Re: UC/ SCD for 5 weeks - blood still in stuhl/ Please, need a word of advice

[Guest guest]

Hi there, after I read a few other stories and emails I understand

that this is not an overnight thing (and I did not expect it but

hoped for it -smile). I also understand now that things can get worse

before they get better ... I am up on prednisone again for the last 4

days (60mg from 20mgs before) because there was just too much

blood ... funny thing is that I have been feeling constipated for the

last 4 weeks and have to get up a few times during the night but just

releasing the air ... I am working out and actually don't feel

bad ... I am just frustrated, because when I started 2 weeks before x-

mas I had instand positive effects ... I took 20 mg prednisone and

had the best stuhl ever and no cramps or anything - then I reduced to

15mg and it started ... but not like before - this time it is

different ... Ann, I will follow you advise to reduce the medication

real slow ... I will also see my doctor tomorrow ... however, he is

not very falimare with SCD but knows Dr. Lutz program a little

bit ... does anybody know a doctor in Germany close to Stuttgart, who

has good experience with SCD and Life without bread? .. somehow I can

feel that somethng is changing in my body ... best regards,

>

> Hello and welcome, I'm sorry you're having so

much trouble.  All of us have different experiences with SCD so I

really don't know what to tell you, except don't give up. 

Regarding giving up the prednisone cold turkey, NO WAY, you MUST

reduce it gradually.  I started SCD on high dose prednisone (60 mg)

and have been able to reduce it to 2.5 mg a day with no flare-ups.  I

saw immediate results from the diet, both in symptoms and in blood

work.  Hang in there and maybe reduce the prednisone even more

slowly.  Maybe you've been reducing too fast.  I reduced at 1.5 mg

every two weeks, but everyone is different.  Let us know how you do. 

>  

> Ann,

> Living in Italy

> Undiagnosed Crohn's since 1977   Diagnosed 15 years

> Sacroiliitis 25 years

> Rheumatoid arthritis 25 years

> Pyoderma Gangronosum 2 years

> SCD since July, 2008

> Meds: Tapering Prednisone for PG

>

>

>

>

> ________________________________

>

> To: BTVC-SCD

> Sent: Friday, January 9, 2009 3:07:21 PM

> Subject: UC/ SCD for 5 weeks - blood still in stuhl/

Please, need a word of advice

>

>

> I am 43, male, german, and a new member to this group. I was

> diagnosed with UC three years ago. I only had at the beginning up

to

> 10 times diarrhoea a day - that went down to a normal stuhl after

> they started me on steroids (after 3 months).

>

> BACKGROUND: The first 12 months after starting the steroids, I

> experienced only a few flare ups. Back then, I started the scd only

> for about 2 months - since the medication worked I started to eat

> everything again (also being a social smoker). Then I had 9 great

> months. I was able to reduce the steriods to 5 mg and then finally,

> I stopped all my medications. A few weeks without any flare ups -

> and then they started again (diarrhoea, blood, mucus, the whole

> thing).

>

> LAST 12 MONTHS: Flare ups (same symptomes as above) basically came

> every 4 to 8 weeks, so I was on the steroids again (40 - 30 - 20 -

> 15 mg) but whenever I reach 15 mg they started again.

>

> START THE SCD: Finally, my wife and I decided to start the scd 5

> weeks ago. Within a couple days my stuhl went from soft to almost

> rock hard (smile). No discomfort after breakfast, lunch not dinner

> anymore. I was still using 20 mg steriods and 3000 mg salofalk.

When

> I reduced it to 15 mg the blood came back. The last week I had my

> first cold in 3 years with high fever and caughing - a virus. 2

> bowel movement a day and they are firm and formed but with much

> blood and mucus - sometimes there is only blood coming out before

> the perfect bowel movement.

>

> QUESTION: What is your experience at the beginning of the diet -

> when would you recommend to reduce the steroids? I am also reading

> Dr.Lutz - he said that he would go almost cold turkey of the

> steriods once the symptomes subside? I am very hesitant of that.

> Any thoughts & experiences?

>

> Thanks for your answers in advance.

>

>

>