Managing Prednisolone with a Colostomy for PMR Treatment

Hello all,

             I have a permanent colostomy since 1983 due to rectal cancer (just starting to get used to it!!!) Seriously it does not give me much trouble, skin problems sometimes, but soon remedied, irrigate from time to time, when the fancy takes me or if I wish to be bag free for a special occasion, i.e flying on holiday, business in another country etc.  Six months ago was diagnosed with polymyalgia rheumatica; prognosis about two to three years. The medication  for this condition is Prednisolone; Calcium carbonate and Vit. D + Alendronic Acid.(Pred. leaches calcium from your bones) Originally started with 20 mg. and with a few hiccups- two days three nights in hospital- trying to regulate the dose am now on 15 mg. until at least June this year. Neither my primary health care doctor or the consultant rheumatologist can give me an answer so I ask the oracles.

Questions:- What effect would  long term use of the steroid Prednisolone have on what is left of my alimentary canal, what side effects apart from mood swings and hair loss can I expect? Has anybody here in this support group experienced PMR/GCA. If so have they used any alternative to Prednisolone?

Thanks for looking.

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Good health to all.

Jandap

Hi Jandap,

Loss of bone density is a serious issue - especially if you're a drinker like me.  After 18 months of oral Prednisolone and 6 years of Predsol enemas I now, in my 30s, have "severe" osteoporosis in my lumbar spine.

For an initial defence, take Calcium tablets but also Vitamin D.  A good physician may choose to put you on a bisphosphonate treatment as well - although they're not without their own side-effects.  Long story short: talk with a "professional" about protecting yourself against the steroids.

Cheers,

Tim.

i was on these steroids for a year.  through a drip, luckerly ,no side effects,

take calcium tabs every day

and vitamis



how do you go bag free,.

Hi Bonbaz,

               

                Because I have a colostomy I can irrigate, (wash out what is left of my large intestine), which gives me freedom from a bag for about 36 hours. I started to irrigate some years ago but guess I am just too lazy to irrigate all the time. I stress that I can irrigate because I have a colostomy, irrigation is not for everyone. I started under medical supervision. Hope this answers your question.

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                Original question still there, forgive me if I keep repeating myself. But anybody in the group diagnosed with polymyalgia rheumatica and any alternative to Prednisolone?.

                Again thanks for looking.

                Be well.



                Jandap