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Posted 2/6/2012 5:35 AM (GMT 0)
I've been taking 4.8 G of Lialda per day, and 60mg of Prednisone per day and a daily hydrocortisone enema until my doctor scaled things back to 40mg of Prednisone and having the enema every other day about two weeks ago. I've been generally fine, but as I'm walking home from work the past two days, I've had the urge for a massive bowel movement. While this bm isn't bloody, I've been unable to hold it in. Has anyone else had a similar issue? Could this be a result of the medication?
Posted 2/6/2012 6:43 AM (GMT 0)
Sorry to hear that Nate - been there. I'm inclined to think it's your irritated and inflamed colon making a statement versus a direct link to the medication.
Posted 2/6/2012 6:47 AM (GMT 0)
It sounds to me as though you might be making progress, actually. This is the second report of urgency part way through a course of prednisone we've had here on the forum in two or three days. What you're experiencing is tenesmus, its a symptom of inflammation. The fact that your stool isn't bloody just has to be a step forward. I'd be patient with these sensations as you move ahead, expecting that ultimately they will disappear. The medication is not the problem.
Posted 2/6/2012 9:51 AM (GMT 0)

Captain Ca-Ca said...
It sounds to me as though you might be making progress, actually. This is the second report of urgency part way through a course of prednisone we've had here on the forum in two or three days. What you're experiencing is tenesmus, its a symptom of inflammation. The fact that your stool isn't bloody just has to be a step forward. I'd be patient with these sensations as you move ahead, expecting that ultimately they will disappear. The medication is not the problem.

I'd agree only because it isn't bloody (although other stools I've had have still had some), but it's been two days now. Any idea how long this will last (I am following up with my doctor in a few days so I can ask him if you prefer.), and can you link me to the other post you mentioned? I'm curious to see what that user had to say.
Posted 2/6/2012 1:38 PM (GMT 0)
If I was still having blood at all I would be using the enemas nightly. Sometimes when starting the pred taper the symptoms start creeping back. Upping the enemas helps at least for me.
Posted 2/6/2012 2:27 PM (GMT 0)
Nate0130,

I believe the other party was Baggravation. Her symptoms were quite similar to yours.

If you had bloody diarrhea earlier, you were probably reacting to it the moment you felt it appear and had immediate access to a bathroom. Now, since things have improved and there is no blood, your confidence is higher and the tendency is to resist which only intensifies the awareness of the urge. I strongly suspect that these symptoms will disappear as your inflammation responds to the steroids. Your physician who must judge your progress felt that you were improving enough to justify a reduction to 40 mgs prednisone and every other day hydrocort enemas. That's important and must be the decisive factor, not the opinion of a non-professional. I'd stay the course and not be overly alarmed about the tenesmus.

Post Edited (Captain Ca-Ca) : 2/6/2012 7:37:04 AM (GMT-7)

Posted 2/6/2012 2:50 PM (GMT 0)
I often wonder if tenesmus is more likely to happen when the prednisone is at it's lowest in your body. i.e. if you are taking 40mg in the am and you are walking home after work the prednisone may not be 'wearing off'. Does going to the bathroom before walking home help? Maybe a foam enema at work before you head home to get you there?
Posted 2/8/2012 2:03 PM (GMT 0)
@Captain Ca-Ca - Thanks, I'll see if I can find her post and compare. It hasn't happened since so maybe I'm getting better.

@ManhattanMama - I take 20mg in the morning and 20mg in the evening. That's why I was finding this a little strange. Also, going to the bathroom before I left didn't even work so I might look into doing a foam enema.
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