[Kitty]

I'm in the midst of a pretty severe flare up so I will be getting a 3 day course of Solumedrol starting tomorrow.

I have managed to avoid IV steroids so far but this flare up is affecting my walking and balance quite severely so I'm going to give them a try.

Does anyone have any advice or suggestions of what I can do to make the experience better.....or not as bad.......or really just any words of wisdom from someone who's had an experience with IV steroids. What should I expect?

[Lara]

Dear Kitty, I'm sorry you're dealing with this right now.
No advice from me except to say that I hope you find that it has a positive outcome.
Feel better soon.

[mrsD]

Good luck Kitty. There should be MSers here to help you.
You might search "solumedrol" and see what was posted in the past.

[NurseNancy]

i've not taken any but i wish you luck and pray for a good remission.

[MSbelle]

They worked tremendously for me! I had them for 5 days (1g IVSM per day) along with Lemtrada. By day 3 my walking was notably better, by day 5 I needed just a cane (not my walker) and I'm still walking unassisted since about 1 week post-infusions. It could be the Lemtrada working now too at one month post, but it's mostly steroids I think.

[ewizabeth]

3 days should be enough to kick the flare up in the rear without a lot of the other steroid side effects.

You might expect some extra energy but try not to overdo it. Also, your appetite might increase. It has been a long time since I've had the steroids but I'm hoping it will help you get back to normal.

[doydie]

Take some mints along with you to suck on while you get the infusions. You tend to get a metallic taste in your mouth.

[Erin524]

Drink water. Get some mints. Take a nice book to read, or take a nap.

Last time I had steroids was pre-iPad days. I took a netbook computer, and a Kindle with me to play with. (I might have had my 1st generation Kindle Fire with me too. I took a lot of toys with me).

You *might* want to ask for an oral steroid taper after you're done with the 3 days of IVSM. I didn't like the steroid crash that I had the very first time I had IVSM. That was not cool.

[Kitty]

Thanks for all the suggestions. I have some Altoids to take! I need to ask my son to pick up some Zantac for me in case I get heartburn. Or maybe some Tums.

My Neuro has also ordered an MRI of my brain. I should be getting that at the hospital, too. Also some blood work so I'm going to request that be done at the hospital, too. Might as well get it all done at one place.

My DIL is picking me up around 1 PM and I'll get to see my sweet granddaughters!! They will be a good distraction for me on the way to the hospital.

It worked out beautifully that two of the days I'll need a ride to the hospital are weekend days. They said I could just come in whenever I wanted to.

Erin, I think I'll probably take a nap during my infusion. Seems like the minute I sit down and get still I fall asleep. Maybe they will have TV on with something good to watch....or something to put me right to sleep!

This flareup is almost like the one I had in 2008 when my sister passed away, I had a house full of company and had a flareup that I'm sure was caused by stress. It felt like I was walking on tennis balls and my legs were heavy.

This flare up today makes my legs feel like they weight 100 pounds each. I can barely pick my feet up and while I'm at home I wear socks and just slide around the wood floors. I figure I'm at least cleaning them when I walk that way!

[tkrik]

I'm sorry you are having a nasty flare. I hope the IVSM works for you and you start feeling better soon.

In addition to the mints, lemon drops are good as well. I've also brought lemon water with me to drink. It seems to help with the metallic taste.

Drink plenty of water and other fluids throughout the day(s) to keep hydrated.

For me, IVSM makes me feel really tired and sick feeling. I do not get the energy bursts that others seem to get. Have some books or magazines and other "quiet" things to do at home just in case you get the same reaction.

Zantac is a good idea. It will help with any GI symptoms you may get.

Let us know how it goes and how you are doing.