brandy,
don't lose hope. i suffer from uc also, but have not taken prednisone (my specialist believes it is a medication of last resort, thank goodness.) asacol is available here in canada, but under the brand name salofalk -- i use the suppositories and have never suffered any side effects. it has put my uc in remission every time i've had a flare. if your doctor won't consider anything other than prednisone, i'd really try to find another doctor.
good luck!
daisy