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Taking Hydrocortisone

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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 3/6/2014 9:30 PM (GMT 0)
I have recently been diagnosed with ulcerative proctitis after several months of back and forth. I don't experience any diarrhea, just irregular bowel movements, significant wind/bloating, occasional blood and always mucus.

I have been prescribed Pentasa (mesalazine) and Hydrocortisone 50mg suppositories - which I'm supposed to alternate daily between for the next month(s) until things settle down.

My concern is taking steroid suppositories longer term can be problematic, correct? Should I be concerned about this or do you think it is okay?

Thanks for any advice.
Posted 3/6/2014 9:37 PM (GMT 0)
Yes long term steroid use is a very bad thing. Well, you've only been diagnosed for several months now, and if you've been on steroids for only a couple months concurrently then it is certainly nothing to worry about. Steroids are strong stuff, work quickly, help get your symptoms under control, and enable your body to heal in the interim. I am sure the steroids are just a short term solution your GI is using. Ask him/her to be sure. Once you get off of the steroids, your other maintenance meds will have to be enough to hold your symptoms in check.

How long is too long on steroids? It is rather subjective. Most will say 6 months is too long, others say 1 year or more is too long.
Posted 3/6/2014 10:01 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks, yes my GI said to slowly phase out both medications once I'm better so hopefully shouldn't be taking them for more than a couple of months. Fingers crossed anyways.
Posted 3/6/2014 10:36 PM (GMT 0)
A few months of rectal steroids isn't a big deal as far as I know. It's the oral pills that cause the really bad long-term consequences. The topicals thin the skin over time but you would have to be on them for a very long time. A few months is normal treatment.
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