Hello everyone!
I have a question for those of you who have been on (or currently are on) Entocort. I read in the warnings that I must try my hardest to avoid sick (colds, etc.) people because the steroid descreases my immune systems capabilities to fight off sickness. Have any of you found this to be true? Everyone at work has had a nasty head cold, so I am trying to avoid them, but you know how that goes.
Second, it said in the warning to wear a MED ID tag saying that I had been treated with steroids in case there were ever any emergency situation, because my body wouldn't be able to produce the necessary steroids to protect itself from the stressors. Do any of you wear these bracelets?
Am I reading these warnings correctly? Do I need to heed them?
Thanks in advance for any answers. Sorry I am asking so many questions...
Entocort (or steroid) questions
Moderators: Rosie, Jean, CAMary, moremuscle, JFR, Dee, xet, Peggy, Matthew, Gabes-Apg, grannyh, Gloria, Mars, starfire, Polly, Joefnh
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greengirl78
- Adélie Penguin
- Posts: 69
- Joined: Fri Feb 15, 2008 6:36 am
- Location: Massachusetts
Entocort (or steroid) questions
If we are peaceful, if we are happy, we can blossom like a flower, and everyone in our family, our entire society, will benefit from our peace. - Thich Nhat Hahn
Hi Greengirl,
Sorry to butt in, because I can't relate any experience with Entocort. Hopefully, you'll get a bunch of responses from members who are actually taking it. I can assure you, however, that the warnings about immune system suppression are valid. That's how the corticosteroids work - by suppressing the immune system, and that's how the "Big Gun" drugs, used for RA, organ transplants etc., also work.
I would suggest that, in addition to washing your hands often, and not touching your nose and/or eyes, (unless you're sure your hands are "really" clean), you take something like two to four thousand IU of vitamin D supplement tablets per day, (especially during this time of year when most people are short on vitamin D). Not only are you more vulnerable to colds and other viruses, (or any other type of infection, for that matter), but if you catch one, it will be harder to be get rid of.
I wasn't even aware of the bracelet warning, so I hope you can get some opinions on that.
Tex
Sorry to butt in, because I can't relate any experience with Entocort. Hopefully, you'll get a bunch of responses from members who are actually taking it. I can assure you, however, that the warnings about immune system suppression are valid. That's how the corticosteroids work - by suppressing the immune system, and that's how the "Big Gun" drugs, used for RA, organ transplants etc., also work.
I would suggest that, in addition to washing your hands often, and not touching your nose and/or eyes, (unless you're sure your hands are "really" clean), you take something like two to four thousand IU of vitamin D supplement tablets per day, (especially during this time of year when most people are short on vitamin D). Not only are you more vulnerable to colds and other viruses, (or any other type of infection, for that matter), but if you catch one, it will be harder to be get rid of.
I wasn't even aware of the bracelet warning, so I hope you can get some opinions on that.
Tex
Hi GreenGirl!!
I've been on a maintenance dose of Entocort for 3 years.
I also take a probiotic and I swear by them as far as helping to keep colds & infections at bay.. I can't remember the last time that I've had an upper respiratory infection.
I don't wear a Med ID tag, but I do have a card that I carry in my purse that lists all of my meds and what they are for. My husband also carries one listing all of my meds.
The only thing that I remember when initially starting the Entocort 3-3mgs
in the morning, was that I would get cramps in my feet and lower legs.. I don't get those now..
Hope this helps!
Dee~~~~~
I've been on a maintenance dose of Entocort for 3 years.
I also take a probiotic and I swear by them as far as helping to keep colds & infections at bay.. I can't remember the last time that I've had an upper respiratory infection.
I don't wear a Med ID tag, but I do have a card that I carry in my purse that lists all of my meds and what they are for. My husband also carries one listing all of my meds.
The only thing that I remember when initially starting the Entocort 3-3mgs
in the morning, was that I would get cramps in my feet and lower legs.. I don't get those now..
Hope this helps!
Dee~~~~~
Hi Greengirl
I have been on Entocort for a month now and previously was on the predisone, all I can say is take the advice you have been given and also the information Tex has provided. All steriods will affect your immunity and the ability to fight infection the main one to avoid is shingles or chickenpox any exposure to those you really must seek medical advice immediatley.
Shortly after starting to take the predisone in November I was ill with flu and a chest infection and has left me feeling extremely washed out! You really need to take extra care of your general health. I have a note of the medication I am taking should I get taken ill or have an accident away from the house, it is very important medical staff are aware of the fact you are taking steriods.
I have been on Entocort for a month now and previously was on the predisone, all I can say is take the advice you have been given and also the information Tex has provided. All steriods will affect your immunity and the ability to fight infection the main one to avoid is shingles or chickenpox any exposure to those you really must seek medical advice immediatley.
Shortly after starting to take the predisone in November I was ill with flu and a chest infection and has left me feeling extremely washed out! You really need to take extra care of your general health. I have a note of the medication I am taking should I get taken ill or have an accident away from the house, it is very important medical staff are aware of the fact you are taking steriods.
It's advisable to carry a little bottle of something like Purell so that you can clean your hands anywhere before you touch your eyes, nose, or mouth. Washing with soap and water is best. Ask your family and coworkers to clean too. I clean the doorknobs at work also. Who cares what other people think. It will help keep them from getting sick too!
Pat
Pat
Hi Greengirl,
I've been on Entocort since September. I'm a kindergarten teacher, so I get sneezed on all of the time. Amazingly, I haven't needed a sick day yet, but I have felt run down, like I'm trying to fight off all of the yuck out there. I make sure to get plenty of sleep, I eat pretty healthy and drink lots of herbal teas. I don't take any supplements or probiotics yet.
Good luck to you,
Becky
I've been on Entocort since September. I'm a kindergarten teacher, so I get sneezed on all of the time. Amazingly, I haven't needed a sick day yet, but I have felt run down, like I'm trying to fight off all of the yuck out there. I make sure to get plenty of sleep, I eat pretty healthy and drink lots of herbal teas. I don't take any supplements or probiotics yet.
Good luck to you,
Becky
Becky
Wow! And here I was thinking that I was the only one "paranoid" enough to do that sort of thing. LOL. I'm not quite as bad as Howard Hughes used to be, because I don't routinely do that, but if I hear a sneeze, cough, or see any indication that someone I'm working near has a virus, I dang sure take extra precautions, and as far as I can tell, it definitely pays off.Pat wrote:I clean the doorknobs at work also. Who cares what other people think.
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.
I have been on Entocort about 6 weeks now. Pretty much everyone in my department has been sick with a cold too and i also have a 6 year old daughter in kindergarten and two teenage step-sons in High School and knock on wood i have not gotten sick yet...HOWEVER i am a huge germophobe and i wash my hands constantly as well as always carry purrell or wet wipes where ever i go so i think that helps.
I did not see the med id bracelet warning so i don't wear one.
Are you getting any relief yet?
I did not see the med id bracelet warning so i don't wear one.
Are you getting any relief yet?
Diagnosed with MC on 1/8/2008 after 7 months of flare. 2nd colonoscopy and new diagnosis of UC on 3/11/2008.
Just my 2 cents here on those pesky little virus bugs. After working in a virology lab for 17 years, I learned that you follow the 6 foot rule when around anyone who maybe sick. Don't let them get within 6 feet of you if possible. We use this rule with my sister who has lupus, and it has kept her a lot healthier. Of course, it can have it's funny moments, when in a crowd someone sneezes and me, the service dog, my sister and her cane hobble away as quick as possible. 
Carrie
Carrie
I've been on Entocort for 7 months. I work in a high school, so it's impossible to avoid the germs. I hadn't gotten sick since taking the Entocort until about a month ago, when I got a cold. It took me over three weeks to get over it, whereas it used to take me a few days to a week. I never thought about a medical bracelet. I think I'm still in denial about this being a permanent condition.
Gloria
Gloria
You never know what you can do until you have to do it.
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greengirl78
- Adélie Penguin
- Posts: 69
- Joined: Fri Feb 15, 2008 6:36 am
- Location: Massachusetts
Thank you all for your answers! It is such a relief to be able to discuss this with all of you.
I picked up some of the hand santizer tonight at the store, to carry with me at all times. I will get some Vitamin D as you suggest Tex. I usually try and get most of my vitamins from food, but with the Entocort addition to my diet, I will add those.
Dee and Mini, thank you for sharing your experiences. Hearing others stories helps me to realize that we're not all alone in this.
Becky - how do you do it? Working with children, and staying healthy, wow! What kind of tea do you drink? Prior to being diagnosed, I had been taking Florastor along with Lomotil every morning. I stopped, and I don't know why. I think I'll start back up again.
I will remember the 6 foot rule Carrie, thanks for sharing!
Unfortunately, I work in an enviroment that is filthy, and cleaning the doorknobs could be a 40 hr work week for someone. Hopefully I won't be there much longer... but that's another story.
Erin, I am almost back to "Normal"! I am amazed at how quick this has started to take effect for me. How are you doing? The only real side effects that I am noticing are difficulty sleeping, and small mood swings. Thank you for asking. I hope things are going better for you.
Gloria.. I feel the same. I don't want to admit this is a chornic disease. It sounds like some on this board have been pretty successful at keeping it under control...
I picked up some of the hand santizer tonight at the store, to carry with me at all times. I will get some Vitamin D as you suggest Tex. I usually try and get most of my vitamins from food, but with the Entocort addition to my diet, I will add those.
Dee and Mini, thank you for sharing your experiences. Hearing others stories helps me to realize that we're not all alone in this.
Becky - how do you do it? Working with children, and staying healthy, wow! What kind of tea do you drink? Prior to being diagnosed, I had been taking Florastor along with Lomotil every morning. I stopped, and I don't know why. I think I'll start back up again.
I will remember the 6 foot rule Carrie, thanks for sharing!
Unfortunately, I work in an enviroment that is filthy, and cleaning the doorknobs could be a 40 hr work week for someone. Hopefully I won't be there much longer... but that's another story.
Erin, I am almost back to "Normal"! I am amazed at how quick this has started to take effect for me. How are you doing? The only real side effects that I am noticing are difficulty sleeping, and small mood swings. Thank you for asking. I hope things are going better for you.
Gloria.. I feel the same. I don't want to admit this is a chornic disease. It sounds like some on this board have been pretty successful at keeping it under control...
Tex,
LOL, I really an not normally so "paranoid". We're very clean and sterilize everything in our dental office just the way we're supposed to. It's just that now that I am on steroids you might call me a little paranoid. Actually the hand washing before eating is advisable to EVERYONE. No one wants to get sick. At home we have two Golden Retreivers and everyone knows that dogs are not the cleanest animals, especially long haired ones. And they eat anything, I mean anything. We live on a ranch and have livestock and when we go walking, yep, they'll eat anything! LOL.
Pat
LOL, I really an not normally so "paranoid". We're very clean and sterilize everything in our dental office just the way we're supposed to. It's just that now that I am on steroids you might call me a little paranoid. Actually the hand washing before eating is advisable to EVERYONE. No one wants to get sick. At home we have two Golden Retreivers and everyone knows that dogs are not the cleanest animals, especially long haired ones. And they eat anything, I mean anything. We live on a ranch and have livestock and when we go walking, yep, they'll eat anything! LOL.
Pat
I have to admit that I am one of those paranoid people especially in places where there are alot of people.. Grocery stores, department stores, discount stores, restaurants..
I am so bad in some stores that if I hear someone cough or sneeze, I quickly head in the opposite direction.
On my flight to and from Florida 3 weeks ago, I heard someone coughing and pulled my sweatshirt up covering my mouth and nose!!!!!
I have hand sanitizer with me at all times. If I leave a store the first thing I do is grab the bottle that I have in my van. Get home, immediately wash my hands!!
Yep!!! I guess that I'm a fanatic!!!!!
I am so bad in some stores that if I hear someone cough or sneeze, I quickly head in the opposite direction.
On my flight to and from Florida 3 weeks ago, I heard someone coughing and pulled my sweatshirt up covering my mouth and nose!!!!!
I have hand sanitizer with me at all times. If I leave a store the first thing I do is grab the bottle that I have in my van. Get home, immediately wash my hands!!
Yep!!! I guess that I'm a fanatic!!!!!
Pat,
I hear you. Dogs living on a farm or ranch sometimes have a pretty varied diet. LOL. Cats can be a little inelegant, at times, also. They pretend to be so sanitary, always "washing" their little paws, and their faces; but many a time, I've watched as they vomited up their breakfast, dinner, or whatever, licked their lips, and proceeded to run it back through again. LOL. So far, I haven't caught them indulging in coprophagia, though, so they may be one rung higher on the sanitation ladder than dogs, from that viewpoint.
Tex
I hear you. Dogs living on a farm or ranch sometimes have a pretty varied diet. LOL. Cats can be a little inelegant, at times, also. They pretend to be so sanitary, always "washing" their little paws, and their faces; but many a time, I've watched as they vomited up their breakfast, dinner, or whatever, licked their lips, and proceeded to run it back through again. LOL. So far, I haven't caught them indulging in coprophagia, though, so they may be one rung higher on the sanitation ladder than dogs, from that viewpoint.
Tex
I keep containers of antibacterial wet wipes handy, in my vehicle, and at my desk, etc. I don't know if they're as effective as the liquid antibacterials, but they seem handy to me, since they're in the form of small "towels". Does anyone happen to know how they compare for effectiveness?
Tex
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.