Budesonide and Constipation

[jlbattin]

I don't know how to get the info I need without just asking so here goes..............I know I also read something in some past discussions about budesonide causing constipation. But I think that most of what I read was after taking it a little while.

I just took my 5th dose today (9mg.....I take all 3 together in the morning). For the last couple of days I've had only 1 or 2 BM's that have been as close to normal as I've seen in a long time (not quite there but almost). But the last 2 mornings, I felt like I had to strain more (which obviously with the D you don't have to do). Am I on my way to constipation? Do I wait until I don't have a BM at all to cut back? Is it ok to cut back this soon?

I started my elimination diet yesterday: chicken, rice, green beans. So far so good. I'm planning on ordering the labs so I can figure out what I need to stay away from.

Thanks for your help. This is all such foreign territory to me (as I know it is to some of the rest of you and was to everyone at one time).

Jari

PS.......Happy 4th of July! Sure seems weird to be eating chicken, rice, and green beans on a holiday. I suspect holidays are going to be difficult. I am going to beat this though and get my life back!

[tex]

Am I on my way to constipation? Do I wait until I don't have a BM at all to cut back? Is it ok to cut back this soon?

Maybe. Some people are much more sensitive to budesonide than others, and we have a few members who cannot take more than 3 mg per day without having overdose symptoms. If a reduced dose still controls your symptoms then there is no logical reason to take more. Straining is not a good practice, so if I were in that situation, I would probably reduce the dose to 6 mg to see if that doseage still maintains control. We usually do best if we listen to what our body is trying to tell us.

And with the diet changes, it will be much easier for the budesonide to maintain control, because your immune system will begin to slow down the antibody production.

Yes, all this information can be overwhelming. We have to pick and choose the parts that fit our own situation, and take it 1 day at a time. It becomes much easier as we become more experienced at treating the disease.

We learn to modify our holiday meals so that we can still enjoy them. After you are past the elimination diet, holidays will be easier. Last night at our family get-together, we had deep-fried catfish (using only cornmeal for the breading), barbequed ribs, and Ore-Ida French fries. So every one could enjoy the main foods. Naturally I skipped all the side dishes and deserts, but I didn't have room for them anyway, after pigging out on the fish and chips.

Thanks, and I hope you're enjoying this holiday weekend, also.

And yes, you will get your life back because you are motivated, and motivated people get results.

Tex

[Marcia K]

Hi, Jari. I took my own food to a picnic even though I prepared food that others could eat. I had turkey, sweet potato and steamed broccoli while they were eating marinated chicken, potato casserole, etc. At this stage in the game I really don't mind. As long as I feel good, I'm fine with it. I am thankful to pretty much have my life back to normal. You'll get there, too!

Marcia

[Sheila]

Hi Jari, I took 9 mg the first 2 days on Entocort and had immediate constipation. I scaled back to 3 mg a day and it worked like a charm. Find the dosage that works for you. Good luck.

Sheila W

[Leah]

I agree with Sheila. I reduced my dose as soon as I skipped having a BM . it's great that it's working!
Leah