Had 5 day solumedrol infusions, 10 days ago,still having bad side effects

[stillstanding01]

I was just dxs on 8/26/09 with MS ,LOL,because I have had every symptom for at least 15 years and was told it was arthritis and anxiety even as my legs were heavier then lead with numbness and tingling .The neuro finally told me my mri's had many plaques and exam was abnormal .I have never felt worse in my life and I am still feeling the side effects of the steroids,how long for the side effects to diminish,because I am starting Copaxone next week.I am new to this forum and can use some advise.Thanks.

[BKboo]

I had 3 day Infusion (steriods) and I have never felt worse.  My brain is unfocused and sometimes talking and thinking are difficult. I am very upset about this. Iam actually worse. For me, the infusion has awful side effects. I had the infusion about 2 weeks ago...I wonder is this as good as it gets?

BKboo

[neener46]

I just had a 3 day round of Solu-Medrol in September. The side effects can be pretty bad. Give yourself a couple of weeks. You need to drink lots of water and try to eat a healthy diet. Get as much rest as you can also. I take sleeping pills at first because I know I won't be able to sleep with the steroids in my system, but sleep is important to help you recover from the relapse. Are you symptoms improving? Hopefully. I've had Solu-Medrol 3 times in past 9 months, it's hard on your body, but it is amazing for helping with relapses. This last time I was having a lot of trouble with my left leg and the day after the 3rd infusion I was walking fine again. It did take two weeks to recover from the dizziness and vertigo, but now it's gone as well.

I've just switched from Rebif to Copaxone. So if you have any Copaxone questions. Let me know. I had too many relapses on Rebif.

Neener

[opie74]

Hi!

For me it takes two weeks wether I have had 5 days or 3 days.  This past time, I was given concerta (an ADHD med) to spead up my CNS. It really helped me "feel better" while recovering from the steroids. Also, drink tons of water and lay off the salt. Quix posted a while back that if swelling remains a problem consider otc potassium suppliments.  

Best wishes,
Ann

[maggs970]

hi i was diagnosed july this year as well.,i have had 2 blasts of steroids 1 in march and 1 in july both 3days worth the side effects are terrible not being able to sleep,anxious buzzing about drained feeling i could go on i had these feelings for around 10days the steroids did not start working for about 2weeks after i got steroids ie numbness got less pains in buttocks went away altogether facial numbness went altogether but i did noticed this on both occasions only lasted around 5weeks then it all slowly came back i am trying to cope with out steroids but know if i have to get them again i will take them i had bad paralasis in my legs both times i took steroids this has been ok for a wee while now my legs just gave way couldnt stand for around 20mins then i felt a rush of heat coming back up through my feet up legs and i was back to normal very scary to think it could go altogether one day not if i can help it though i watched my mother go into a wheel chair with ms back in the 80s try my best to stop that happening to me i am waiting to start a new med rituximab / mabthera for arthritis and rrms all the best with the steroids.

[Lulu54]

Hello and welcome to our family here at Medhelp.  Your diagnosis is so fresh and new - did you suspect MS for a while or was this a surprise to you?

I have not had IV steroids, so have no personal experience to share.  Thank goodness we have lots of community members like Rena and Wobbly who was willing to share their own experiences.

We have had lots of discussions about copaxone - feel free to maybe start a new discussion about it and the use so everyone else sees your questions if you have any.  Sorry, that is a horrible sentence! I hope it makes sense.


Sorry for the diagnosis - learn all you can about MS and it will help to take the mystery away.


Welcome again and I hope we will see you around.

my best,
Lulu

[Wobbly]

Hi there. I was just Dx this Aug as well... but I haven't had an infusion yet for pains etc.  but I agree with Rena, keep track of all your symptoms and let the Neuro know...if you can't wait call now... you know your body... OK

let us know how it goes...and how the Copaxone goes too.

take care
wobbly
dx

[Rena705]

Hi there...Welcome to the MS Forum.  I don't believe we have spoken before but I have been here for a few years...just lurking lately.  I just wanted to let you know that the last time I had an infusion it was for 3 days and the side effects for me were horrible.  I called the MS nurse and she said that the steroids stay in your system for about 10 days so I would have to wait until after then to see how I felt.  In your case you had the infusion for 5 days so I would imagine the steroids would be in your system a little longer.  So, in my opinion you should wait a couple more days before contacting the neuro and then if you are still feeling crappy, then give him a call and explain the situation.  I hope for your sake that the side effects abate soon...I can relate and I know it is not a lot of fun to feel the way you do.  Please let us know how you are making out ok?

Lots of Hugs,
Rena