I'm one of those scaredy cats when it comes to taking meds. I worry over the side effects and mixing meds together. My new neuro has mentioned trying a round of Solu Medrol. It's been over 5 years since the first attempt. My question is.... if there isn't any inflamation going on is it still ok to take this stuff? I mean, how can you be sure if you're taking the right med for certain problems? I'm never quite sure if I'm in a relapse or attack or whatever you call it since I'm secondary progressive.

Someone please reassure me.
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Marti

Solumedrol is supposed to be used to shorten the span of a bad relapse. Not just a symptom or twp ramping up a bit. It's a serious Med with some possibly serious side effects.

If you are not having inflamation and an actual Exacerbation, then don't waste your money, your health or your time. JMHO..

I hope you are feeling better soon, Peahen.

In my experience, if I find myself actively contemplating a round of Solumedrol, I go ahead and do it. I've had 7 or 8 rounds over the years, and have always been lucky with a good result.

The SEs can be a bit grim (my house sparkles when I'm done!), but if you're looking for symptom relief, it's probably the way to go. For me, the longer I wait, the worse it gets, and the longer it takes me to get back towards my baseline.

Good luck!
Pete

Hi Marti,

WELCOME TO THE NEUROTALK FORUM COMMUNITY!

IVSM is used for a wide spectrum of reasons. With people with MS it is used to reduce the effects of a relapse or exacerbation, and to get you over that hump of bad symptoms as quickly as possible. With many people this effect lasts for up to two months. For others the positive effects only last a few weeks.

I wouldn't worry about taking a pulse of IVSM as long as the bad symptoms warrant it. You don't need to worry about it causing side effects with other medications.

Good luck and I hope you're feeling well soon.

Hello Marti,
It has been my understanding that if you are secondary progressive, you don't really have acute exacerbations. I have been led to believe that an IV course of IVSM simply shortens the course of an exacerbation, but doesn't do anything to rid one of the exacerbation. I've taken several courses of it over the years, and with other medications, but always cautiously, as the risks of IVSM can cause permanent damage over the long run to several body systems.

I hope you're feeling better soon and get a chance to discuss this in detail with your Neurologist before you decide to take the steroids.

All the best,
Chris

As you can see, there are a mix of feelings about Solu Medrol. My advice is to make sure you have a good working relationship with your doctor. If you have some reserve about it, maybe your own family doctor can help guide you.