I was on a round of steroids for an extensive rash about three weeks ago. Since coming off of the prednisone, I've felt terrible: low energy, light headed, shaky. I've also been having digestive tract issues that I don't know if they are related to the other symptoms: extreme cramping in both front and back of my lower stomach area. The worst of this pain only lasts 15-20 minutes at a time but it is extreme, doubles me over with pain and I break out in a heavy sweat. It doesn't occur every day but maybe several times a week, always around noon or late afternoon, usually after I eat. When the initial cramps subside, I'm left feeling as if I've been beaten up in my gut area for several hours. It just feels sore and unlike the cramping which is all around my lower gut, it is in specific spots: middle of right side, low around bladder area on left side and left back with pain occasionally radiating down my leg. I've been bothered with these "cramping attacks" for at least a year, several times every week. I've tried to find a pattern in what I eat or when and I can't. I've mentioned this to my nurse practitioner three months ago and she said it was probably hemorrhoids or irritable bowel. I have no outward signs of hemorrhoids but I have had problems in the distant past with a spastic bowel. I see my nurse practitioner for a follow up next week. I will ask her about the way I've felt since coming of the prednisone then. My question for you is twofold, should I go in for blood tests without eating before I see the nurse practitioner again and for the digestive tract issues, should I go ahead an call my gastroenterologist? Thank you for your time.