Prednisone question

[ams715]

I have had several tests run with no real diagnosis at this point.  My symptoms have been L'hermittes, numbness, tingling, and some slight weakness.  My tests (brain MRI, spine MRI, evoked potentials and lumbar puncture) have all been negative except for 2 lesions in the white matter of my spinal cord.  That seems to be what's causing the symptoms.  Because my symptoms were getting worse, my neurologist set up 3 IV steroid treatments followed by a 30 day tapering of prednisone (60mg for 5 days, 50 for 5 days, etc).  He's not ready to give me a diagnosis, but was hoping to relieve my symptoms.  The first IV treatment seemed to help, but only for a day.  Once I began the prednisone, my symptoms have gotten noticeably worse.  I've been taking them for about 18 days (currently on the 30mg dosage).  The neuro said he's doubting MS because the predinsone isn't working.  My question is this, has anyone ever experienced worse symptoms on prednisone?  They symptoms aren't different, just worse.

As a side, I really appreciate all the advice and support I've gotten here.  I've learned far more here than I ever learned at the doctor's office!

Anna

[jman1999]

I haven't been diagnosed with anything yet; I have a lot of numbness in hands/face and weak legs.  I have been given Prednisone a couple of different times and all my troubles go away but they won't listen to me; they just keep chalking it up to chronic pain.  

[ams715]

Thanks for your responses.  I had checked a few weeks ago for the side effects of prednisone and some of them are exactly the symptoms I was having prior to the prednisone - tingling, numbness. Kind of cracked me up!  But I don't think that would explain the L'hermittes getting worse and the fact that the tingling and numbness are still where it was before, just worse.  I'll definitely be happy to be off the prednisone - only 10 more days!  The neuro has agreed to refer me to Barnes in St Louis (an easy drive for me).  He's trying, but it's frustrating.  Of course, I'm preaching to choir here, aren't I???  Have a great New Year's and thanks again.

Anna

[figuerpa]

I haven't had experienced worsening symptoms with prednisone either. I ususally always get better with the oral steroids but have you read the side affect of prednisone, maybe there is something there.

Like Shell said at least your doctor is willing to keep digging to get answers, so that is a good thing.

Good Luck,
Paula

[sllowe]

Hi Ams,

I've not the experience w/worsening symptoms on the steroids.
Giving this a healthy bump w/hopes someone w/experience responds.

I wish the treatment would have worked no matter what this ends up being. Sounds like your doc is willing to keep digging and wants to treat you  - that's so god.

Thank you for your nice words too. The advice and support here is priceless.
-Shell