prednisone taper after surgery

I am alittle unclear about recommended prednsione withdraw after my 1st surgery of 3 step procedure.  The perscription that they gave me is confusing and the person that gave it to me really had no clue.  So, I came here on 10mg which I have been on for like 2 weeks.  I have been on prednsione for 1 1/2 years and get to 5mg and start UC symptoms so steriod dependent (reason for having the surgery really).  I am VERY motivated to get off prednsione because that is the whole reason why I did the surgery but I certainly do not want anything to go haywire.  So, how would you all recommend I taper?

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Pancolitis - July 2006

You have been on prednisone a long time so I think it's worth getting the advice from a doctor. If you cannot get your surgeon to weigh in ask your GI. I wouldn't risk this to laymen, pred taper can be dangerous and difficult.

Sue

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dx proctitis in 1987
dx UC in 1991, was stable until 1998

1998 started prednisone, asacol, pentasa, nortriptylene, ativan, 6MP, rowasa enemas and suppositories, hydrocortisone enemas, tried the SCD diet, being a vegetarian, omega 3s, flax, pranic healing, yoga, acupuncture, probiotics

2000 lost all my B-12 stores and became anemic

2001 opted for j-pouch surgery- now living life med-free

Yup, I definitely would get this explained to you by a Doctor. Pred tapers are not fun and very dangerous when done incorrectly. Not something to mess around with, IMHO. :) Hope you can find a doctor to explain it in a way that makes sense!

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UC diagnosed: December, 1999
Asacol: 1600 MG daily
Immuran: 150 MG daily
Prednisone: 4 MG daily (Woo-Hooo! Getting lower and lower!)

Well, the stoma nurse came in and interpertated it: I guess 10mg for 7 days, then 5 for 7 days then 1 for 7 days. I told her that I thought it sounded like a big drop from 5 to 1mg but she said to follow his advice. I would have thought 10mg to 7.5 to 5mg to 2.5 to 0 but I guess I will follow his recommendation. I have been fortunate to not have the side effects of prednsione so my fingers are crossed to get off uneventful. What are some symptoms to look for that are dangerous? Like nausea, vomit or bigger than that?

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Pancolitis - July 2006

Flu-like symptoms are usually common. I remember when I tapered after being on 60 mg/day orally, plus cortenemas and suppositories that I had a horrible time dropping under 5 mg. After many attempts, I ended up actually "shaving" off bit by bit of the pill and finally was successful.

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Peggy

I remember being really tired the same day I tapered off prednisone. Since you've had the surgery to remove your colon, you should not experience the UC symptoms anymore, but listen to your doc.

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Theresa

Originally diagnosed with CD in 1991
Only one serious flare up in 1998 and again in July 2007
Total colectomy August 2007 now saying "Undetermined Colitis"
2nd step J-pouch formation -January 2008
Takedown hopefully by April 2008