IBD - Prednisolone

[Freakuk]

Looking for some advice, first hand information.

I was diagnosed with IBD last September after suffering for most of 2025.

I had a short 6 week course of low dosage steroids (clipper) and then have suppositories as and when.

To be honest I have no idea if I am having a flare up of not, some days are normal some days I go to the loo 4-6 times usually straight after food/drink, but my weight has remained the same and I've been pretty active.

However, I am about to head off on holiday to India and have had numerous vaccinations over the last month and it occured to me I should ring my IBD clinic and see if there's anything I should avoid etc. They suggested I do some further tests to check on my inflammation level and I've just had the results - extremely high inflammation and they have no prescribed Prednisolone as a strong steroid, plus vitamin tablets to keep my bone density up.

I'm really not keen on steroids but I really don't know what to do given in a week I'll be in India.

Any thoughts/advice.

[21TonyK]

When you say a high dosage, what have they prescribed?

I'm no medic by any means but my experience also involved lots of short term prescriptions to start off, now I'm on 20mg a day but I monitor and vary this a little.

If you have been prescribed Vitamin C as well then it sounds like more than a quick temporary holiday fix.

I had no real side effects or problems with prednisolone either short or long term but I have packed up booze, am a bit more active and try not to binge on cheese as often as I did.

[havoc]

Is your IBD Colitis or Crohns?

...and has anything like mesalazine been suggested (or is that the suppository)?


My suggestions would be:-
- experiment with removing things from your diet, see if that makes any difference. I ditched caffeine completely and I now treat curries and (proper) spice as treats which will have an impact - some things WILL trigger your inflammation, but it's working out what it is for you.
- investigate how much may be driven by an auto-immune reaction, and consider what might be driving that (e.g. lifestyle stress and what can you do to manage/reduce that)?
- add alcohol (& fizzy drinks maybe) to the diet experiments above.

[AB]

IBD and India do not play together well in my experience.

Has anyone tried the at home blood testing to see what foods can cause issues? I see if advertised but have never heard any feedback.

I was told I had IBS a few years back, I know it's distinctly different but it took a while of experimentation to figure out what I should and shouldn't be eating and drinking.

On the plus side, you qualify for a Radar key which is great at motorway service stations.

[BatPoorsha]

I would always recommend Crohn's & Colitis UK. Lots of resources on there, including free to attend Virtual Social Events. On these events you'll be in a Zoom room with other people living with IBD. They can be a great way to chat about these exact topics.

I have Crohn's. Steroids are usually temporary and you're closely monitored to ensure the inflammation is improving. With any travel it would always be worth talking to your IBD nurses. They can provide letters to ensure any medication you're taking will be allowed. Some pain meds are restricted in certain countries etc.

On the CCUK website you can also download documentation in different languages. This can be useful if you end up needing help whilst away and you don't speak the local language.

The RADAR key and sunflower lanyards are great tools. They can be purchased online easily. The Sunflower lanyard signifies a hidden disability and can help flight attendants etc understand that you may require help - such as being sat near a toilet or needing access to the First Class Toilet if in dire straits whilst flying.