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Pred for peace of mind on biz trip

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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 7/3/2023 11:31 AM (GMT 0)
Hi all,
Hope everyone is having a nice summer so far. Wanted everyone's opinion. Back in April, I had my first real flare in a long time. Some may remember my post about my inflammation markers being in triple digits! Anyway, after about losing 15 lbs and being on 40 mg of pred, I feel better. Less urgency, no blood. However, I am still on 20 mg and have been since the middle of May.

I am at the point I should begin to taper, but here is my question. I have a business trip scheduled in a few weeks. First day I fly out? Yep, it would be the first day without any pred in me. Granted, i do not want to use this as a crutch, but I am a little worried that my UC has other plans for me.

Is there any harm in me continuing the 20 mg and then begin the taper when I return home? I figure 20 mg is a low enough dosage, but I figure I ask all of you what you think. I do intend on calling my doctor later this week when he returns from vacation.

Only other meds I am on is mesalamine and dicyclomine (With the occasional Imodium if i need it).

Happy 4th!
Posted 7/3/2023 11:54 AM (GMT 0)
I would not personally want to stay in 20 mg of pred for an extended period of time but pred makes it impossible for me to sleep! When is your trip? I think you could slow your taper down, are you dropping by 5 mg? I found that my tapers go best when I drop my 2.5 mg. I also start my taper by alternating my lower dose with my current dose for 4 days. I am prone to steroid dependence as well so I have to taper super slowly.
Posted 7/3/2023 1:25 PM (GMT 0)
Myself, I would continue my taper, you need to get off of it as safe as possible. Take some with you in case you really need, you are correct you don't want to use it as a crutch.

The good old love/hate relationship with prednisone.
Posted 7/3/2023 3:22 PM (GMT 0)
I will start by saying I loathe prednisone and after every flare have said I would never take it again (I am also currently on it now for a flare so this is how that goes lol) IMO wanting to get off pred faster is due to the side effects, both long and short term. I’ve been on it for 10+ months at times including tapering. Although I want to be on it for the shortest time possible, if it were me and a business trip I would take it if I needed to; the stress of a flare on a business trip outweighs the side effects of the pred that you’re already on. Slowing the taper could be a good idea 👍🏻 We’re all just doing the best we can and that includes crutches at times smile I hope you’re well enough on your trip that you don’t need it, good luck!

Post Edited (wednesday77) : 7/4/2023 1:07:28 PM (GMT-8)

Posted 7/3/2023 3:27 PM (GMT 0)
20 mg is quite a high dose. I got osteoporosis from being on doses of 5-15 mg long term.
Posted 7/4/2023 12:09 AM (GMT 0)
I agree with Susie. Continue the taper and bring some along just in case. It always took me about a week after being off pred before symptoms returned (if they did).
Posted 7/5/2023 4:26 AM (GMT 0)
Agree with Straydog, based on my experience with Pred. Be sure to keep your meds with you (not in checked bags), and you should do well on the trip. Keep adequately hydrated, and rest in between business activities whenever possible. I would also second Momto2boys advice to taper off from 2.5 mg Pred before you totally quit. Let us know how you're doing as time permits. / Old Hat (40+ yrs with left-sided UC; in remission taking Colazal)
Posted 7/9/2023 10:46 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks everyone for their input. My doctor got back to me today (pretty cool since it's Sunday and all).

He said to continue with the 20mg then do the taper when I return home. He was fearful of me getting a flare (Kinda hard to be UC friendly when eating out all the time).

Kansas City here I come!
Posted 7/9/2023 10:51 PM (GMT 0)
That works. Now you won't have to worry about it.
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