-ASA (Asacol, Colazal, etc.) and this is usually the first drug used to try to control inflammation.

5-ASA's work as topical medicatons, dissolving in the colon and acting through direct contact with the colon wall. If you have proctitis, suppositiories or enemas alone may suffice. If the condition is throughout the colon, oral medications will be necessary. They are the first line of treatment for IBD and have the least serious side effects of any of the drugs we're treated with. Talk with your GI about the various formulations and which could be right for you.