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Prednisone and SCD

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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 10/9/2008 5:25 PM (GMT 0)
My husband has been on high dose prednisone to treat his UC since May 2008.  He's not in remission yet.  He has just started the specific carbohydrate diet, and is really optimistic about the diet's potential.  We understand, however, that it can take a while to get to remission on the diet.  Meanwhile, he needs to get off of the prednisone, but he's still having up to 5 BMs a day with some other symptoms.  Does anyone have any experience tapering prednisone while on the diet?  Can he start tapering before he's in remission?  How can he introduce and know whether he tolerates new foods if he is simultaneously changing the dose of his medication? He's currently taking 60 mg, and the longer he is on it the worse the side effects seem to get.  At what point do the long-term/permanent risks of prednisone outweigh the benefit of being on it?

His gastroenterologist recommends Remicade -- he is afraid to start down that path because of the side effects, particularly lymphoma for which he has a family history.  He'd like to give the SCD a chance to work, but needs to get off the prenisone ASAP.  We'll certainly appreciate any advice from those who've dealt with this dilemma.

Posted 10/9/2008 6:18 PM (GMT 0)
He can (and probably should) begin to taper even though he's still experiencing symptoms. Is he on an ASA?

Any diet takes time to work, unlike pharmaceuticals. He won't really know how well it's working until he's completely off the pred, but he should keep a daily food journal to track what he's eating and any adverse reactions. Patience is required... this is a long-term process that requires alot of tweaking.

I'd suggest you support the dietary changes with other healing supplements: omega-3 to reduce inflammation, l-glutamine, Mucosaheal and aloe for gut healing, probiotics to rebuild good gut flora. In my experience, it's the COMBINATION of diet and other supportive therapies, along with meds as necessary, that works.
Posted 9/15/2011 2:39 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Dec37- were you all successful in getting your husband off the meds with the diet?

My husband has Ulcertive Colitis and began prednisone in April 2011 and then started the diet in late June 2011. He tried to taper off the pred in late August 2011 and got down to 2.5mg before he had a flare up. He's now on a high dose of pred again and has stayed on the diet. Are there any tips for successfully getting him off the pred while maintaining the diet?
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