What to expect with steroid IV?

[nicm12]

I am newly diagnosed, and starting steroids next week.  I wasn't keen on being admitted, so am going in 3 mornings next week.  I have no idea how this will effect me, or even what it will be like during.  I would really appreciate any information or shared experiences.

[debgen]

It was also no problem for me! Actually, it was great, the relief was instant! I took steroids at an otpatient infusion center for 5 days. I felt so much better after the first day. Overall, it loosened my stiff limbs up enough to be able to walk again just using a cane because prior to that I was hobbling along with a Rollator.

I am always so fatigued that the energy steroids gave me just allowed me to stay awake instead of napping all the time -LOL

Laura was right about the hard candy or mints. I also recommend crackers because the steroids gave me wicked heartburn.

The positive effects really reduced my inflammation and left me feeling better for about a mont. I am would like to do it again soon.

Hope this helps you :)
Deb

[diz626]

Hello,I too was just diagnosed.I just finished 5 steroid iv treatments.I can say it did help me to be able to use my right hand again.I still have trouble with my right leg but I can still walk.Hope this helps

[Lulu54]

I'm with Kyle and Alex - I had no problems with the steroids . And you should have no problems doing these infusions as an outpatient.  The sleeplessness and excitability  are both common complaints.   My biggest problem is some stomach upset, but I also have GERDS.  You might want to keep some hard candies (peppermints or the like) handy because the steroids can leave a metallic taste in your mouth.

Kyle's experience is the same as mine -the relief is almost instant.   good luck I hope it works like that for you!
Laura

[HVAC]

If you want your entire house cleaned put me on steroids. I do not sleep for days. I feel like I could take on the world. I want to eat everything. I do not like them but I will take them. I remember the side effects are temporary. Some people love them, all the energy.

Alex

[kwarendorf]

You will hear Solumedrol experiences that cover the entire spectrum from 'the worst thing that ever happened to me' to 'no problem at all.

I was lucky to be in the latter category for my only steroid experience 18 months ago. I had 5 days worth, administered at home with the help of a visiting nurse on days 1 and 5. I had no side effects at all, but my girlfriend said I got a little excitable :-)

The relief I experienced was nearly instant and after the five days I felt like my old self :-)

Good luck with your treatment!
Kyle