[jmiller]

I would like to see how those faired with IVSM treatment. Also would like to know what symptoms were relieved, like numbness or what ever. Im scheduled to have this treatment in the next week or two so just wanted a little heads up maybe.

[hollym]

I voted "worked wonders" but, I could have voted for all of the first 3 based on different experiences. My very first IVSM was a miracle. I was on pulsed IVSM for about 2 years. I got a 3 day treatment every 4 months for that period of time. Results really varied, but I do credit the IVSM with giving me much of my life back.

Sx that I had which improved were spasticity, fatigue, nystagmus, strength, balance, dizziness, gait (probably tied to better balance, strength and decreased spasticity). I haven't had a lot of problems with numbness, so I can't comment on that.

[tkrik]

I too am like Hollym. The first 3 but I would add the bottom one as well.

My last round of steroids were awful. I spent a week in bed. It increased my fatigue double fold and I was really out of it.

However, in all cases my symptoms improved within a few weeks and I felt so much better. Symptoms that I didn't know I had improved, i.e. my hearing. Imagine that. LOL.

While I don't particularly like having to do them, I know that by doing them I will feel better and my life can get back to it's new normal.

[barb02]

I voted for disasterous, but I should add I have only experienced one treatment (5 days in a row). It did not help alleviate my symptoms, I lost 10 pounds in that one week, and 20 pounds in the next month or so. (That might be viewed as an advantage) I developed an overactive thyroid problem for about 2 months, could not sleep even while taking ambien, eat, or sit still -- even though I could hardly walk. My heart rate was also accelerated for about 2 months. I also developed a horrible case of acne. So I have told my neuro no more steriods. He agrees to a point. I feel as though the use of steriods made it more difficult for me to recover from my flare. However, I have only experienced one major flare so perhaps I am wrong.

[SallyC]

The first one worked wonders....the next two=Nada!!

[Victorya]

I usually improve dramatically with IVSM, although now *IV* is not the route I use to get the *SM* into my body. I'm a "solumedrol smoothie" kind of girl

I'm on day two of a solumedrol smoothie protocol, and I'm happy.

When in a flare, I have balance problems, numbness, twitching, pain (like a pulled muscle - this time preventing me from straightening my rt. arm), sleeping problems, fatigue, but the biggest problem is cognitive.

If I can't think, I can't work.

Three months from now I will start taking one day of solumdrol every three months as a preventative.