IV Steriods
 

I've been told by MS LifeLines nurses that I need to talk to my doctor about getting some IV steriods for pain.

Has anyone ever had this before, do they cost alot, and do they work????

Treating Multiple Sclerosis With IV Steroids
 

I've read that before, but I would like someone that has been through that before

Steroids are used for exacerbations (relapse, attack, flare-up). Steroids will not change the outcome of MS but might help shorten an exacerbation.

Steroids are not necessarily needed for exacerbations and depending on the symptom(s) someone is experiencing steroids may or may not help...each person is different. Depending on the person and symptoms, steroids may be a short term solution for a long term symptom(s).

Steroids are not used for symptom management, there are medications that can be tried for problematic or on going symptoms.

Steroids have long term and short term side effects. The more steroids are used the less effective they can become.

Everyone will have a different experience with steroids as each of us respond differently to medications.

It would be best to discuss your pain issue with your neuro. It is up to you and your neuro as to the best treatment option for your pain.

Most of us have had IV Steroids, at least once in our MS journey,
and experienced it, just as Snoops described it. Sometimes it works
to shorten an exacerbation from he$$ and sometimes not.

I hated it and loved it. Hated because I got all puffy and red,
nervous as heck, nausious and couldn't sleep. Loved it 'cause
it worked. It only worked on me the first time, IMO, because of
the horrible exacerbation.

Don't use it unless you feel you really need it....like, if your
symptoms are bad and out of control.

Good luck.

I've had steroid IV once, myself. My first bout of Optic Neuritis. Still took, 10-12 weeks for my vision to go back to normal.

Not certain about for pain, I have had steroids orally, and by a shot, during times of sinus infections, I know that the steroids can help other medicines become more effective, so I recall.

I didn't really enjoy my iv experience. I was 25, alone, and had to squeeze it into my work schedule.

I have to step in here and make a comment, so please excuse me.

If your symptoms are due to your TREATMENTS and drugs taken, then the steroids will not work.

Rebif can cause flu-like symptoms, including body aches and feeling crummy. Zoloft also has a boatload of symptoms in some people due to serotonin effects in the body. Some people never get used to SSRIs because of GI disturbance and other symptoms.
Sit down and look at all your medications so far, and see if your discomforts are due to side effects from THEM, and discuss with your doctor what you may benefit from with IV Steroids. This is a big decision, IMO, so please think carefully.

http://www.rxlist.com/rebif-side-eff...rug-center.htm

http://www.drugcite.com/?q=rebif
You can click on any category and see more details.

I have never taken IVSM for pain. I really don't think I would either. I have had them for MS exacerbations though. I think it would be rare if you came across an MS patient that has never had IVSM for their MS.

While they work to some extent, they are not an immediate fix and sometimes they don't work at all. I have never had a pleasant experience with them and avoid them if at all possible. 2012 was my lucky year and I got to do them twice (once as an inpatient and once on an outpatient basis).:rolleyes: Even with having them, it still took me a while to get through the flares and I still had/have pain. I do, however, have great respect for them and reserve them for times when I really need them like losing my vision, anything with my eyes. ;) I value their usefulness and know, as much as I hate them, that for me they may shorten my exacerbations.

There are long term and short term side effects and these are something that you would have to consider when deciding whether or not you are going to do the IV 'roids. Also, if you are not in an exacerbation, chances are your dr. is not going to prescribe them for you, at least a knowledgeable neuro wouldn't. Heck, my neuro won't prescribe them if it's a spinal lesion flare as they have not proven to be effective at all during a spinal exacerbation. So really think about and do your homework on them before you jump in.

If your issue is just pain and not an exacerbation, talk to your neuro about medications that may work better for you than what you are taking. Also, as mrsD mentioned, be sure it is not the medication that is causing the pain and/or symptoms. Sometimes medicines that are supposed to help us cause other issues. Work with your dr on coming up with a good medication regime. Also, discuss PT with your dr. PT can do wonders for us MSers as can other CAMs.