Good morning,
I've been on entocort and pepto for six months now and am still on rice, mushy veggies (cauliflower and broccoli) and can't seem to add anything else, at this point, back in. I take a supplement periodically, one I got help in choosing and that is GF/DF/SF/fructose free, but, it seems I may react to that as well. (not 100% sure. Probably need to be more careful about paying attention.) Anyway, I feel as if I need more nutrients/food sources.
I'm planning on talking to my GI about this and might consider trying prednisone. (I'm also likely switching GIs, and I plan to see a nutritionist ...
But, what are the risks in prednisone?
When might the benefits outweigh the risks?
Thanks!
Anyone on Prednisone (or another med besides budesonide/ento
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IMO, the risks outweigh the benefits for prednisone in about 95 % of cases it you're talking about using it to treat MC, because it can't safely be used for long-term treatment, and when the treatment is stopped, the symptoms will return. If prednisone is used for more than a few months, weaning off it can be very difficult, to say the least. For long-term use, budesonide is the only reasonable corticosteroid option. It's not totally free of risks, but it's far, far, safer than any other corticosteroid.
The primary long-term risk (using it for years) is the destruction of the ability of your adrenal glands to function normally, which interferes with the ability to produce cortisol, and various other essential chemical compounds and hormones necessary for normal body functioning. IOW, prednisone stops the adrenal glands from functioning normally because it replaces cortisol, and if it is used for too long a period, or if the dosage is not tapered carefully when weaning off the drug, the adrenals may not be able to begin producing normal levels of cortisol again.
The second most significant problem is significant, progressive bone density loss. Another risk is the development of hypertension, or other cardiovascular issues. There are others that don't come to mind at the moment, but trust me, long-term use of prednisone is not a safe option.
For short-term use, there are minimal risks for most people, it's just that the drug doesn't offer a very favorable risk/reward ratio for treating MC, when compared with budesonide.
Tex
The primary long-term risk (using it for years) is the destruction of the ability of your adrenal glands to function normally, which interferes with the ability to produce cortisol, and various other essential chemical compounds and hormones necessary for normal body functioning. IOW, prednisone stops the adrenal glands from functioning normally because it replaces cortisol, and if it is used for too long a period, or if the dosage is not tapered carefully when weaning off the drug, the adrenals may not be able to begin producing normal levels of cortisol again.
The second most significant problem is significant, progressive bone density loss. Another risk is the development of hypertension, or other cardiovascular issues. There are others that don't come to mind at the moment, but trust me, long-term use of prednisone is not a safe option.
For short-term use, there are minimal risks for most people, it's just that the drug doesn't offer a very favorable risk/reward ratio for treating MC, when compared with budesonide.
Tex
It is suspected that some of the hardest material known to science can be found in the skulls of GI specialists who insist that diet has nothing to do with the treatment of microscopic colitis.
Thanks, Tex,
So even if I can't reintroduce many foods into my diet, I'm still better off on budesonide? (Right now I'm taking 6mg budesonide and four Pepto pills.) I know you read my thread/post the other day about my ENT results and vertigo, etc. I've also got weakness and numbness in my left leg, and worry my lack of nutrients is slowly causing my body to shut down. I saw a chiropractor, hoping many of my issues were caused by a pinched nerve in my neck. She said it sounded like MS. (She hasn't seen the test results but asked for them. I'm sure we'll talk more about them at my next visit.) I seriously doubt this to be the case and would attribute it more to nutrition.
I do see a nutritionist on May 2nd, so hopefully will begin to get stronger soon. I did try to run today. Oy. Embarrassing, but a first step. :) I felt fairly shame-faced thinking of how cocky I used to be about my fitness level. If (when) I do return to training, I will be much more humble for sure! Have you heard the Proverb, pride comes before a fall? (I might have misquoted that.)
As a side note, the place I go for chiropractor-ing (great grammar, I know!) does acupuncture. I should probably see if I can find info here on that as a treatment option.
So even if I can't reintroduce many foods into my diet, I'm still better off on budesonide? (Right now I'm taking 6mg budesonide and four Pepto pills.) I know you read my thread/post the other day about my ENT results and vertigo, etc. I've also got weakness and numbness in my left leg, and worry my lack of nutrients is slowly causing my body to shut down. I saw a chiropractor, hoping many of my issues were caused by a pinched nerve in my neck. She said it sounded like MS. (She hasn't seen the test results but asked for them. I'm sure we'll talk more about them at my next visit.) I seriously doubt this to be the case and would attribute it more to nutrition.
I do see a nutritionist on May 2nd, so hopefully will begin to get stronger soon. I did try to run today. Oy. Embarrassing, but a first step. :) I felt fairly shame-faced thinking of how cocky I used to be about my fitness level. If (when) I do return to training, I will be much more humble for sure! Have you heard the Proverb, pride comes before a fall? (I might have misquoted that.)
As a side note, the place I go for chiropractor-ing (great grammar, I know!) does acupuncture. I should probably see if I can find info here on that as a treatment option.
I'm on prednisone right now for an autoimmune disease, not for the MC, but it has controlled my MC symptoms. I would not recommend it. I started at 40 mgs and had bad insomnia and tremors, then the tooth sensitivity and receeding gums set in. I've felt good and energetic on it overall, but many people complain of irritability, agitation, even psychosis. Most people gain lots of weight and develop a "moonface." Others develop hyepertension and/or diabetes. Bone loss is a major risk. Osteonecrosis of the hip (death of the bone) is a minor risk. I'm down to 10 mgs per day and it'll take several months to wean completely off it, meaning I will end up on it for a full year. I've wondered if at some point I might switch to Entocort instead...
1987 Mononucleosis (EBV)
2004 Hypomyopathic Dermatomyositis
2009 Lymphocytic Colitis
2010 GF/DF/SF Diet
2014 Low Dose Naltrexone
2004 Hypomyopathic Dermatomyositis
2009 Lymphocytic Colitis
2010 GF/DF/SF Diet
2014 Low Dose Naltrexone
JenniferS,
I actually feel quite well despite my scary diagnoses. Hoping to keep it that way. I definitely need to exercise more...it's the final health frontier for me (sadly, I'm too busy with work and kids!), but I need to take it easy when I do.
I don't think my mom took the injections. I begged her to make an appointment with a holistic doc that she's heard about AND find an acupuncturist to help with her anxiety and gastritis.
I am a huge believer in acupuncture. I started going weekly when I started prednisone and I attribute my minimal side effects to it. It's soo relaxing too.
I actually feel quite well despite my scary diagnoses. Hoping to keep it that way. I definitely need to exercise more...it's the final health frontier for me (sadly, I'm too busy with work and kids!), but I need to take it easy when I do.
I don't think my mom took the injections. I begged her to make an appointment with a holistic doc that she's heard about AND find an acupuncturist to help with her anxiety and gastritis.
I am a huge believer in acupuncture. I started going weekly when I started prednisone and I attribute my minimal side effects to it. It's soo relaxing too.
1987 Mononucleosis (EBV)
2004 Hypomyopathic Dermatomyositis
2009 Lymphocytic Colitis
2010 GF/DF/SF Diet
2014 Low Dose Naltrexone
2004 Hypomyopathic Dermatomyositis
2009 Lymphocytic Colitis
2010 GF/DF/SF Diet
2014 Low Dose Naltrexone
Jennifer,
IMO, you would have to be very, very lucky, to be able to locate a nutritionist who knew enough about this disease and the food sensitivities involved, to be able to offer helpful dietary guidelines. I have a hunch that Leah may be the only nutritionist in the world who is actually familiar with MC.
On the other hand, in addition to Zizzle's experience with acupuncture, quite a few members here use it and feel that it is anywhere from slightly to extremely helpful, depending on their own personal symptoms.
Tex
IMO, you would have to be very, very lucky, to be able to locate a nutritionist who knew enough about this disease and the food sensitivities involved, to be able to offer helpful dietary guidelines. I have a hunch that Leah may be the only nutritionist in the world who is actually familiar with MC.
On the other hand, in addition to Zizzle's experience with acupuncture, quite a few members here use it and feel that it is anywhere from slightly to extremely helpful, depending on their own personal symptoms.
Tex
It is suspected that some of the hardest material known to science can be found in the skulls of GI specialists who insist that diet has nothing to do with the treatment of microscopic colitis.
zizzle, I'm glad you feel strong and that your mom is doing well. I'm like you. I've determined I need to be diligent about getting strong physically. I am a strong believer in the benefits of endorphins. :)
Keep us posted on your mom. Does she live nearby? Is it hard to find holistic medicine in Guatemala?
Keep us posted on your mom. Does she live nearby? Is it hard to find holistic medicine in Guatemala?
Jennifer,
I probably didn't phrase my comment about seeing a nutritionist properly. I didn't mean to sound so negative (at least when I reread my post it seems negative), because there's a good chance that a nutritionist might be able to offer some helpful suggestions. What I should have said is that you may not be able to take everything recommended at face value. You may have to weigh some of the advice to allow for the necessities of treating MC, because the odds are overwhelming that you will know much more about MC than she or he will.
Thanks for the kind words,
Tex
I probably didn't phrase my comment about seeing a nutritionist properly. I didn't mean to sound so negative (at least when I reread my post it seems negative), because there's a good chance that a nutritionist might be able to offer some helpful suggestions. What I should have said is that you may not be able to take everything recommended at face value. You may have to weigh some of the advice to allow for the necessities of treating MC, because the odds are overwhelming that you will know much more about MC than she or he will.
Thanks for the kind words,
Tex
It is suspected that some of the hardest material known to science can be found in the skulls of GI specialists who insist that diet has nothing to do with the treatment of microscopic colitis.