steriods

i have been flaring worse than i ever have before and my doctor says we need to talk about "anti-inflammatory options" i think this pretty much means steroids. i'm really nervous. any thoughts on what kinds of side effects i might experience if i start? i have heard depression, weight gain and a few others...any comments would be appreciated
thanks!
~k

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katie; 23
diagnosed with cecal volvulus, 2006; two colon resections in the same year; diagnosed with colitis 2007; malrotated colon; no cecal valve, removed during surgery; gastritis emptying; Forvia; Compazine; 2 TSP of apple cider vinegar before meals (weird, but so far I am a believer in it).

wellbutrin XL (300mg) for depression

Other frequent reactions to short-term steroid use include insomnia, acne, hair loss (or sometimes it just moves to somewhere you don't want it - like your face) and joint pain. Also, you can have extreme irritability instead of depression.

Your doctor may not be talking about steroids, though. I don't see where you're on any 5-ASA (Asacol, Colazal, etc.) and this is usually the first drug used to try to control inflammation.

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thanks for the info. how do 5-ASA's differ? (Sorry i am a little new at this--I haven't taken anything for my colitis before...)

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katie; 23
diagnosed with cecal volvulus, 2006; two colon resections in the same year; diagnosed with colitis 2007; malrotated colon; no cecal valve, removed during surgery; gastritis emptying; Forvia; Compazine; 2 TSP of apple cider vinegar before meals (weird, but so far I am a believer in it).

wellbutrin XL (300mg) for depression

5-ASA's work as topical medicatons, dissolving in the colon and acting through direct contact with the colon wall. If you have proctitis, suppositiories or enemas alone may suffice. If the condition is throughout the colon, oral medications will be necessary. They are the first line of treatment for IBD and have the least serious side effects of any of the drugs we're treated with. Talk with your GI about the various formulations and which could be right for you.

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besides crying while at 60mg of pred and hot flashes I did not get all the regular side effects until about 2.5 mos later.

You may not need to go up to 60mg and may not need to be on it as long as I have been. If you do go on limit your salt.

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Beth, 32 ~ hoping to taper pred successfully, wish me luck!