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New to UC, Hydrocortisone and Prednisone

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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 8/6/2010 12:16 AM (GMT 0)
Hi everyone,

Thank you all for this amazing forum; these last 3 weeks have been a nightmare for me; I was diagnosed with mild Ulcerative Proctitis (10 cm, I'm no longer sure about the "mild" part) on July 15, which surprised me because right before the colonoscopy that I had on July 12 the only symptom I had was occasional bleeding after BMs when the stool was hard since March 2010. But I guess that my diagnosis matched my first bad flare... Since I was diagnosed I've experimented pretty much everything you guys describe: cramps, tons of gas, pain, irregular BMs ranging from constipation to sudden, out-of-nowhere diarrhea and tons of bleeding, mucus, and discomfort. Sometimes I just go to the bathroom and there is no stool, just mucus, blood, and gas, and when there is stool, it's very little. That, in addition to the 8-12 times I have to go to the bathroom each day and the 10 pounds I've lost in just 3 weeks have made these 3 weeks a nightmare. Yet, it has been a great comfort to know that I'm not alone in this, so thank you guys.

I guess my question is about the meds I was prescribed. I've tried to do some research and to ask my doctor as much as I can, but since I'm new to this I guess you guys can help me out a little. Yesterday my doctor prescribed me Prednisone, 10 MG, 2 tablets a day for 2-3 weeks, and then to cut it back to 1 1/2 pills a day for 1 week, then 1 pill a day for 1 other week, and so on. From your experience, do you think this will help me fight the symptoms and hopefully lead me towards remission? I'm also under Hydrocortisone Acetate suppositories, 1 a day before bedtime. I've been using them for about a month already, since my doctor gave them to me before we knew it was UP when we all thought it was just hemorroids. Are these two meds too strong? have they helped you at all?

The other thing is the side effects. My doctor told me they could range from weight gain to changes in mood and damage to the bones. Have you guys experience that? How have you coped with the side effects? are these very common?

I would appreciate your advice; I acknowledge there is a wealth of experience regarding UC and UP here so your help, comments and support will be much appreciated. I apologize if there are any grammar errors (English is my second language and I've been learning since about 2 years ago only). I hope I can get out of this flare soon and I wish the same to all you who are going through flares right now!

Thanks!

Post Edited (Heptacampeâo) : 8/5/2010 6:25:28 PM (GMT-6)

Posted 8/6/2010 1:07 AM (GMT 0)
It sounds like a low dose of prednisone but if it's truly mild proctitis, it could help. Have you started taking the 20mg a day?

Are you on any other medication? Many of us were able to get out of a flare with just Asacol/Lialda/Colazal. This would be a much better option if it worked for you because prednisone has terrible side effects. Trust me, I know. I've been on Prednisone since February, ALMOST off 2x but relapsed. I have gained quite a bit of weight, I feel very depressed and I have a lot of trouble sleeping. The only way I cope with the side effects is by telling myself I am going to get off prednisone soon and hoping they will go away.
Posted 8/6/2010 6:27 AM (GMT 0)
Thank you for your reply; I started on prednisone just today; I hope I can cope with the side effects well and will definitely ask my doctor about the meds you mentioned. I didn't know about the wheight gain thing; how much are you taking and how much have you gained? I hope you recover soon so that you may stop taking prednisone.

Thanks!
Posted 8/6/2010 11:26 AM (GMT 0)
You are on a relatively low dose of prednisone so hopefully you won't see any side effects or at least not as bad. Keep in mind that there are other medications out there that don't involve steroid like Notsosickly mentioned These are 5-ASA medications. These can be oral or rectal meds. If you are not seeing any improvement from the suppositories, you can advance from there to steroid foam or enemas. These might have a higher percentage of steroid. Also too, a good rectal 5-ASA is called Rowasa or Salofalk (depending on where you live). These are more benign and can be used long term to achieve and maintain remission.

Btw, welcome to Healingwell but sorry to you had to find us under the circumstances. If you should have any further questions, do not hesitate to post.
Posted 8/6/2010 1:06 PM (GMT 0)
I am on 30mg of prednisone and so far have no side effects. I put myself on a low sodium diet to help prevent my face from swelling up. Be smart and eat healthy and you shouldn't have an issue with weight gain especially if you are only on it for a short period of time.
Posted 8/6/2010 2:53 PM (GMT 0)
Don't worry about the side effects for now. The rule of thumb is you want to take the least amount of steroids necessary to induce remission for the shortest possible amount of time, Most of the worst side effects come with prolonged use.

Having your rectum inflamed can cause dramatic symptom as in your case.

Another option for you is cortifoam. It sure helps me when I have inflammation in the rectum.

Between the oral pred and the rectal meds, you should be able to get it under control. If you don't respond to 20 mg of pred, the doc may up it. 40 mg is pretty standard to start when trying to get a flare under control. 20 mg seems a little low.
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