question about symptoms
Moderators: Rosie, Stanz, Jean, CAMary, moremuscle, JFR, Dee, xet, Peggy, Matthew, Gabes-Apg, grannyh, Gloria, Mars, starfire, Polly, Joefnh
question about symptoms
Hi, does anyone else have an itchy scalp as part of their symptoms? I am trying to be a good detective and eliminate gluten, dairy, soy, eggs and corn. Even with the diet change for the last 2 weeks and 6 mg Entrocort I am still having fatique, lots of swelling, discomfort etc. The scalp itching along with a burning sensation in one spot on the back of my crown seem to come on with the symptoms. Also lots of hair thinning. Any ideas? Have tried lots of different hair products including Jasons natural shampoo and conditioner. thanks, Connie
Hi Connie
Sorry you have all these symptoms. How long have you been on 6mg Entocort? Experience here indicates that it usually better not to reduce from 9mg a day until symptoms become consistently normal, or maybe you have always been on 6mg a day? In saying this, I assume along with your other symptoms your BMs have not return to normal (or, as we say here, "Norman" has not visited regularly) yet?.
I had bloating for a few weeks after starting my 9mg of Entocort before it calmed down. And it seems that fatigue is one of the last symptoms to go as MC gets better. I do not have your other symptoms, but I am sure others will give you some answers.
All the very best, Ant
Sorry you have all these symptoms. How long have you been on 6mg Entocort? Experience here indicates that it usually better not to reduce from 9mg a day until symptoms become consistently normal, or maybe you have always been on 6mg a day? In saying this, I assume along with your other symptoms your BMs have not return to normal (or, as we say here, "Norman" has not visited regularly) yet?.
I had bloating for a few weeks after starting my 9mg of Entocort before it calmed down. And it seems that fatigue is one of the last symptoms to go as MC gets better. I do not have your other symptoms, but I am sure others will give you some answers.
All the very best, Ant
Hi Connie,
Ant is quite correct, it takes a while for all the symptoms to go away, and fatigue is usually the last to go.
If the scalp itching started before you started taking Entocort, it may indeed be a symptom of MC. If it started after you began taking Entocort, however, it may be an allergic reaction to budesonide, or something else in the Entocort. The burning sensation you described, sounds like a neurologic reaction to the budesonide, but it's not impossible that it could be due to gluten sensitivity, since gluten crosses the blood/brain barrier, (IOW, that's a peripheral neuropathy symptom). I had neurological symptoms before I cut gluten out of my diet, similar to the burning sensation that you described, except that in my case, it usually showed up on the sole of my right foot.
I'm sorry to say that the hair loss is probably due to the Entocort, (unless you're also taking Asacol, in which case it's due to the Asacol). Unfortunately, that's an uncommon side effect of Entocort. Most drug websites only list a few of the major side effects of drugs. Here's a comprehensive list of the possible side effects of Entocort EC:
Common side effects:
Acute Infection of the Nose, Throat or Sinus
Infection caused by a Virus
Bleeding Not Related to Menstrual Period
Joint Pain
Infection
Sinus Irritation and Congestion
Conditions of Excess Stomach Acid Secretion
Indigestion
Inflammation of Skin caused by an Allergy
Backache
Chronic Trouble Sleeping
Low Energy
Pain
Increased Hunger
Throwing Up
Gas
Diarrhea
Stomach Cramps
Nervous
Infrequent side effects:
Feeling Restless
Hyperactive Behavior
Problems with Eyesight
Pink Eye
Outer Ear Inflammation caused by Allergy or Infection
Bronchitis
Stomach or Intestine Blockage
Bleeding of the Stomach or Intestines
Urinary Tract Infection
Osteoporosis
Abscess
Loss of Memory
Swollen Tongue
Heart Throbbing or Pounding
Chest Pain
Diabetes
Cushing's Syndrome
Low Amount of Potassium in the Blood
Large Purple or Brown Skin Blotches
Increase of White Blood Cells
Hemorrhoids
Inflammation of the Nose
Any Disease of the Teeth
Painful, Red or Swollen Tongue
Inflammation of the Lining of the Stomach and Intestines
An Abnormal Connection Between the Stomach and Intestine
Irregular Periods
Problem with Periods
Hair Loss
Muscle Pain
Drowsiness
Fever
Flu-Like Symptoms
Involuntary Quivering
Puffy Face from Water Retention
Difficult or Painful Urination
Frequent Urination
Urination During the Night
Feeling Weak
Rare side effects:
Extreme Sense of Well Being
Depression
Pseudotumor Cerebri
Disease of the Nerves
Muscle Disease
Increased Pressure in the Eye
Increased Pressure in Eyes
Cataracts
High Blood Pressure
Complete Stoppage of the Heart
Slow Heartbeat
Abnormal Heart Rhythm
Chronic Heart Failure
Obstruction of a Blood Vessel by a Blood Clot
Obstruction of Blood Vessel caused by a Fat Globule
Vasculitis
Blood Clot in Vein
Hemorrhage of Blood Under the Skin
Fluid in the Lungs
Ulcers of Esophagus
Ulcer from Stomach Acid
Acute Inflammation of the Pancreas
Redness of Skin
Skin Stretch Marks
Hives
Rupture of a Tendon
Muscle Weakness
Nerve Pain
Delirium
Hallucination
Fit
Rash
Visible Water Retention
Fast Heartbeat
Trouble Breathing
Enlarged Liver
The Presence of Sugar in the Urine
Abnormal Liver Function Tests
Broken Bone
Impaired Wound Healing
Life Threatening Allergic Reaction
Reaction due to an Allergy
Water Retention
Confused
Mood Changes
Paranoia
Over Excitement
Mental Disturbance
False Sense of Well-Being
Disorder involving Personality Changes
Excessive Hairiness
Acne
Feeling Fain
Sensation of Spinning or Whirling
Dizzy
Excessive Sweating
Temporary Redness of Face and Neck
Small Reddish-Purplish Pin-Point Sized Spots on the Skin
Scaling of Skin
Weight Gain
Head Pain
Hiccups
Feel Like Throwing Up
Swelling of the Abdomen
Numbness and Tingling
Not Feeling Well
Abnormal Fat Distribution
From this site:
http://fdb.rxlist.com/drugs/drug-22007- ... genumber=6
Tex
Ant is quite correct, it takes a while for all the symptoms to go away, and fatigue is usually the last to go.
If the scalp itching started before you started taking Entocort, it may indeed be a symptom of MC. If it started after you began taking Entocort, however, it may be an allergic reaction to budesonide, or something else in the Entocort. The burning sensation you described, sounds like a neurologic reaction to the budesonide, but it's not impossible that it could be due to gluten sensitivity, since gluten crosses the blood/brain barrier, (IOW, that's a peripheral neuropathy symptom). I had neurological symptoms before I cut gluten out of my diet, similar to the burning sensation that you described, except that in my case, it usually showed up on the sole of my right foot.
I'm sorry to say that the hair loss is probably due to the Entocort, (unless you're also taking Asacol, in which case it's due to the Asacol). Unfortunately, that's an uncommon side effect of Entocort. Most drug websites only list a few of the major side effects of drugs. Here's a comprehensive list of the possible side effects of Entocort EC:
Common side effects:
Acute Infection of the Nose, Throat or Sinus
Infection caused by a Virus
Bleeding Not Related to Menstrual Period
Joint Pain
Infection
Sinus Irritation and Congestion
Conditions of Excess Stomach Acid Secretion
Indigestion
Inflammation of Skin caused by an Allergy
Backache
Chronic Trouble Sleeping
Low Energy
Pain
Increased Hunger
Throwing Up
Gas
Diarrhea
Stomach Cramps
Nervous
Infrequent side effects:
Feeling Restless
Hyperactive Behavior
Problems with Eyesight
Pink Eye
Outer Ear Inflammation caused by Allergy or Infection
Bronchitis
Stomach or Intestine Blockage
Bleeding of the Stomach or Intestines
Urinary Tract Infection
Osteoporosis
Abscess
Loss of Memory
Swollen Tongue
Heart Throbbing or Pounding
Chest Pain
Diabetes
Cushing's Syndrome
Low Amount of Potassium in the Blood
Large Purple or Brown Skin Blotches
Increase of White Blood Cells
Hemorrhoids
Inflammation of the Nose
Any Disease of the Teeth
Painful, Red or Swollen Tongue
Inflammation of the Lining of the Stomach and Intestines
An Abnormal Connection Between the Stomach and Intestine
Irregular Periods
Problem with Periods
Hair Loss
Muscle Pain
Drowsiness
Fever
Flu-Like Symptoms
Involuntary Quivering
Puffy Face from Water Retention
Difficult or Painful Urination
Frequent Urination
Urination During the Night
Feeling Weak
Rare side effects:
Extreme Sense of Well Being
Depression
Pseudotumor Cerebri
Disease of the Nerves
Muscle Disease
Increased Pressure in the Eye
Increased Pressure in Eyes
Cataracts
High Blood Pressure
Complete Stoppage of the Heart
Slow Heartbeat
Abnormal Heart Rhythm
Chronic Heart Failure
Obstruction of a Blood Vessel by a Blood Clot
Obstruction of Blood Vessel caused by a Fat Globule
Vasculitis
Blood Clot in Vein
Hemorrhage of Blood Under the Skin
Fluid in the Lungs
Ulcers of Esophagus
Ulcer from Stomach Acid
Acute Inflammation of the Pancreas
Redness of Skin
Skin Stretch Marks
Hives
Rupture of a Tendon
Muscle Weakness
Nerve Pain
Delirium
Hallucination
Fit
Rash
Visible Water Retention
Fast Heartbeat
Trouble Breathing
Enlarged Liver
The Presence of Sugar in the Urine
Abnormal Liver Function Tests
Broken Bone
Impaired Wound Healing
Life Threatening Allergic Reaction
Reaction due to an Allergy
Water Retention
Confused
Mood Changes
Paranoia
Over Excitement
Mental Disturbance
False Sense of Well-Being
Disorder involving Personality Changes
Excessive Hairiness
Acne
Feeling Fain
Sensation of Spinning or Whirling
Dizzy
Excessive Sweating
Temporary Redness of Face and Neck
Small Reddish-Purplish Pin-Point Sized Spots on the Skin
Scaling of Skin
Weight Gain
Head Pain
Hiccups
Feel Like Throwing Up
Swelling of the Abdomen
Numbness and Tingling
Not Feeling Well
Abnormal Fat Distribution
From this site:
http://fdb.rxlist.com/drugs/drug-22007- ... genumber=6
Tex
It is suspected that some of the hardest material known to science can be found in the skulls of GI specialists who insist that diet has nothing to do with the treatment of microscopic colitis.
Thanks for your reply. This is my second round of Entrocort. I was on it initally for 1 month at 9mg and then a second month of tapering to zero. Symptoms returned. GI doc prescribed Entrocort one month of 9mg and then tapering to zero again. He also put me on Asacol for this second round of treatment but I found I couldn't tolerate the burning pain it caused in my abdomen.
I don't have enough Entrocort to go back to 9 mg but I have Dr appointment in 2 weeks with an internist who unlike my GI doc is listening to me. (had very bad experience with GI doc, he wouldn't listen to me about the symtoms of Asacol, told me to keep taking it and come back in two months)
I am not having diarrhea presently just the gurgling, swollen intestine, fatigue, etc. Plus the itchy scalp and continued hair thinning. Also shouldn't complain about it but I am growing dark hair on arms which I have never had. I was told that it's age related as I am 53. Seems my whole body is reacting one way or another. Thanks again, Connie
I don't have enough Entrocort to go back to 9 mg but I have Dr appointment in 2 weeks with an internist who unlike my GI doc is listening to me. (had very bad experience with GI doc, he wouldn't listen to me about the symtoms of Asacol, told me to keep taking it and come back in two months)
I am not having diarrhea presently just the gurgling, swollen intestine, fatigue, etc. Plus the itchy scalp and continued hair thinning. Also shouldn't complain about it but I am growing dark hair on arms which I have never had. I was told that it's age related as I am 53. Seems my whole body is reacting one way or another. Thanks again, Connie
Hi Connie,
You're correct about Asacol. Many members here have had severe reactions to Asacol, and some doctors seem to be too ignorant to recognize the risks involved. Asacol can cause chronic pancreatitis, (which is a serious issue), in some people.
You were told wrong. The hair growth is due to the Entocort. That's a rather common side effect of Entocort, even though it's officially listed as a rare side effect. Some women grow a weak mustache, while they're taking Entocort. It will go away, after use of the drug is discontinued.
I was still editing the list of symptoms in my post when you responded. If you will reread my post, I've highlighted in red, some of the symptoms you mentioned.
Be aware that you seem to be having many more, (and more significant), side effects than most users experience with Entocort.
Tex
You're correct about Asacol. Many members here have had severe reactions to Asacol, and some doctors seem to be too ignorant to recognize the risks involved. Asacol can cause chronic pancreatitis, (which is a serious issue), in some people.
You were told wrong. The hair growth is due to the Entocort. That's a rather common side effect of Entocort, even though it's officially listed as a rare side effect. Some women grow a weak mustache, while they're taking Entocort. It will go away, after use of the drug is discontinued.
I was still editing the list of symptoms in my post when you responded. If you will reread my post, I've highlighted in red, some of the symptoms you mentioned.
Be aware that you seem to be having many more, (and more significant), side effects than most users experience with Entocort.
Tex
It is suspected that some of the hardest material known to science can be found in the skulls of GI specialists who insist that diet has nothing to do with the treatment of microscopic colitis.
Thank you Tex. I reread your answer as I was replying as you were posting.
I have been very ill since I was diagnosed. The round with Asacol nearly wiped me out. I have read so much about the positive effects with Entrocort on MC that I thought I needed it. Maybe I need to taper off and tough it out with the diet. Kind of scary with the inflammation in my colon.
I have been so conflicted with the information the doctors have given me that I started thinking alot of this is in my head. I look terrible and feel terrible. (I have developed a twitch in right eye that I was told was anxiety, which could be)
I did notice yesterday that my multiple vitamin contains soy. I will not take it anymore.
I must confess I have become a website junkie and I value your input so much. Thanks for your dedication and earnest input. I appreciate it more than I can say.
Connie
I have been very ill since I was diagnosed. The round with Asacol nearly wiped me out. I have read so much about the positive effects with Entrocort on MC that I thought I needed it. Maybe I need to taper off and tough it out with the diet. Kind of scary with the inflammation in my colon.
I have been so conflicted with the information the doctors have given me that I started thinking alot of this is in my head. I look terrible and feel terrible. (I have developed a twitch in right eye that I was told was anxiety, which could be)
I did notice yesterday that my multiple vitamin contains soy. I will not take it anymore.
I must confess I have become a website junkie and I value your input so much. Thanks for your dedication and earnest input. I appreciate it more than I can say.
Connie
Connie, I hope the elimination of your multi vitamins with soy will help you a lot.
I have hair loss too.
I'm not taking Entocort or any drug for my LC, just eliminating my intolerances.
I'm hoping that taking the Vitamin C and magnesium that the SpectraCell (www.spectracell.com) test showed I need will help.
I have hair loss too.
I'm hoping that taking the Vitamin C and magnesium that the SpectraCell (www.spectracell.com) test showed I need will help.
DISCLAIMER: I am not a doctor and don't play one on TV.
LDN July 18, 2014
Joan
LDN July 18, 2014
Joan
Connie,
It's always a tough call, when we have side effects from a medication that is so beneficial, otherwise. About all we can do is to weight the aggravation of the side effects, against the benefits, and decide if it is worth it, (unless, of course, any of the side effects might be life-threatening, but they don't seem to be, in this case).
Trust me, many of us look and feel terrible when we're reacting to this disease. I looked about 20 years older, and felt about 40 years older, when I was sick.
The twitch is probably also due to the Entocort. Others here have reported that symptom. That would fall under the category of "Involuntary Quivering", in the list.
Catching that multivitamin might make a big difference - you'll know in a day or so, if that was the last "hidden" trigger.
You're more than welcome. We appreciate you sharing your information with us - we learn from each other, by sharing our experiences, and even details that may seem insignificant at the time, may help someone, somewhere, to find the key to remission.
Tex
It's always a tough call, when we have side effects from a medication that is so beneficial, otherwise. About all we can do is to weight the aggravation of the side effects, against the benefits, and decide if it is worth it, (unless, of course, any of the side effects might be life-threatening, but they don't seem to be, in this case).
Trust me, many of us look and feel terrible when we're reacting to this disease. I looked about 20 years older, and felt about 40 years older, when I was sick.
The twitch is probably also due to the Entocort. Others here have reported that symptom. That would fall under the category of "Involuntary Quivering", in the list.
Catching that multivitamin might make a big difference - you'll know in a day or so, if that was the last "hidden" trigger.
You're more than welcome. We appreciate you sharing your information with us - we learn from each other, by sharing our experiences, and even details that may seem insignificant at the time, may help someone, somewhere, to find the key to remission.
Tex
It is suspected that some of the hardest material known to science can be found in the skulls of GI specialists who insist that diet has nothing to do with the treatment of microscopic colitis.
Thanks Joan for letting me know you share my hair loss frustration. It is hard not be upset with it. I am taking magnesium and vitamin C, salmon oil and vitamin D plus B12 which is a dissolving tablet. (mag., Salmon Oil and D and B12 are a tribute to Tex's posts in the past) I hope your vitamin supplements help. I just started on them about 2 weeks ago. Thanks for sharing sister.
Tex, thank you. It's nice to know all the symptoms I'm having could be caused by something other than my mind. As you said we have to weigh the side effects versus the good effects of medication. I really need to think this out. Thanks for everything.
Best Regards, Connie
Tex, thank you. It's nice to know all the symptoms I'm having could be caused by something other than my mind. As you said we have to weigh the side effects versus the good effects of medication. I really need to think this out. Thanks for everything.
Best Regards, Connie
Connie, did you read here that taking oral magnesium can cause problems? It can have a laxative effect.
http://www.perskyfarms.com/phpBB2/viewt ... =magnesium
http://www.perskyfarms.com/phpBB2/viewt ... =magnesium
DISCLAIMER: I am not a doctor and don't play one on TV.
LDN July 18, 2014
Joan
LDN July 18, 2014
Joan
Thanks again Joan. I did know magnesium can cause soft stools so I started at first taking it every other day but so far my stools are firm.
I am just so sick of being sick. I told me internist if I was a car my emergency flashers would be on. I know there's no quick fix and I have to be patient. It's just so very easy to say and so hard to do.
Thanks for the information and I will look into the magnesium oil. Connie
I am just so sick of being sick. I told me internist if I was a car my emergency flashers would be on. I know there's no quick fix and I have to be patient. It's just so very easy to say and so hard to do.
Thanks for the information and I will look into the magnesium oil. Connie

Visit the Microscopic Colitis Foundation Website




