Hi there!
I have tried and felt everything you have mentioned in this particular post. I just tried Entocort for the first time a few weeks ago. It didn't work fast enough for me so I'm currently back on the prednisone 40mg to treat my new flare. So you are definitely not alone. I was categorized as moderate to severe crohn's-colitis, and in the past year have had 3 flares which all required me to be put on prednisone temporariliy.
With regards to prednisone, the first time I was on it I actually managed to LOSE weight and gain muscle. It made me really restless and I was physically in a position to work out and stretch daily which not only tired me out but kept me away from the fridge and poor food choices. Not saying this will work for everyone, but it was my experience my first time on pred.
All three times I manage to maintain my weight and avoid major bloating issues (moon-face) by reducing my salt intake while on prednisone and significantly increasing my water intake to help reduce water retention effect. I juice periodically to along with the water to help flush out my body and make sure I am getting proper nutrients and practice clean eating (predominately non-processed, home made meals) to help ensure I am limiting my salt intake. Also make sure you are increasing your potassium and calcium intake while on prednisone to help reduce the effects of bone damage and risk of hypokalemia from long term use of the medication.
Loperamide (Immodium) worked for me as well, but I experience the same symptoms of fullness/heaviness and the next time I go to the bathroom would be a pain/strain/constipation-like issue. I learned that I can only take half of a regular dosage of Immodium and it works just as well for me and doesn't cause those problems. In fact, now I only use the Immodium Multi-Symptom which is supposed to help combat the cramping/bloating/gas situation as well as diarrhea and it has for me each time I've used it thus far. However, I would consult your GI before playing around with these sorts of anti-diarrheal medications as long term use increases the risk of altering your digestive habits and discomforts.
I personally only use the half-dose of loperamide in worst case scenarios where I have frequent diarrhea issues, need to be out for a long period of time and have no guarantee of gaining easy/quick access to a bathroom or if I am in a situation where choosing my food in public is not an option.
Wishing you the best! Let us know if you have any other questions.
Thanks for replying. With the prednisone, I guess because of the swelling that can sometimes occur in your face and neck, I had this pressure that I could feel through my neck and it was very uncomfortable. It almost made me feel a little queasy. I have been on entocort and it really didn't have much effect. I have tried loperamide and that seems to help as far as slowing the diarrhea but then I get this uncomfortable feeling of fullness/heaviness in my abdomen.