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Going on vacation...mid flare!

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Posted 11/10/2008 10:37 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Everybody,

I'm going on a 2 week vacation to the Philippines and China next week...but I'm in the middle of a flare, and I'm totally freaking out. I don't think it will be under control by then, and we have all these amazing activities planned.

I've never taken prednisone or anything more aggressive than my Asacols, cort enemas, and mesalamine enemas...I've always tried to "tough it out" even when I'm going 15 times a day with lots of blood and my doctor has suggested prednisone. I guess I'm just too scared of all the side effects I hear about and I've always been resistant to medication.

Would some of you more experienced folks suggest that I take pred to get things under control during my vacation? I really don't want to let my UC ruin our vacation for my family and myself -- it really will, I have no doubt about it. Would the side effects of the pred be worse than having a full out flare? Will my lowered immune system due to the pred cause me to get some stupid tropical disease and kill me? Dang, I hate UC so so much =(

Thanks!
Posted 11/10/2008 10:54 PM (GMT 0)
Aw, I am sorry to hear about your flare. that sounds really aggravating.
i've had good experiences with prednisone before and i would definitely recommend it. i didn't have any negative side effects and it helped my symptoms a lot. hope that helps.

jessica
uc
29
asacol
imuran
on off enemas, hycosamine, prednasone
Posted 11/10/2008 10:58 PM (GMT 0)
It works for me, and when you're flaring is worth the side effects. They have always been only temporary discomforts for me. And it can work quickly, so it sounds like it's the ticket for you. Let us know!
Posted 11/11/2008 1:17 AM (GMT 0)
you could try, but for me it took about 2 weeks to really start benefiting me.
hope you are able to have a good time!
Posted 11/11/2008 3:04 AM (GMT 0)
Lomitil, or another anti-spasmodic. Thats best thing you can do for yourself.
Posted 11/11/2008 4:49 PM (GMT 0)
I would try prednisone,it is the only thing i have found (unfortunately) so far that keeps my UC under control. You shouldn't be concerned about your immune system unless you have taken it for a little while. For me it works within 24 hours and i have had very little side effects from it. HOWEVER try to take a short dose so that you dont' have a hard time tapering off.
Posted 11/11/2008 7:15 PM (GMT 0)
You'd have to be crazy not to. Pred can be very effective in knocking this out before it gets worse. I realise it may not always work but has been very effective for me over the years. I have never been on it long term. Arrest the inflamation asap.
See my post on hospital stay which I just post regarding IV steroids and you'll see what they do when its severe.

The long term effect if steroids and the short term effectiveness where they work for you should not be confused.
Posted 11/11/2008 9:53 PM (GMT 0)
I'll go on my vacation next month. I odered prednisone to take it with me . I don't needed it now,but if I will not feel well It will help me. I wish it will help you too.

                    Carlos smhair

Posted 11/11/2008 10:04 PM (GMT 0)
Prednisone is a lifesaver for me. I would definately use it for such a big vacation. Enjoy yourself over there! Remember you can always taper off it once you get back home. And the side effects aren't really noticeable for me...

FYI- my Doc never put me over 40mg of prednisone per day.

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