Prednisone.... don't want to take it :(

Hi everyone,

I've been taking Balsalazide (9 pills a day) for 8 weeks now. I have seen some improvements, but not in remission. However, it has given me some of my freedom back. I feel like I can actually go out without worrying quite so much. I do still have issues with D, urgency, blood etc. Saw my GI yesterday. He wants me to continue the Balsalazide, and add Canasa suppositories also with a 5 week course of prednisone. I used the Canasa last night and I feel a little off this morning... kind of jittery. I am wondering if this is normal? I really DON'T want to take the pred. I get extreme mood swings with a short course of it. I don't know how I will make it for 5 weeks. ( I know this may seem like a short time to be on it for some, but the stuff makes me CRAZY!) I told my doc this, but he pretty much insisted that I take it, because he wants me in remission. He also gave me Colozapam to help me sleep while on the Pred. I am the type of person that hates to take Tylenol, so the cocktail of all these drugs is making me somewhat apprehensive. Any input?

I'd encourage the retention enemas as well.

q

See if you can do topical steroids instead: either hydrocortisone retention enemas, or steroid foam. The foam is a bit weird to take, but it's much easier to retain. Additionally, since I was on mesalamine enemas at the same time that the cortifoam was prescribed, I was able to take the foam, and then take the retention enemas 30 minutes later.

It's worth stressing that your doctor cannot force you to take certain medications, and should absolutely listen to you in order to find a treatment plan that gets you well! I've switched doctors when I feel ignored, or when a doctor refuses to provide me with alternatives, and I can assure you, there are almost always alternatives!

Thanks all!