Nicotine increases your heart rate, constricts your blood vessels and significantly raises your blood pressure. It's also highly addictive, some say as addictive as heroin. If you'd rather chance that than stay on the pred, that's your choice. But never think it has no bad effects.
Studies I've seen indicate it may be the carbon monoxide in cigarette smoke that affects the inflammation.
Judy
Moderate to severe left-sided UC (21 cm) diagnosed 2001.
Intolerant to Asacol and rectal mesalamine preparations.
On Prednisone then Entocort 2001-2006 with only short periods off.
Current meds are Colazal, Azathioprine and Remicade.
In remission since April, 2006. Remicade has been my wonder drug.