Hi Im new here , problem re Pred

Hello there nice to meet you all .
I was diagnosed with UC probally about 4 years ago and went on the meds of prednisolone , mezavant & salofalk enamas and it stopped the flare up . But I didn't really take the condition that seriously and quickly dropped off the meds inc not taking the salofalk for very long at all due to the nature of the procedure of taking it . I do remember some of the side effects , insomnia , aches & pains etc etc .

I got paid out on by my doctor saying who told you to stop taking Mezavant ya on em for the rest of you life !

Anyway Ive had another flare up this time lots of blood & had a endoscope to comfirm . Ive just been put on pred again & Salofalk but no Mezavant .
2 days inn and the mood swings are shocking as well as back aches etc etc .
Problem is I really wanted to take a holiday to Thailand in the next week or so and there's no way Im going to have a good time on Pred .Not worth going I think .

The blood has already stopped & my app for the specialist is not for another 3 weeks .
Can I try a shorter time other than the 8 weeks or so it takes to come off this stuff ? I really want the holiday as it's a good time Ive just finished a work contract .
4 years ago I become a vegetarian cut out all junk food , alcohol etc etc and thats helped but the coffee I struggle to give up & it's really bad re my colitis .
Regards Toohp

Hi and welcome to the forum.

I'm on prednisone/prednisolone right now as well, so I know it stinks regarding side effects (I have an acne outbreak, I've got puffy cheaks, and have gained weight). You can always ask your gastroenterologist about a prescription for a steroid that has less side effects. Their are oral steroid pills with a delayed-release coating that makes them 90% topical and 10% systematic (examples Uceris/Clipper, or Entocort EC). Rectal-route steroids are also 90% topical, examples include steroid enemas, foams, and suppositories (under different names within different countries).

Mezavant pills & salofalk enemas are the most mild and well tolerated medications available for ulcerative colitis. You're very lucky if those mild anti-inflammatory medications work well for you, and you should take them whether you're feeling good or bad, to ensure the longest periods of remission and least frequent flares. UC is for life, and so is a maintenance medication for the vast majority of UC patients. I know that's a "tough pill to swallow", as most of us were young and healthy before our UC diagnosis and never needed to take any medications. However, that's all changed now since our diagnosis. So, make taking your medications a part of our daily routine, like brushing our teeth. Don't let complacency be responsible for your flare!

Regarding the vacation, your health absolutely does come first. Some of us have gone on vacation while on prednisone as it can keep our symptoms stable while we wait for the other medications to work. Certainly do not stop any of your medications abruptly without your doctor's okay. Prednisone is a medication that required a careful tapering schedule, so never quit it abruptly.