Steriod Injections?

[ant]

Dear Olivia

I am only just recently down to 3gm. It took at least 8 months before I could taper to 6gm and then after about another month and a half to 3gm. (And all this with a GF, DF, SF, legumeF, nightshadeF, raw fruit and raw veg free diet). As has been said, the researched, recommended dose to start with is 9gm. I know you already know all this, but in IMHO that is likely why you are not getting progress.

I hope you can find a way to change your docs mind,

Best wishes, Ant

[starfire]

Wondering if you are continuing with the Boswellia Serrata? At least I think it was you. Could be wrong. I am still taking 4 daily (250mg each) and 1 Asacol and not doing too bad.

Love, Shirley

[tex]

Olivia,

I have no idea how to resolve a severe case of GI doc stupidity in the military, but the dose he is prescribing to you is totally worthless. Consider this quote from an AstraZeneca Etocort trial with Canadian Crohn's disease patients:

Study One (Table 1) involved 258 patients and tested the safety and efficacy of graded doses
of ENTOCORT capsules (1.5 mg b.i.d., 4.5 mg b.i.d. or 7.5 b.i.d.) versus placebo. The 3 mg
per day dose level (data not shown in Table 1) could not be differentiated from placebo (P =
0.13). The remission rates (CDAI ≤ 150) in the 9 mg arm were found to be significantly
higher than those in the placebo group subsequent to the completion of an 8 week treatment
period (51% versus 20%, P = 0.0004).

Note that the remission rate was only 51% with the 9 mg dose. Your doc must think that Entocort EC has some sort of powerful, magical qualities. You can see the whole report, here:

http://www.astrazeneca.ca/documents/Pro ... _PM_en.pdf

I wish I knew how to help.

Tex

[ant]

Dear Shirley

Yes I am doing Boswellia Serrata (I should have mentioned that). I have been taking it since Feb 2nd, so it may indeed be part of my general improvement as I try and taper off Entocort. It is so hard to tell since it could also be the gradual healing of the gut due to the other treatments (Entocort and Diet). I am not yet 100%. Had another couple of small flares in the last 2 weeks, but they seem to be shorter and less intense these days.

(I am guessing grapes the first time and nightshades (potatoes boiled) the second time set them off.... )

Love, ant

[starfire]

I hope both of us can eventually find out if the Boswellia is helping or not somehow.

Hope you continue to get better and find your path to being as normal as possible with this disease.

Love, Shirley