I can't take steroids due to eye complications, so don't know what that is like. But I like the idea of by taking them you are being proactive! There are so many smart folks here at NT. Ya gotta love 'em!

I just sent a prayer up to the big guy for you! Let us know how things are working for you. I hope the union will work with you to work out of home for a while... that would be ideal, as long as you could get the rest you need at the same time.

TAKE CARE OF YOU!!!!
~A FRIEND

Hey Girlie Girl.... I am glad you are finally getting some help, you have been suffering long enough but I have already told you that.

Vent away.... I have been doing it for weeks!

Everyone has given you good advice. The only thing I have is to wish you well and applaud you for being proactive and TAKE something for your stomach!

Let us know how it goes!!

O.K., here's my suggestion...

When I need steriods now, I ALWAYS take them as a "solumedrol-smoothie".

It's something that was first offered to me by the MS center at UCSF.

It worked so well, that when I needed more steroids, I convinced my neuro to do some research on it. Sure enough, the next day I got the call saying he had contacted the compounding pharmacy and I would be able to pick up my solumedrol.

It's the same medication that is in your IV, but it's in a powdered form (hasn't been reconstituted).

I open the glass vile, pour it into orange juice, add sugar AND splenda to it....and gag it down!

It's the most VILE tasting stuff you've ever had...BUT it's worth it 'cause you don't have to miss work. You don't have to sit at a hospital while the IV drips in your arm. It takes all of about 10 minutes and you're done.

As bad as it tastes, I would NEVER do the IV again unless I just couldn't get the solumedrol any other way.

The only down side is that the only compounding pharmacy in town doesn't take my insurance, so I have to pay cash and submit to the insurance after.

But three days of solumedrol still only costs $100. And my insurance reimburses me within a week...it's just an inconvenience.

P.S. If you do it, just make sure you get a prescription for 1 gram. The first time I did it, the prescription was written for only 500mg x three days, and two weeks later I was still suffering with the exacerbation.

The neuro wrote another prescription for 1 gram x three days and by the second day I was good to go :-)

Good Luck Tomorrow - I will be thinking of you....

Wishing you all the best, beautiful. (((GirlieGirl)))

Moose didn't do the 'roids. (Not even for the gym). My first neuro decided against it. I think it was because I was up front with him and told him I was a worthless drunk. (Other people call it 'alcoholic'.)

Just do your best to relax, remained prepared for what's next, and realize this is a treatment meant to add more soilders to the fight.

Thanks so much All!

Moose you are the strongest person I've met, not worthless in the least!!! You give me inspiration!

I am on day 4 of the IV. Things are getting better already. I am in the "loopy" stage right now of the roids. This is my 3rd time doing the IV. I do like the drip. Neuro likes it because I don't pee most of it out. It is a long day but who doesn't need to take a well deserved break every once in a while. Even if it does mean you have to stay out of work. Work is just work and will be there when I get back.

Thanks everyone for your kind words and your support. This place rocks!!!!

Im glad you are feeling a little better. Maybe you should just sit back
and "enjoy" the loopy stage. lol I hope the roids continue to
do the trick for you.

s from MASSSACHUSETTS

I'm all for anything that will help beat down the inflammation that is going on in our poor brains so count me in on the steroids when necessary. Hope you continue to feel better.

Glad you checked in.... Day 4 so you are almost 1/2 way through.... thinking of you!

BTW - you are a very strong person yourself!