Ulcerative colitis

I have just recieved my positive result all biopsys where negative but my dr kept doing blood work. Finally some lab out in California said I had it. I guess it was an antibody test. The colon examine showed a inflamed large intestine . Now he wants me to start on a 40mg prednisone course thats 8 pills a day for two weeks  Then 7 pills a day for two weeks and on and on then if my problem isnt under control I go on it for 2 years straight . I am already depressed and I know that being on this isnt good for that. Also moonface can I expect that? Is there a way to avoid it? Could this be something else besides ulcerative colitis ? How sensitive is this test he had done (false positives) ?I am 33 years old. How bad is it relly going to get if I dont do his method of treatment?

[Ratnakar Kini, MD]

Hi,
The specificity of the antibody test is 80-95%.
Oral steroids are given for induction therapy of moderate UC.
It is given a s a short course therapy and followed by maintenance therapy with other medications.
Long term treatment with steroids will result in various side effects some of which you have mentioned.

UC requring long term steroids can with treated with other medications like azathioprine or oral & topical 5ASA combinations.
Discuss with your gastroenterologists regarding these options.
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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

[alienshadow]

hello???

[viviloves]

If your symptoms are severe and you are experiencing a `flare` eg. passing bloody diarrohea, the doctor will prescribe a short course of pred (6 weeks or so) to jolt your body into remission. He should also prescribe asacol (2.4g daily) or similar- this should be continued daily- and is an ongoing drug to keep you in remission. If your symptoms are not so severe he should try the asacol, starting at 2.4mg and increasing to 4g if necessary. He can also try pentasa enema or pred enemas before putting you on the oral steroids. You need to get this under control ASAP, as it will get worse, if left untreated. Pred may be a necessary evil but only for short-term use. Long term if you do not respond to asacol/ pentasa there other other options eg. azathioprine. I would also recommend avoiding dairy (although you should take calcium suppliments and yoghurt is ok as it is live), seeds, nuts, the skin of fruit and veggies - as this can irritate the colon.
Try to limit your salt intake when on steroids to limit moonface, but it will go down~ eventually... and yes, they will increase your appetite, but if you are flaring you are probably underweight/ malnurished.
The below website has lots of information that may be of help to you.
Try another doctor at your local clinic if you feel you are not getting enough information.
Good luck!
ps. I have ulcerative proctitis

http://www.nacc.org.uk/content/home.asp