Can I avoid Steroids in this instance?!

So Ive had Crohns Disease about 5 years now, and had a few courses of steroids throughout this time frame. I never got on very well with them, severe weight gain, low mood etc.

But I started Infliximab almost 2 years ago and it's been amazing, kept me pretty much symptom-free. Recently had my levels checked which were really good, bloods etc had all been tracking well.

And then when I was due my last infusion, I got Covid so ended up being 3 weeks late having the infusion. So technically had an 11 week gap in between my last 2 infusions. Because of this, I've ended up being quite unsettled. Bad guts, stomach cramps, loss of appetite some days and a bit of nausea.

I wouldn't call it a full on flare up but more just niggly but it's not fully settled after about a month or so now... Had my calprotectin checked and the results came back today confirming that the levels are way up compared to my last stool test (Over 300).

Nurse has asked for 1 or 2 more tests this week, but is suggesting I may need a course of steroids to get me back on track.

Is anyone aware of anything else I can try before having to resort to steroids??!?! I am really keen to avoid this option if possible.

I've heard of others before having a 6 week gap between infusions, rather than 8 week gap to help recover, or even having a slightly stronger dose a few times, just to help get things balanced out again.

Be interested to hear if anyone else has had this happen and how they resolved it....

Thanks 😊