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A recently-published study involving Crohn's and ulcerative colitis patients resulted in the following conclusion:
Patients with inflammatory bowel disease who used heavy doses of prednisone or other corticosteroids during their first year with the disease were nearly three times more likely to require resective surgery than others in a recent study.
Note that these data were based primarily on the use of Prednisone, but unfortunately the researchers apparently didn't distinguish between various types of corticosteroids used in the treatment of the patients involved in the study. Why they chose to not make that distinction is anyone's guess, but it is well documented by research that budesonide is far safer than the other corticosteroids for treating IBDs. That oversight/poor decision certainly detracts from the usefulness of this study.
This just verifies what we have always known — diet changes are always far safer than medications for treating digestive system diseases. Sadly, rather than to encourage more research in treating IBDs by means of diet changes, the publishing of this study will almost surely result in more doctors recommending, and more patients adopting, the use of Anti-TNF drugs much earlier in their treatment — sort of like jumping out of the frying pan into the fire.
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.
IMO it goes against common sense to take high powered drugs long term and continue eating foods that we are sensitive to. The assault on the intestines continues while the drugs dull the pain.
I am determined to get off the Uceris. Hoping to just use it while I sort out the diet.
Theresa
MC and UC 2014
in remission since June 1, 2014
We must all suffer one of two things: the pain of discipline or the pain of regret. ~Jim Rohn
Thank God, no one has ever suggested that I take any kind of a steroid for my gut issues. I have been on high doses of prednisone in the past for limited amounts of time after suffering anaphylaxis and some asthmatic reactions. EVERY time (even at 10 years old) I suffered from horrible "indigestion" (probably just plain old GERD from the gut inflammation it caused), lack of appetite, and black, black depression. No thanks!
My husband used to hate it as much as I did when I had to go on prednisone. My son reacts to steroids in the same way.
Jane
Diagnosed with Lymphocytic Colitis 12/19/12
"When it gets dark enough,you can see the stars."
Charles A. Beard
Jane, I agree. I've been on prednisone twice. The first time I thought it was a wonder drug and loved it. Until my D returned with a vengance. Years later I was put on it again and it didn't even stop the D and caused many, many horrible side effects. I insist that my body has never been the same since Ii've been on it but the doctors scoff at that. Kind of like when I say food is what caused me to become sick.
Too bad doctors wouldn't suggest dietary changes FIRST. I suppose there's no money to be made in that. Although, many people would not be willing to do what we have done because it's hard. Quick fixes are great but like you said, how do you plan to take such medications for life? It's not the answer. I often wonder- no I know now, if I had found this forum when I was first dx in 2007 I could have avoided most of my issues. I'm not sure if I was sick enough at the time to be totally committed or not. Being addicted to gluten, sugar, and processed foods was an emotional issue for me and took several years to get a handle on. It doesn't help any to dwell on what should have been. I am just so very grateful that I have found a place that I can learn from people in my shoes.
Deb
"Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead, where there is no path, and leave a trail.
-Ralph Waldo Emerson
2007 CC
2013 thyroid cancer- total thyroidectomy
2013 Hashimoto's - numbers always "normal"
2017 Lyme's Disease
Deb wrote:I often wonder- no I know now, if I had found this forum when I was first dx in 2007 I could have avoided most of my issues. I'm not sure if I was sick enough at the time to be totally committed or not.
I have no doubt that most people who come across this forum and read some of the posts, quickly conclude, "Those people are nuts. I'm not about to waste my time and punish myself by severely restricting my diet that way." Some return, years later, with a more open-minded attitude, and discover that treatment by diet is indeed the only game in town, and those who don't, are the controls, in this huge informal MC treatment study.
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.
That was me! Not from this site because I had no clue it existed until a few years ago. When I was first dx I was also seeing my chiropractor regularly for some back problems. He immediately mentioned leaky gut and had me speak to a colleague who focused on diet. She told me about the raw diet as an option to try. I was interested in what she had to say but at the same time, in the back of my mind, thought she was nuts. I clearly remember thinking of the foods I would NEVER consider giving up. I proved myself wrong and learned to never say never. I do often laugh ay myself now thinking I've become one of THOSE people and now others sometimes think that I'm nuts but I'm ok with that. I have noticed though that others tend to ask me questions about foods, health, etc. I am, by far, no health expert but have lots of strong opinions now.
Hard lessons learned.
Deb
"Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead, where there is no path, and leave a trail.
-Ralph Waldo Emerson
2007 CC
2013 thyroid cancer- total thyroidectomy
2013 Hashimoto's - numbers always "normal"
2017 Lyme's Disease
I am truly blessed that my GI didn't immediately put me on drugs upon DX in February. Thank God I found this forum Apr. 1st. Am so thankful I am DFree since then. I hit the elimination diet with gusto and am feelin good. I realized I had been using PAM cooking spray with soy in it all along...dah! I continue to have daily Normans so presume soy is not an issue for me.
Diabetic DX June 2012
Diverticulosis/ MC DX Feb.2014
I am thankful for my struggle because without it I wouldn't have stumbled across my strength.
What are you willing to let go of so you can live the life you know you deserve?
The take away here is that a short course of prednisolone quickly suppresses apoptosis. However, it also suppresses epithelial regeneration, an so should be used only for a short time, if at all.
I'm still on prednisone (6 mgs). It's no wonder my last glutening epidose set me back for weeks instead of days.
Some return, years later, with a more open-minded attitude, and discover that treatment by diet is indeed the only game in town, and those who don't, are the controls, in this huge informal MC treatment study. 
