Please help me get off prednisone!

I have had ulcerative colitis for the last 15 years - diagnosed when I was 14, and I am now almost 30.  I have been taking prednisone cummulatively for approx. 10 years on and off.  I am bloated, irritable, and physically addicted to it.  Every time I have tried to taper off, I have a severe colitis flare up.  Since my disease is pre-existing for any health insurance company - some won't even insure me, or I cannot afford what they want to charge - I cannot afford any other medication that could possibly help my condition.  I need help on how to taper off predinisone though, with or without another medication.  I feel like I am double my age, in pain, fragile, and unable to enjoy my young life.  I feel hopeless and cannot take it anymore!  Please help!!!

[Ratnakar Kini, MD]

Hi pastrychef929,
I would like to know about the extent and the severity of the disease before I can give my opinion.
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The information provided is for patients’ education only and is not a medical advice. Always consult your personal physician for complete evaluation of your health problem.

- Ratnakar Kini M.D.