HealingWell
Search Close Search
☰

IV steroids at the ER?

Support Forums
>
Ulcerative Colitis
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply
❬ ❬ Previous Thread |Next Thread ❭ ❭
Posted 7/15/2017 2:57 PM (GMT 0)
Background- Diagnosed with UC about 3 weeks ago and been severely flaring ever since. Lialda gave me a bad reaction flu like systems. Switched to Apriso and Pred taper. Conditions I feel are getting worse with more frequent bloody mucusie diarrhea. Anything I eat goes right through me. Lost 20lbs.....feeling miserable and worn out.

My doctor said go to ER and get IV steroids. Will his help or just another $5000 ER trip for a temporary fix?

He's ordered Remicade but could take 7-10 days and maybe not get approved.

What do I do?
Posted 7/15/2017 3:29 PM (GMT 0)
what dosages of apriso and pred are you on today ?

an er visit might help - or might not -

were you tested for any bacterial stuff ?
Posted 7/15/2017 4:08 PM (GMT 0)
No bacterial infections. Blood work came back normal other than inflammation.
Posted 7/15/2017 4:29 PM (GMT 0)
How many times a day diarrhea?
Can you increasethe pred you're on at this point?
Or...yes, go to the hospital.

q
Posted 7/15/2017 5:21 PM (GMT 0)
10-20 times.
Posted 7/15/2017 5:48 PM (GMT 0)
any pred is a temp fix. but it may allow your Aspiro to get a foothold. They usually do not do IV steroids in ER, you would have to be admitted.

the hospital can often hydrate, which can be lifesaving.

But if you are just freaking about the constant D and seeing blood, it might be that larger dose of oral pred at home is almost as good. and much less expensive. except give steroids and hydration, hospitals cannot do a lot for UC. It sucks, but thats the fact.
Posted 7/15/2017 11:30 PM (GMT 0)
I think I would up the prednisone and stay at home as DBwithUC is correct in that they dont give you IV steroids in ER, only when you are admitted. Make sure you are drinking a lot, make up a sugar/salt water drink because dehydration is a real danger. I hope you can hang on until you get the Remicade.
Posted 7/16/2017 2:40 AM (GMT 0)
I always get admitted when I need Iv steroids. Frankly even though hospitals are sometimes awful they are also useful in a flare and for me Iv steroids are so helpful. You'll be monitored closely, have better access to testing and they'll also make sure you are hydrated and blood levels ok. If you are near a good hospital system it may be worth it. BUT if your hospital has shared rooms it can be a pain. Sharing a bathroom, dealing with other visitors. Etc.

My first flare was like yours and it is awful. I hope remicade helps. It was a game changer for me.
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply