I got the full gram of the stuff. flush with 50cc of saline after to make sure all the stuff got chased out of the tubes.

My DH said my speech is more coherant, and that my words are not halting. My foot is much better. Its not asleep anymore.

I did however wake at 4 am with a massive stomach ache. It was awful, very low, and felt like I was going to have the worst case of diarrhea ever. I finally got back to bed about 6 after an eventful stay in the bathroom. my goodness! I feel asleep again about 7 and woke to the nosey neighbor calling who is now home for the summer. No amount of "i dont feel good" would cut it, so I threw the phone on the floor and the DH took it from there.

anyone else get diarrhea? is it just a bug? is this common? Its stopped now, but wow, oh wow, im shakey and wiped out. I have my lemon candy which really helps, and I think my iv is still in place. its in the crook of my arm, which is impossible to not move, so..we shall see.

thanks for the support. MS SUCKS!

OK 2/3 done. the tummy thing I am told was a coincidence, and not anything to do with the steriods. they gave me yummy drugs that helped. mmmm relax! anyway, uneventful infusion. same nasty taste, same rapid heart rate, same impatient want to get out of here feeling, but it passed, and I am home. only one more to go.

I am not raging, or angry or impatient. as a matter of fact, I feel calmer than before the steroids. so...lets hope this sticks.

Cool, Dej, like I said earlier, you can't know unless you try it, and it sounds like you're doing as well as can be expected.

I didn't mention the nasty metallic taste because I didn't want to suggest it. Now that you have it, I'll tell you that the very best way to erase it is with rootbeer flavored candy, with a rootbeer chaser. The second best is ginger candy, and yes, a Vernor's chaser.

I've never had any gut issues related to the IVSM and I've never heard it from anyone else. My guess is that your supposition is correct, no connection, just an extra bummer during a rough patch.

Let's hope that in a few more days you'll begin realizing excellent results.

I use cinnamon candy, myself. Glad to hear you're doing well, Dej.

I never, ever, got that metallic taste everyone talks about. I can taste and smell everything very strongly. I am sensitive to many odors, so I don't think my nose or taste buds are down the drain. I wonder though. Hmm

Dej, if you belly hurts again try a banana.

I am using Lemon Head candies, and YUMMY! cuts right thru the nasty taste. I do love rootbeer, I may try that next time.

The tummy bug was just a short term thing. THe MD said I have been in and out of the hospitals for the last two weeks, and I should count myself lucky that was the worst I got. I am excellent about protection for myself, but they dont clean rooms between patients, and a man with a tummy bug can sit in your chair before you, and get his antibiotics,and then smash on the TV remote, and so on. Lets not mention how many folks use that IV cuff and dont get it cleaned between rooms.

The nurse was shocked when I pulled out a zip lock and asked her to drop the TV remote into it. I told her that I wasnt touching that! I then pulled out my pocket lysol spray and sprayed the common touch places. The nurse looked at me funny. I said I am NOT a germaphobe, but I am immune compromised, and now you are going to shoot me full of strong steroids! Im not getting whatever the last guy in here has. She said she didnt blame me, but its rare to see a patient be so proactive. I got the tummy bug anyway!

Feeling much better today. I slept most of the night, and actually rested. My prayer is that this IV in the bend of my arm is still open. I am a horrific stick, so lets all do the open line prayer.

Im off to do my last IVSM for this flair. Since this run has been so helpful, I guess I wouldnt be too afraid to do it again. I would only reserve it for the big boy stuff like ON or really bad cognitve stuff tho. I was really bad with mixed up words, and couldnt think. I am thankful this helped.

Oh forgot to mention. Last night I had bad racy heart, and my elbow was really painful. I was even having heavy chest. I then remembered potassium and got up to have a banana and a glass of OJ. within a half hour all that passed. it wasnt heart attack type stuff, it was just something really off, and I couldnt put my finger on it. anxiety was rampant with it as well, cause you KNOW I went for the "is this a heart attack" button.

So, keep bananas and OJ in the house if you do IVSM its a huge helper! I think I was dehydrated from the night on the potty as well.

My tummy is much better, and I am off to do the last one.

last one done! wahoo! im unplugged, and free.

I do notice a vast improvement mentally. I am no longer dragging my foot. I dont have the tons of energy that folks get, actually im spent. The metal taste in my mouth was better each day. it was still nasty, but as I adjusted, it wasnt quite so horrid. Lemon heads rock!

So, im done,and told I can expect this stuff to keep working for about 5 days. Lets see how far I can take it.

I'm glad you're feeling better Dej. I hope the steroids do their magic for you. Hope you have a nice Easter!