I have for a while had pains in the left side of my stomach, also with problems going to the loo, I have now been referred to possible colonoscopy , I am on pred, a friend finished pred about two years ago and I understand she has the same problems and has an appointment in the same dept.
I read that to help make it easier to go to the loo eat kiwi fruit. I now have one a day and it is much easier.
Does anyone know if Prednisone causes these problems.
Hello, lots of questions spring to mind because there isn’t a simple answer of it’s Pred or no it isn’t. It might be that low Pred is causing some low cortisol levels that can make things sluggish or go the other way. What dose are you on? How do you feel in yourself? What examinations have you had before referral (to a specialist or for the actual colonoscopy)? Have you been found to be constipated or is it alternating stop and go? Do you end up with passing crowbars or too soft to get a hold of? Has the doctor gone through your diet and fluid intake?
I am on one and a half mg per day.
I know you only asked a simple question but there isn’t a simple answer such as yes Pred does this. Yes, Pred can have wider effects on the body such as weakening the pelvic floor that can end up affecting the bowels but not a straight cause and effect that one can look towards immediately as being Pred. Some people do complain of irritable bowel, food intolerances and allergies cropping up on low doses, which I certainly did but it got better over months. Poor adrenal function can cause abdominal pain and loose stool which is why I asked how you felt in yourself. The investigations and symptoms you had before referral would also be relevant to whether Pred was in the picture. Generally 1.5mg is pretty low to attribute Pred as directly the cause particularly if you didn’t have this on higher doses.
Having had the same symptoms except my point of pain began on the right and extended along my lower abdomen. I had a colonoscopy and 6 small polyps were removed. Apart from this all that was found was normal diverticulosis ( for my age). I also experienced alternating diarrhoea and constipation as well as the sensation of a blockage. My symptoms began with adding Tocilizumab to my Pred dose. The symptoms continued and I have to eat a bland smooth diet. I was sent for a camera investigation and the results were diverticula disease and haemorrhoids. I am still having symptoms. My Rheumatologist is sending me for an MRI scan to see if this is linked to my Vasculitis that can affect the GI system. I have also got an upper GI tract capsule endoscopy in May. I have been on Prednisalone for 7 years and suspect that damage has been done - no doctor has confirmed this. To me the symptoms feel severe but tests so far, have shown nothing abnormal that would explain them. I am currently on 5 mgs of Pred and am intending to taper slowly. These symptoms have been getting worse for over a year.
Hi SheffieldJane,
I was searching HU regarding my recent episode of heartburn, indigestion, weight loss, loose stools, high back and flank pain etc, bloods showed raised amylase GP ordered gastroscopy (19th eek) and colonoscopy appointment pending. GP said have to rule out cancer of pancreas,liver, ovaries, Told him I have chronic AI condition but dismissed. I’m med free for Stills Disease and taking omeprazole and eating carefully. I have other AI conditions like Lichen Sclerosis and Interstitial Cystitis and mild dry eyes and cold extremities but no diagnosis on those.
Reading your post made me think about polyps, haemorrhoids and if they are my cause of trouble too. My grandma had diverticulitis, is this heredity ? Any way your story resonates with me right now.
Hope you’re doing ok?
Good luck with all this. I was told that most of us have a bit of diverticulosis as we get older, often completely symptom free. I am not aware of any hereditary connection. Just had a very thorough MRI Scan of my Vascular system. The enthusiasm of the specialist nurse made it absolutely fine, in spite of a heavy weight on my abdomen and the contrast dye. They were looking at the blood flow through my heart. She loved her job and it was catching.
Hi, sorry about my new profile, I deleted myself somehow. Thanks for your reply and upbeat tone, I love it when things go well and the ‘team’ enjoy it, makes it all easier doesn’t it. Keep well SJ x
It is all too easy to blame pred for things when you have been taking it for a long time. I have been on pred for nearly 14 years and tocilizumab for over 9 months - but I seem, so far at least, to have a cast iron gut!
The sad truth is that these sorts of things do manifest more as we get older so I don't think you can blame pred entirely - and it all needs clarification.
Hi gardenbay
I've just read through the very very long list of reported possible side effects of pred. It lists abdominal pain but doesn't mention constipation.
A great tip to share about kiwi fruit - thank you 😊 I find an increase in fluids and eating a ripe banana helps me when I have a temporary problem.
You've done the right thing to contact your Dr for an ongoing change in bowel habits- I hope it's something that's easily treated.
It is all too easy to blame pred for things when you have been taking it for a long time. I have been on pred for nearly 14 years and tocilizumab for over 9 months - but I seem, so far at least, to have a cast iron gut!
The sad truth is that these sorts of things do manifest more as we get older so I don't think you can blame pred entirely - and it all needs clarification.
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