I am a new member, but wanted to post a question. Does anyone know the amount of steroids in mg's one person can have during a year?

I am having a relapse at the moment, the first in 14 years, and have MS in a very mild form. However, my exacerbation has already started subsiding some, but I know it is going to take time, so was hoping I could move it along.

The reason I am asking about the quantity of steriods in mg's, is because in less than a year, I have had steroids injected in my spine for my spinal stenosis and wondered if there is a limit.

Thank you for any responses.

Cathy

What symptoms is your exacerbation presenting? I've heard that some symptoms are not helped by steroids.

Personally, I won't do the steroids. My flare ups generally resolve themselves anywhere from 6-12 weeks. I'm not working any longer so I guess I tend to just wait them out versus speed them along. But everyone's different and chooses different ways to help them through the crisis.

I'd check with the Neuro and see if he/she thinks it will help your particular case. I do know that too much can cause your bones to weaken so that's a downside you have to think about and weigh the benefits vs. the consequences.

Good luck whichever path you choose!

Hi,

Thanks for your response. The only symptoms I have is it feels lke I have tight shoes on all the time, and a little numbness in the leg and buttocks. It doesn 't prevent me from doing anything, just feels uncomfortable. It was worse a few weeks ago.

I am home all the time so my time is my own, except that I have three Bichon's who get me up every morning at 5 and they have a lot of appointments coming up, 3 vet appt and 3 grooming appt.

It just seems odd to have a relapse after 14 years and I have forgotten a lot of what I once knew.

Cathy

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.

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

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

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.