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Neurology (Expert Forum)
Re: Steroid Myopathy
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Re: Steroid Myopathy
by CCF MD GS, Jan 01, 1995 12:00AM
Posted By CCF MD GS on January 16, 1999 at 14:25:16:
In Reply to: Steroid Myopathy posted by JeanetteK on January 16, 1999 at 13:12:49:
I am suffering with Steriod Myopathy. My upper legs are affected and very weak. Standing up from chairs, climbing stairs and going up over curbs is very difficult. My back muscles also seem affected -- for example, I cannot do sit-ups at all.
I was on Decadron IV 12 mgs/day for 3 weeks, then switched to oral Decadron, 12 mgs/day for an additional 2 1/2 months. The dosage has been dropped to 8 mgs/day (about 8 weeks ago) then to 4 mgs/day (about 4 weeks ago). The current dose is 4 mgs/day. Diagnosis is probable CNS Vasculitis.
My question: How long does it take for this weakness to go away? At what dosage does it normally disappear. I recognize some (or possibly) all of the sypmtoms may be active vasculitis, but the rhuematologist does not think so. Also, it has gotten better as the sterioids have been reduced.
Is there anything (exercises?) that I can do to improve the situation?
Thank you.
Thanks for the question. The answer is that there is not magic dose that causes steroid myopathy and not set time that the symptoms will go away. In general if patients can get to everyother day dosing on their steroids then they have fewer side effects. The other option is to add a second medication to spare the steroids such as imuran or one of the other immunosuppresant medication. An EMG (electromyography ) test can be used to actually diagnos the myopathy if needed. You should see some improvement in strength as the steroid dose is dropped. but it will be slow. No specific exercise is helpful and we generally recommend patients not overexerting themselves but it is important to do some exercise so that you do not become to deconditioned. Good luck
This information is provided for general medical education purposes. Please consult your doctor regarding diagnostic and treatment options.
In Reply to: Steroid Myopathy posted by JeanetteK on January 16, 1999 at 13:12:49:
I am suffering with Steriod Myopathy. My upper legs are affected and very weak. Standing up from chairs, climbing stairs and going up over curbs is very difficult. My back muscles also seem affected -- for example, I cannot do sit-ups at all.
I was on Decadron IV 12 mgs/day for 3 weeks, then switched to oral Decadron, 12 mgs/day for an additional 2 1/2 months. The dosage has been dropped to 8 mgs/day (about 8 weeks ago) then to 4 mgs/day (about 4 weeks ago). The current dose is 4 mgs/day. Diagnosis is probable CNS Vasculitis.
My question: How long does it take for this weakness to go away? At what dosage does it normally disappear. I recognize some (or possibly) all of the sypmtoms may be active vasculitis, but the rhuematologist does not think so. Also, it has gotten better as the sterioids have been reduced.
Is there anything (exercises?) that I can do to improve the situation?
Thank you.
Thanks for the question. The answer is that there is not magic dose that causes steroid myopathy and not set time that the symptoms will go away. In general if patients can get to everyother day dosing on their steroids then they have fewer side effects. The other option is to add a second medication to spare the steroids such as imuran or one of the other immunosuppresant medication. An EMG (electromyography ) test can be used to actually diagnos the myopathy if needed. You should see some improvement in strength as the steroid dose is dropped. but it will be slow. No specific exercise is helpful and we generally recommend patients not overexerting themselves but it is important to do some exercise so that you do not become to deconditioned. Good luck
This information is provided for general medical education purposes. Please consult your doctor regarding diagnostic and treatment options.
