Steroid Taper timing

I am a 24 y/o male. I was diagnosed roughly 5.5 years ago with UC after a major flare and a 2-week long stay in the hospital.  I have been able to manage the mild/moderate UC somewhat (prednisone tapers 1-2 times per year), and have slowly learned triggers and other behaviors that lead to flare-ups.

This holiday season I had a terrible flare (worst since diagnosis), including abdominal pain and loose, bloody bowel movements, and was hospitalized for 4 days.  I slowly recovered and started feeling better after 60mg IV steroid in hospital for 4 days, then 60mg prednisone daily for about a week after.  I was having normal bowel movements and starting get build up the repertoire of foods I was able to eat.  I started to taper, and made it down to 40mg prednisone over the next few days, but all of a sudden started having bloody bowel movements (but not pain) again.  I have no bloating, and no apparent swelling, but am still bleeding.  I made no drastic changes in my diet other than increase caloric intake.  I also started to exercise again (light weight lifting).

Is it possible that the high dose of steroids is a bad thing at this point, and that the steroids may be doing harm in the healing process of the ulcers, thus causing them to bleed?  I am no longer swollen or bloated from what I can tell (I really should be scoped, it has been about 3-4 years).  I have a follow-up appointment with my gastro MD in 8 days, but it has been since Dec 24 that this bout has been going on.  Any insights?  Thank you.

[Serendipitelle]

Hi
I have had Crohns for 23 yrs.

I think it sounds like you started to taper the steroids too soon.  It can take up to a month of steroids before full remission takes place and then you should taper.  Even though only some of your symptons have returned, it still indicates that you were not on the steroids ling enough to properly heal.  Just becasue the same tapering regime may have worked successfully in the past for you, as time goes on the disease can change in your body so what worked before may need tweaking.  

Good luck
S

[angela0902]

Hi!

I too have Crohn's disease and at this moment I am on a steroid regime as well!  It does sound like you started the taper too soon. My dr told me that I could start the taper and if my symptoms come back to go back up to the previous dosage!  So that may be helpful for you to do as well. These disease progress differently in our bodies as time goes by and there is no telling how long you may need to be on the steroids for each different flare up!

I hope this helps you!
Angela