Question:

I am in a flare which started a Fri afternoon (well, that is when I realized it was not just a temp thing). How long after a flare starts can I start steroid infusion? Is there a "window" to starting it or can you start 'roids at any point in the flare?

*not that I like getting steroids, I have simply reached the end of my rope and am over being miserable. Thanks

My MD says a flare is a new or worsening old symptom that lasts for at least 24 hours straight without let up. After that you have 10 days to decide if you want steroids. After 10 days the rate and quality of recovery is equal to those that chose no steroids. I hope that helps.

Jane,

I hope you get help and get comfortable. It doesn't say where you are but, "home." I am thinking that w Canada Day and the 4th of July, if you are in N. America, best to decide quickly.

And Dej, I didn't know those specifics and I thank you. I thank you twice.
ANN

Starting steroids is usually more effective, ASAP. It could possibly nip the Flare in the bud..

Good wishes and good luck with the evil steroids.

I had Kenalog steoid about 4 or 5 days after my leg jerks worsened due to the smoke from fires here. It helped right away. I have had it twice and it is miraculous for me. I didn't know I could take any steroids because I have Porphyria, but there is one that porphs take, and it is Kenalog. I can't take it more than 4 times a year. I am sure hoping we don't get more smoke but the Colorado fires north of us are very bad. If the wind sends that here,
I will need help again, too soon for another shot. I was awake all night with the leg jerks and also had spastic movements in my eyes (I call them spastic, I don't know what the doctor calls them--I don't see a neurologist about these things, only my good pcp. She is often gone in the summer, though.

I had IVSM earlier this year for optic neuritis. Flare started in early March (I think, cant remember exactly) and I didnt start begging for steroids until the ON finally affected my vision in late April. I only had pain to start out with for the first four or five weeks.