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Posted 4/6/2015 1:57 AM (GMT 0)
I was recently diagnosed with UC. Went to the doc due to some rectal bleeding and mucus, but no other complaints, no diarrhea, no discomfort. Colonoscopy revealed it was moderate to severe UC. The doc was surprised that I did not have any other symptoms. So I was put on 6 months of prednisone and Asacol. The effects of the prednisone were far worse than the UC itself (which was none except what I saw on the toilet paper). I gained 10 lbs, insomnia, muscle aches, and felt dizzy most of the time and generally felt unhealthy. Months layer, after tapering it down to zero, I saw a little bit of blood in the bowels the other day. But still no discomfort or any other issues. Went back to the doctor, and I am back on prednisone again. I am also scheduled for another colonoscopy (first one was 6 months ago). At least in my case the prednisone seems to have far worse symptoms than the desease it is trying to treat. Has anyone had a situation like this? I was also tempted to stop the treatment, but I hesitate because my grandfather died of colon cancer so I have the genes.
Posted 4/6/2015 3:32 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Andy, welcome to the forum.

I would suggest you try seeing another doctor for a second opinion on the treatment plan. While I'm not doubting your doctor's diagnosis of it being UC (though if he was wrong, then of course that would be great), but jumping on prednisone right away after you reporting such mild symptoms seems way too aggressive. I HATED being on prednisone, it was by far the worst drug I've used. Also, Lialda is a newer form of Asacol (they are both mesalamine/mesalazine-based drugs, but released in slightly different ways and my understanding is Lialda is supposed to be a little better, though it works differently for different people). A mesalamine-based enema or suppository has helped me better for the types of symptoms you've reported.

I've been to 4 different gastroenterologists since getting on UC and they all have different opinions and styles, and the one I'm seeing now is by far the best. So I would definitely recommend researching a good gastroenterologist in your area and getting a second opinion from them. Good luck.
Posted 4/6/2015 3:47 AM (GMT 0)
your doctor is a moron. he should not be using prednisone to treat you again. if asacol doesn't help, he should give you another UC drug, especially if you have moderate/severe UC. i've taken prednisone for a total of 9.5 months my entire life and have osteoporosis. i'd hate for you to go on another 6 month round of prednisone. that is just wrong. it also seems weird to do another colonoscopy since he's already seen your colon recently. what is he expecting to find?
Posted 4/6/2015 11:33 AM (GMT 0)
ditto on everything B-girl said -

ditch that doc NOW !
Posted 4/6/2015 1:04 PM (GMT 0)
your doctor is a moron. he should not be using prednisone to treat you...
if asacol doesn't help, he should give you another UC drug...

Your symptoms were very mild and IMO you did not need the pred. Prednisone should only be used as a last resort to manage uncontrollable symptoms. You can easily become dependent on prednisone.

I agree that if Asacol doesn't help then try another UC drug. Many have maintained remission with an oral med like Asacol along with a mild rectal enema taken as needed. Now you need to figure out how to taper out the prednisone asap and find a new doctor.

BTW if you are concerned about colon cancer please be aware that the 5-ASAs like Asacol and mesalamine enemas are anti-inflammatory and help to prevent cancer. You cannot say that about immunosuppressants like pred unless that is the only way to control flaring symptoms.
Posted 4/6/2015 1:14 PM (GMT 0)
Prednisone is a rescue drug meant to be used for the shortest time possible (due to risks of osteoporosis, glaucoma, type ii diabetes). It isn't a uc maintenance medication, as your 6 month usage of it shows. Prednisone is used during flares of uc, I used it when having 20+ bloody stools in a day. Not intended for mild symptoms of uc, as you experienced the side effects are terrible. But pred is way better then the pain, frequent bms, dehydration risks, etc of severe uc flares.

Standard treatment is an oral meslamine (e.g., asacol) and rectal meslamine (e.g., rowasa enema or canasa suppository). Report back to gastroenterologist specialist after a couple months and adjust medications accordingly. Second would be immunosuppressive medications (Imuran, aza, 6mp) in the event the patient has not responded to melamine.

What country are you in? Are you seeing a gastroenterologist specialist? Your doctor sounds incompetent.
Posted 4/6/2015 1:31 PM (GMT 0)
Seconding iPoop - rectal mesalamine plus oral mesalamine is the best first treatment.

Get yourself on rectal meds.

Find a new GI.
Posted 4/6/2015 4:30 PM (GMT 0)
Agree with other posts. Just diagnosed 2 months ago after 5 days of abdominal pain/mucus/bleeding. Colonoscopy showed mild to moderate proctosigmoiditis. Once on 5 ASA's both orally and rectally I have very few signs of the disease and my life is back to normal (95% better anyway). My doctor is big on treating the disease from "both ends" and likes the ASA's because they are not absorbed into the body as much as other medications and have few side effects for most people. I would ask your doctor why he/she went right to the "nuclear option." My doctor said she avoids the stronger medications unless absolutely necessary.
Posted 4/6/2015 5:13 PM (GMT 0)
ditto everyone
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