3rd day on IV steroids

[mae1]

this is the first time they have let me do my IV steroids from home, soooooo much nicer..
this makes my third attack in 6 months so my neuro is suggesting we switch form the crab drugs to tysibri (spelling). little concerned about the brain infection people have suffered in the passed but understand chances are much less today. It would be nice to only have one shot a month.2 more days of IV steroids and on 16 days of prednizone {spellin}.lets hope the side effects stay at a minimum. hope everyone is doing ok today....
april

[twopack]

Hi mets.  Sorry you're having a hard time with the IV steroids on top of the flare and recent MS diagnosis.  Things always seem to get heaped on us heavy in the early days of living with MS.

A rapid heart rate and flushing aren't at all unusual side effects after an infusion.  Your report of chest discomfort has me a little worried though.  If it isn't easing up you really need to get it checked out - yes, tonight.  

I know that's not what you want to hear and
Everything is probably fine BUT
This is your first go-round with high dose steroids....
You're having chest discomfort....
It just isn't something to wait and watch and wonder about.  

Can you call your doctor or someone who is taking call for him or maybe the infusion center?  It sounds like you might want to ask for something to help you sleep the next few nights as well.  Sleep won’t come easy when steroids have you so hyped and edgy.  It might even help control the fast heart rate.

This could be a heartburn type of pain -- steroids by any route are extremely hard on the stomach.  In fact, many doctors have their patients take something like Previcid while on the steroids.  But a doc who knows you or can question/examine you needs to decide what's wrong.

Please get peace of mind for yourself and us.  Then come back for a proper welcome and to ask some more of the many questions you probably have.  

One hint for later:  For the best response from members, start a new 'topic' or thread by clicking on the big orange "Past a Question" icon at the top of the page.  A lot of people don't bother looking at these older, inactive discussions that Dr. Goggle finds for searchers.

[mets482]

Recently dx with MS.  Have evidence of older flares of plaques all up & down my spinal cord & 2 active areas now on MRI.  I started my 1st day of 3 day course of IV steroids.  I was wondering if it causes some chest discomfort & rapid pulse rate, as its been over 6 hrs since infusion & I'm now getting some added chest discomfort & rapid pulse.  

[Quixotic1]

I'll bet that, coming off the IV steroids, you don't have that dark day starting the oral ones.  I'll bet you go straight to energized.  We'll expect to see a little Pink Bunny cleaning house!  

Yes, please post your MS Walk page.

Quix

[mae1]

thanks Quix, I feel pretty good with my chances with the Tysabri. interferon dosnt seem to be working for me.
just took last day of my IV steroids today so starting to feel a little beat up wich is usual for me. tomorrow will be my worst day, first day of prednisone (spelling). always puts me in that dark black hole but thank god it only last a day.......... after that lots of energy and I feel great for a while, so we will see what happenes this time.
I just got in so i need to get caught up on all the posts, hope everyone isnt doing to bad...
If anyone would care to I'll put my MS walk page up so you can check it out. we are doing our MS walk here in cincinnati on Aug. 26th.
hugs
april

[Quixotic1]

The chance of the viral brain infection with Tysabri was just less than 1 in 1000.  Two of the people (I think) were on a combo therapy with an Interferon.  One of the cases didn't even have MS.  Most experts feel the danger is far, far less than that.  And the disability from out of control MS has to be considered..  So that's why Tysabri was brought back on the market.  

I'll look up the exact data.  But if the CRAB drugs weren't working for me, Tysabri would definitely be my next choice.

Hope this helps, Quix

[Heather3418]

IV steriods CAN cause a rapid heart rate if you are prone to that.  It can also cause a rise in your blood pressure and your blood sugar..of course, if you are already suspectible to such things.

Some people report a surge in energy, while others say that steriods wipes them out.  Stay away from people with active infections while you are on steroids and for a couple weeks after treatment.  Your immune is not as able to fight off common colds and such after treatments, but I for one, have to say, that in my case, steroids worked extremely well for me and I never felt better.

This "good" feeling lasted about 2 weeks after treatment.  Watch out for the munchies are steroids are known to increase your appetite.  

I DID have the cleanest house in the neighborhood.  It was the only way to work off all the energy I had...CLEAN....and believe me, that house and my honey was grateful for that....LOL

Keep us informed and let us know how things went for you.

Hope you feel better soon.

BIG (((((HUGS))))))
Heather

[gooddays]

Hi , I hope that the steroids treatment work for you.  I have had a lot of treatment in the hospital, but when I found out that it could be done at home, I was really happy with the idea.

On the down side, steroids make you swell up and sometimes it is hard to loose the weight you gain.  It is better to gain weight than to have a never ending relapse.

If you do get a lot of energy, please do not over do it.  Keep it for when you have very little of it.

I hope you get better soon.  One question, have your MS specialist told you the ups and downs of Tysabri.  I have done a lot of research about it, I am not still comfortable with the idea, but hopefully it will work for you.

Keep us posted.  Get well soon.

Gooddays

[LATW]

HMMM, STERIODS GIVE YOU ENERGY! THAT IS WHAT I NEED. BUT DO THEY INCREASE YOUR HEART RATE?  

I HAVE ON AND AM AFRAID TO TAKE STERIODS EVEN THOUGH NONE HAVE BEEN OFFERED TO ME YET.  

L

[mae1]

getting about 3 hours of sleep a night wich isnt to bad compared to the last 2 times believe it or not....
last round of steroids I painted half of my condo heh,heh,heh.
sorry to here about not being able to bowl anymore..
thanks for your response and I hope your doing better..
april

[Heather3418]

I sure hope this round of steroids gets things calmed down.  How are you doing with your sleep?  I couldn't sleep at all while on Solumedrol and had to be given short term sleeping pills.  One thing was for sure, I had so much energy that on the third day of my IV steroids, I bowled my first 200 game.  Unfortunately, that was the last night I ever bowled again.  The MS took over and robbed me of something I dearly loved.

Please keep us informed about progress.  

Heather