Body stopped responding to medicine?
Hi, I was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis 10 months ago. I started with prednisolone and immunosuppressants, so first few months were totally fine but from last 4 months, I see bleeding everyday. I think my body stopped responding to medicines. Any of you guys suggest what should I do? Can I go for colonoscopy again?
Hi
,
I want to first say that it is important to talk to your doctor in regards to matters like this. Everyone is so different when it comes to IBD and only you and your doctor know what's best for you.
With that said, I'm hoping some others will chime in with their experiences and share what has worked for them! It certainly helps to know that there are others going through similar things as you and I'm glad you reached out.
Prednisone does have side effects with regular and long term use. I attached an article below detailing Prednisone (and other corticosteroids) and how they work/some of the potential side effects.
Are you able to get in to see your doctor soon to discuss some new options to get you the relief you need?
Sending positive thoughts your way.
Kindly, Crystal (IBD team)
Article: https://inflammatoryboweldisease.net/treatment/medications/corticosteroids/
Hi
.
It's not uncommon to become unresponsive to treatments. You need to contact your IBD team and let them know so that they can try another treatment for you.
As above, Pred is not for long term use anyway. It may be a simple case of being able to increase the medication you are currently on, but if not, there are lots of different options available. You probably won't need another colonscopy if bloods and/or stool samples show inflammation. And in all fairness, your team may just take your word for it based on your symptoms and start something new before the results were even back. My team always did.
Good luck!
- Sahara (team member)
Sometimes treatments stop working. This is why with biologics like Remicaid they have to check the levels of the medicine in your blood. Prednisone usually doesn't stop working, but there could be other issues going on. I'd recommend checking in with your doctor, explaining your symptoms, and reviewing other treaetment options. Sometimes you have to try two or three different drug treatments till you find one that works. Thanks for sharing your story and good luck!
Best,
--Matt (Team Member)
