Gastro Doctor and diagnosis

kitty16 · Post by **kitty16** » Tue May 08, 2012 5:55 pm

Hi,

I have Crohn's. he said I could still have MC with it. He wants to do another colonoscopy immediately (he did not do the one in August, that showed I was fine no problems) he did do a sigmoidoscopy in January that showed inflamation and ulcers now he is worried as to how far up it has spread (since I now have some bleeding issues)so I will be having one on Tuesday also, sending me for an upper GI. Im also on 30 of prednisone. I would appreciate anything anyone can tell me about how bad being on it is going to be.

Two weeks ago I had to ask Joe had it was spelled and now I have it. Life is funny

Thank you.

K

Joefnh · Post by **Joefnh** » Tue May 08, 2012 6:11 pm

Hi Kitty, I'm sorry to hear about the diagnosis, but the good news is that you know what you are dealing woth and can treat it properly. As far as the prednisone, I'm sure that will only be a stop gap measure to quickly calm things down. After a while you may notice a little puffiness in the face and can gain a bit of weight BUT those are usually temporary as once you stop the pred the weight gain reverses in a bit. Those side effects don't usually show up until about 3-5 weeks on the med and is dose dependent.

I have been on prednisone twice now for 3 to 4 weeks each time, and it was not too bad. My GI doc used it to quickly calm things down and then worked with Entocort and Imuran. The Imuran can be taken long term safely and does not have the side effects that prednisone does. There are several other meds available as well that can be used in the place of prednisone or Imuran.

I would not worry abou the side effects for the moment, focus on getting it under control and remember diet also plays a big part in Crohns as well. Depending on how you do and getting the diet under control may allow you to use no meds for a while, if not though I'm sure your GI doc will move to an alternate med besides prednisone.

I'm sure this seems like a lot right now, but by addressing this early on and correctly should minimize symptoms.

kitty16 · Post by **kitty16** » Tue May 08, 2012 6:14 pm

Thanks Joe,

He did mention a lot of meds, I think imuran was one but he said that was after we got it into remission hopefully with the prednisone and what scared me is he said once starting prednisone some people cannot be weaned off it.

Im taking this one day at a time I will be extra careful with what I eat now not just for the D but for the weight gain I do not need even one extra pound.

thank you
k

Joefnh · Post by **Joefnh** » Tue May 08, 2012 6:19 pm

You'll do fine Kitty and you have the right attitude, take it one step at a time. Many with Crohns do find they can bring it into remission and then require no meds for quite a while. As far as the pred and weaning off it, don't worry about that too much, obviously the sooner you can start weaning the better, just be sure to follow your doctors instructions carefully and if you feel your doing well talk with your doctor about starting to wean off it earlier.

I would highly recommend the MRT testing to determine all the foods you are reacting to as avoiding those will be important in keeping the inflammation down.

brandy · Post by **brandy** » Tue May 08, 2012 6:20 pm

Hi Kitty,

I just wanted to say I'll be thinking of you and please keep us posted. PS. We're we are here for your diet questions too. The definition of "what is dairy" is very confusing.

Brandy

kitty16 · Post by **kitty16** » Tue May 08, 2012 6:37 pm

Thank you brandy and Joe

I could not deal with this as well as I'am if I did not have my support group helping me

Hugs,

Kitty

Leah · Post by **Leah** » Tue May 08, 2012 8:00 pm

I'm so sorry to hear the news Kitty. It seems like Joe is a good source of info when it comes to having both MC and Crohn's. I will be sending good thoughts your way. You know we are all here for you... even if it's just to vent :)

Leah