Hi April,

There are plenty of side-effects that must be weighed before starting on steroids:

Short term use:
- allergic reaction
- insomnia
- psychiatric disturbance
- stomach upset
- fluid retention
- increased appetite
- acne
- bone damage/avascular necrosis (although rare, it can occur even after a single dose of steroids)

Long-term use:
- weight gain
- high blood pressure
- cataracts
- hardening of the arteries
- diabetes
- life threatening infections
- osteoporosis, or other bone damage

My doctor/neuro have not recommended them to me, even when I was paralyzed, and I have never used them over the 16+ yrs I've had MS. However, I might consider using them if my eyesight or ability to breathe was compromised.

Cherie