update on Flare....

[tonyad]

  Hi Friends! Just popping in to give you an update from my last post asking about
me having a flare (read back if you like). Talked to Neuro today and he said (3) options....

(1) Admit to hospital for 3 days for IV steroids :(

(2) IV Steroids for 3 days at home.

(3) Oral Steroids

   I'm wanting your opinions please from all you veteran MS-ers......I am thinking
on going the 3 day IV home....As the hospital is OUT of the question  for me.
Do any of you think that the oral steroids are just as effective as the IV???

   Thank you in advance for your advice....and opinions
~Tonya

[michelleric]

Hi Tonya,

I am glad you chose the IV steroids at home. I did that a couple of times in the last 6 months. The side effects are different for everyone.

My 1st round I had no side effects at all.

The next times, I had trouble sleeping (you might want to get a script for a sleeping pill today, just in case you have trouble tonight). My symptoms actually got worse for a few days while on the steroids. Took a couple of weeks before they kicked in.

Wishing you luck and thinking of you,
Michelle

[opie74]

There will be some swelling and water retention.  You will also get a little on the "emotionally wired" side.  That effects us all differently, but you will notice.  The out-patient is the way to go (4 times last year).  Don't be suprised tif they must re-stick you.  The steroids are rough on the viens and the most I ever got out of one sight is 2 days!  BEst to you.  Get some rest anywayt aht you can.

[tonyad]

  That is what I kind of figured.  Thanks to both of you for your very valued information and opinions. I do have it all set up for tomorrow to go ahead and start the IV steroids
as an OUT PATIENT. I wil have a Hep Lock put in and the first dose givin tomorrow then go back Wednesday for another infusion then lastly on Thursday.
  Good thing is I only have to be poked one time :)  I had IV steroids last year on one of my three admits to the hospital and sadly enough, I can not remember the side effects....What should I expect?  Hopefully nothing except for feeling better a little bit every day  ;)
  
   Thanks again Friends......
~Tonya

[twopack]

I'm a veteran but not of the MS variety quite yet (they've diagnosed the crime but I haven't done enough time).  

My research says itis, at the very least, difficult to give oral steroids in adequate dosage to be effective.  They are sometimes used to wean a person off the drug after IV infusions.

Mary (who can't figure a reason to go to the hospital for something I can do at home)

[Lulu54]

Hi Tonya,
I have not yet had the pleasure of steroids for my MS, but see that discussion here often.  Quix is off right now, being under the weather with her own MonSter, but her postion on this is very clear.

Oral steroids are not a viable option for handling an MS flare.  They are not available in the strength needed, and the delivery method is ineffective.  You will definitely want to do the IV treatment.  

Will you have a nurse come daily to administer your IV?  We have had several members here do their IV at home and not as an in-patient at the hospital.  It sounds very manageable.  


Whatever you choose, I hope it makes you feel better.

Lulu