In short, the answer would be that it's a wait and see kind of thing.

Steroids don't always shorten a flare or take care of all of the symptoms of a flare. It took me a year to be able to walk somewhat normal again. I still have a bounce in my gait but at least I can walk and only need my cane when I walk longer distances and use the the scooter in the stores.

I have had other flares that responded well to the steriods and I felt better within a week or two. But, my neuro did say that if it is a spinal lesion flare, steriods are not as effective, if at all, and he doesn't use them on spinal lesion flares. I just have to wait those ones out the best I can. Medications help. I can't tolerate baclofen or Valium but Ativan helps as does the gabapentin.

I take A LOT of Epsom salt baths during flares and that seems to help as well. Some flares really mess up my stomach. I'm not sure if it's related to the amount of pain I'm in or the nerves that go in to my stomach, which are damaged, being part of the flare. At any rate, I drink lots of shakes, smoothies, etc. because digesting the food is difficult during those spinal lesion flares.

I am not on a DMD. Apparently, I am allergic to the amino acids and can't tolerate them. So, we are waiting and seeing what happens. Should I have major changes in lesion load and/or symptoms, we are going to look at what options are available to for me and find one that will work well.

I'm glad you are starting to improve. This flare really hit you hard and I'm so sorry about that. Hang in there!