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hydrocortisol in place of prednisone

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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 3/3/2014 2:58 PM (GMT 0)
Hello all,
I am grateful to have the presence of mind to greet you before I totally lose my mind! I am trying to taper prednisone. At present I am taking 7 mg. Every taper of .5mg, I become extremely emotionally and mentally unstable with crying jags and feelings of losing my mind. The local endocrinologist says a switch to a weaker steroid, hydrocortisol might ease some of the taper symptoms, but not the UC symptoms. I have not been totally symptom free for two years. I do take Apriso and 125 mg Imuran. A friend says a steroid is a steroid is a steroid. Have any of you tried this path? Any suggestions are welcomed. I need some relief. MizBee
Posted 3/3/2014 3:14 PM (GMT 0)
I have been tapering from prednisone for last 8 months but when I reached 7.5 or 5 mg my symptoms came back. I started 6mp and am on 75 mg of 6 mp and still when I went down to 5 mg of prednisone, I started seeing blood. So my last GI visit he stopped prednisone and prescribe Uceris. Which I beleive is milder than prednisone. So far so good but I have to see what happens once I stop Uceris.
So to answer your question, your friend is correct but Uceris is milder than prednisone. Goal should be get off all the steroid.
Posted 3/3/2014 3:46 PM (GMT 0)
I wouldn't replace prednisone with Uceris as far as withdrawyl goes. It might not be a bad idea UC treatment wise. Prednisone is a systemic steroid, which effects the entire body. Uceris is mostly a topical steroid, which mostly effects the colon and not the entire system. I don't know much about hydrocortisol but I wouldn't be afraid to follow the advice of an endocrinologist, they should know. A steroid is a steroid is a steroid, just like a McDonalds is a Burger King, is a Wendy's, is a Dairy Queen.
Posted 3/4/2014 9:37 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks for the feedback. I am to the point where if the hydrocortisol allows a more significant flare to occur then it is time to consider surgery. I am 61 and have not been totally symptom-free for three years. Quality of life is becoming more and more paramount as time shortens. I cannot tolerate steroids any longer. Your input has been very helpful about grades of steroids/burgers. We each have our preferences and maybe a milder steroid will make the tapers possible.
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