Going to neuro today, he thinks I may be having a relapse. I'm a little concerned about the whole steroid thing, I've never had them before. I'm just going to go in there with the mind set that there's nothing he can tell me that I cant handle. oh well it sounds good heh,heh,heh. I hope every ones doing ok.
April.

Actually, April, I love the steroids! They're delicious with a nice chateau briant!

Seriously, don't get yourself all psyched up for anything but positive results. IVSM doesn't faze me at all and it can really help you.

Some will tell horror stories, but I find they are the exception rather than the rule. Let the professionals help you get this attack under control however they have to so you can get on with your life. I think that's what life is all about!

I hope you feel better soon.

Thanks Cindy I really needed that information. I have heard nothing but horror stories on steroids. this is the first time I've heard anything positive, thanks again and I hope your day's going well.
April.

Keep us posted!

April, I have had nothing but good results from my steroids. It can be a little rough going through them but if a woman can go through labor, she can go through steroids!!!! Biggest problem I had was with sleeping and my neuro gave me Ambien which put me to sleep like a baby. It can be a little rough on the veins to but my home health nurses got me through that. Good thing abouth the steroids though is that THEY WORK! It takes a couple of months for you to get the full effect but I had some immediate relief. I wish you all the luck if that is what your doc suggests.

Hi April,

There are plenty of side-effects that must be weighed before starting on steroids:

Short term use:
- allergic reaction
- insomnia
- psychiatric disturbance
- stomach upset
- fluid retention
- increased appetite
- acne
- bone damage/avascular necrosis (although rare, it can occur even after a single dose of steroids)

Long-term use:
- weight gain
- high blood pressure
- cataracts
- hardening of the arteries
- diabetes
- life threatening infections
- osteoporosis, or other bone damage

My doctor/neuro have not recommended them to me, even when I was paralyzed, and I have never used them over the 16+ yrs I've had MS. However, I might consider using them if my eyesight or ability to breathe was compromised.

Cherie

I had avoided steroids only having done them once at dx eight years ago, but I finally went to an MS Clinic rather than just local neurologist and she pointed out all the inflammation on my brain MRI. I did bone density test which came out fine and then did 5 days of Solumetrol with 10 day Predisone taper.

I haven't felt so good in years. My walking improved although it didn't last long enough, and energy improved which has lasted. I see MS specialist on 7/2 and I am going to beg to do steroids a bit earlier than we had originally planned. She had thought every 4 months for a year. I am going to N. CA for a wedding mid August and I would love to be walking better.

I had some Pepcid to combat any indigestion which was there but not bad, and sleeping medication which didn't help much. I didn't care. It felt so good to have energy.

-Susan