I try very hard to avoid the steroids unless it affects my vision or my ability to express my own words.

I hope you feel better quickly.

I was told that steroids dont do much for numbness. I did steroids once for numbness, didnt do anything for me. So, I kind of agree a little bit with that statement.

If it's just numbness, which is a fairly harmless symptom, even tho it's really really really really really annoying, I would skip the steroids and wait it out. If things have been improving for you, just have a little patience and wait a little longer.

Just be careful around anything hot so you dont burn yourself.

I know numbness is really uncomfortable. It's been one of the more bothersome symptoms for me. I really really really hate numbness.

Three Bichons!!!! Mine is pictured here.....she's not a purebred, but so lovable as they all are. You must have lots of energy around there with three of them! Hope your MS symptoms are subsiding without steroids. They never seemed to do much for me..........just time. All the best whatever you decide.

Your little Bichon is adorable. They sure are loveable. I have two 9 year olds and one 15 year old, who someone threw away and she had a major disease. I took her in and brought her to a specialists and her disease is now under control.

On average, how long is an exacerbation? I used to know but have forgot completely. Also, Judy, how do I get a picture beside my name on the side of a sent e-mail.

Cathy

I don't know the answer to your question. I was part of a study once and I had to take 1 gm (1,000 mg) for 5 days every 3 or 4 months. So, that's between 15,000 mg to 20,0 00 mg in a year. You can always check with your neuro and see. There are risks with taking so much steriods that I would definitely ask.

The length of an exacerbation varies. I've had them last anywhere from a week to 4 months. Or, I should say the symptoms lasted that long.

I hope you do start feeling better soon.

[QUOTE=tkrik;789602]I don't know the answer to your question. I was part of a study once and I had to take 1 gm (1,000 mg) for 5 days every 3 or 4 months. So, that's between 15,000 mg to 20,0 00 mg in a year.
You can always check with your neuro and see. There are risks with taking so much steriods that I would definitely ask.

I have a dog who overproduces a steroidal hormone in her body, and I have to use a chemo pill on her but it works. If I didn't she would have easily died 3 years ago and she is still running and playing.

The one good thing about the practice I go do is they have a lot of doctors and everything is computerized, so they all have access to all my records. But my neuro appt isn't for another month, and I was just wondering if someone knew how much steroids could be given within a year.

Thanks for your answers.

Cathy

My neuro told me once that he doesnt like to give steroids (oral or IVSM) more than twice in a year.

He also told me that if you take steroids too often, that they might not work for you if you have a massively bad flare which is when you would really want to take them.

Yes, the numbness is bothersome, but harmless. It is gradually going away so maybe it is a good idea to let nature take its course.

I will e-mail my neuro about it though.

Cathy

When MS first struck, me it was in one eye. I was blind but the steroids did get my eyesight back. When the neuro told me about it, and I gave him my personal history, he agreed it was for the best. I am divorced, had no children so I am always paying for a lot of things that people who are married or have children don't. But I recovered so quickly with the steroid. I kept a journal during that time and am adding to it again. I also keep a current file on all tests and meds and two of my neighbors know where it is plus my niece does too.


Cathy