Can anyone help?

[steeleye]

Hi there,
            I am being treated for Chrons and am on a course of steroids, I'm sure this is because it is the cheapest option! However I am having awful pains in my lower abdomen both on the right and left side and in both flanks. I also have a swelling on my left side- this is something that reoccurs. I was just wondering if this fitted into having an IBD- is making me very miserable and also very tired. Any advice or suggestions are welcomed.
Cheers

[suthrnbrwneyz]

Hi there!  I have been diagnosed with Crohn's for 16 years and have done round after round of steroids.  I'll tell you that, yes it's cheap, but it also WORKS.  Every time I have a flare up, I KNOW that the steroids are going to be my way to go.  Now, they DO have some nasty side effects.  I have mood swings, extreme hunger, joint pain, you NAME it.  So I wouldn't be surprised if many of these effect are indeed coming from your steroid use.  BUT hopefully, the end is in near sight.......My doc. puts me on zantac when I need to be on steroids, and quite honestly, some very low doses of zoloft have helped me too.  But the BEST thing I did for coping was see a counselor.  She's not a psychologist or psychiatrist, but it's a place for me to just "TALK" and it's been great.

Best of luck!  Keep us posted.

[steven133]

HI there steeleye im also being treated for chrons i have 20yrs of age and was diagnosed 8 motnhs ago i was actulay dying from it i was 180pounds adn when the chrons got agresive i whent down to 120  i recovered in 3 motnhs whent back to my normal weight my apetite was back but i do get you when you say u feel tired my energy level is also down always imon steroids as well i take prednisone and mp6 and pentasa does are my meds i started 40 mg on the steroids but now im on 7.5 mg as u can u see my doc has been reducing the dosage but ive never got taht swelling onmy abdomen caused by the med yes some pain here and there but very rare hope this comforts u a bit and hang inthere i KNOW is not easy... best of luck