Steroids are not "tylenol" for this disease, and as Harry and Snoopy have pointed out, the use of them is not to be taken lightly.

Please review the following information . . .

NMSS; steroids do not effect the course of the disease, and short and long-term effects of using them:

http://www.nationalmssociety.org/doc...nm_relapse.pdf

NMSS: people treated with oral steroids for ON did not do as well as those who didn't, and the use of them caused an increased risk of recurrence:

http://www.nationalmssociety.org/doc...onproblems.pdf

Optic Neuritis Treatment trial results:

http://www.nei.nih.gov/neitrials/vie...Web.aspx?id=47

Potential long and short-term side effects of steroid use:

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

Steroid Side Effects: http://www.rxlist.com/cgi/generic/methprd_ad.htm

Steroid Warnings: http://www.rxlist.com/cgi/generic/methprd_wcp.htm

Cherie