I noticed I'm going a lot, too. I was hoping it was just from the IVSM and not another UTI coming on. Hopefully this will help with curbing any UTI's from coming back. I think I set a record for having them this past year.

I go to the Neuro tomorrow and have a few questions for him....like how long the effects from the IVSM will last and when it kicks in. I'm thinking someone told me or I read it somewhere that you feel a little worse before things get better.

I'm hoping I can get some sleep tonight. There's a great show on PBS tonight playing all the hits from the 70's and 80's and I'm really enjoying the trip back in time. These are all the hits I remember from high school.

If you're drinking the water that was suggested, and on the steroids. That's probably the main reason for frequent potty breaks. But this is good. It keeps your kidneys nice and hydrated, and healthy while on the steroids. Steroids are rough on the body. You need the fluids.

Really? Bed at midnight and up at 3 AM!! The cats are loving it but I'm afraid this lack of sleep is going to be my downfall. At least i can nap during the day if I feel the need. I'm really trying to just take it easy and not give in to the energy rush that usually follows the IVSM. My seasonal allergies are acting up so I'm sure that's part of the reason I can't seem to sleep for very long at a time.

Ah, Kelly...wish I'd been on here when you had your questions beforehand.

I had an IVSM last month. One thing my neuro told me was to keep sodium intake below 2500mg/day, as you retain water with solumedrol. It's tricky, because lots of processed food has loads of sodium.

My sxs were reduced all of 6 days before they returned after the infusion I don't know why, but this always happens for me.

As for the lack of sleep, it is temporary...try to drink some relaxing tea before bed, and read something boring. if you awaken during the night, I would suggest not lying there waiting to fall back to sleep. Get up and read or do something boring like watch the weather channel. Always works for me

I hope that your sxs keep getting kicked down for a long time

I got a prescription for a taper of Prednisone so I'll be taking that the next few days. I don't feel like I need it but I'm afraid if I don't take it I'll be sorry.

Kelly, I just saw this post so it is to late to give you any advice. I have only had IVSM once and it was for five days. I could only sleep for four hour for several weeks after getting the infusions. I did not really get any quick relief and my neurologist suggested that was because I did not get them more quickly after having my first major flare.

I actually lost my appetite and lost almost 50 pounds in the weeks following my infusion. That was the only benefit One thing that I realized in retrospect is that steroids increase my heart rate by quite a bit. This has happened when I have been on oral steroids and have had steroid injections too. I always have weird reactions to meds.

Hope you get some more relief.

I wish I had better news to report. I got up yesterday to the worst case of lightheadedness I've ever experienced. It felt like I was walking on a floor that was also moving. Weird............

I called the neuro to see if maybe it was because of the Prednisone taper I was on.....because the 3 days I was getting IVSM I didn't feel like this at all.

They said no it was the flareup and the neuro suggested another 3 day round of IVSM!! Can that be done??? Wouldn't that be way too much in such a short time?

We decided that I would finish the taper and scheduled an MRI. I'm not taking any DMD right now since I had that awful reaction to the Tecfidera. I'm wondering if he will want me to try the Tec again?

How long does it take for the benefits of the IVSM to kick in? I thought it was immediate but maybe it's not.

Who here thinks I should go for another round of IVSM?

Going back today for my MRI. After that I start another 3 day IVSM infusion.

After the infusion I have a 15 day taper dose!!I have never heard of a 15 day taper but I guess I will find out what that's like!

I have never felt so disabled as I do now. I know it will get better but I just hate this feeling. Honestly, my legs feel like cement blocks.

I am keeping Poise in business and think I should probably buy stock in the company.......

Had the brain MRI today and then my first of three IVSM infusions.

The MRI was very different fro what I'm used to. The technician said it was a newer and more powerful machine. It was definitely louder than any other I've been in. I almost jumped off the table once!

Hoping this new dosage of IVSM works. The same group of nurses were there today. We had fun watching Judge Judy this afternoon.

Kitty, yes that happened to me once. Isn't pretty but the second 3 day worked. My veins were terrible but it worked.