Hello! I am new to this site. I have question on prednisone tapering and symptoms to expect.
Symptom free UC diagnosed April 2006. Rowasa enemas for six weeks.
Hospitalized for 28 days in June 2007 for flare and MRSA infection. UC broughtunder control with Remicade. Only had one infusion because I caught MRSA a few days later. Second infusion was tried 13 weeks later. Developed rash, low bp, hives. GI doctor stopped infusion and will not being having another one.
I started with Rowasa enemas nightly and Asacol in March 2007 to hel with flare. BMs (10-20 times per day), D but no blood. Prescribed 60mg Prednisone in April. BMs down to 4-5 per day. Taper started in early May at 10mg every two weeks. Down to 40mg prior to hospitalization.
On 40mg pred since leaveing hospital. BMs (1-2 per day with formed stools). Started taper at 10mg for two weeks. No issues. Down to 25mg, no issues. down to 20mg and no issues for 10 days. Then started having loose BMs (still 1-2 per day). Two days ago saw blood in stool and the paper. Same day blood work looked good. GI said results indicate inflammation under control. He also said blood not unusual at this point. Keeping at 20mg pred until BMs become solid or symptoms get much worse. Next appointment in 1 month.
Quesion: have others seen an increase in symptoms during a pred taper? Should a bump of the dose to see if symptoms go away? Then start a slower taper (2.5mg every two weeks)?
thanks.