3 day course IV steriods for flare up

[mets482]

I was recently dx with ms.  I didn't really know that the pressure feeling in my chest was from one of my active dymelinating plaques in my c-spine & t-spine.  So, my nuero ordered my 1st course of IV steriods for 3 days, which I started Friday.  6 hours later had some chest pain & rapid heart beat & Saturday woke up with mega h/a.  I was wondering if this is just some of the normal effects of the steriods?  Also I have not had a big burst of energy like they said was a side effect, I just don't feel right & just want to lay around.

[mets482]

I'm done w/1st 4-day course IV Steriods.  HA is better, chest pain/discomfort is better.  I'm just 2 days out from tx, but don't really notice a vast improvement, plus its hard to tell for me with side effects as well.  I'm still very weak & drag my right foot still a little, but it seems like I can grip & write better in right hand now.  I'm just really hoping overall it will give me relieve in the back & help dissipate hug/pressure feeling around my chest, as that's worse for me, even harder than weakness.   Thanks for all your help & caring words, now I guess I'm in waiting game to see if Steriods help.    Nicki

[twopack]

Hi again mets.  Hope you're finished with the IV roids for a while.  If you need them again in the future ask whoever infuses you to run them in slower.  That might help avoid that headache.  

Keep in mind that steroids are steroids.  They cause the same side effects when you take them IV as they do when you pop them in your mouth.  I guess fewer days are always preferred though.  

Good luck to you with keeping those sympotoms tamed.  Don't worry about bringing too much whine to the party.  We already had plenty of cheese. LOL..................

[mets482]

My Dr. decided to give me 1 more IV yesterday, so I'd have 4 total doses, as she doesn't want me do have to do the taper dose, as I've been on Coumadin (life long) since dx with ANA 11yrs ago & it would cause bad side effects, worst being a possible GI bleed.  I didn't want that risk so, I sucked it up & did 1 more yesterday.  I got the bad HA, shakes, & just very fatigued today.  I felt kinda of bad because I had to call in sick, which I haven't done in 8yrs, but I can barely walk, so I shouldn't be driving 30 mi to work.  It's just so hard to go from being completely on your own always w/ my 2 babies (mini doxens) to not being able to make it to work.  Thanks for all your replies & info.  Sorry about all the c/o, but I have no where else to let it out & know one else to c/o too.   Thanks, Nicki

[TLC_31]

An outstanding guide to Solumedrol infusions is in the link that follows. It was written by Lisa Emrich, whom I "met" in another forum a couple of years ago. I trust her information as much or more than that of any other online personality.

When I had the steroid treatments myself, I loved them, and I had no apparent negative side effects other than the metallic taste in the mouth. Sure, I didn't like the needles for the IV and dealing with the port between doses, but I joked to others that I could understand why so many star baseball players liked to get "juiced." Of course, it's a different kind of steroid or "juice." And as good as it was, it didn't offset being miserable enough to warrant it in the first place.

Beginner's Guide to MS: Solumedrol, It's All The Rage!!

http://www.*************.com/multiple-sclerosis/c/19065/49716/rage

[kwarendorf]

I didn't get a craving for food from steroids, I've had it since birth :-)

Glad you sought and got medical attention Nicki.

Kyle

[Lulu54]

Nicki,

I didn't get that craving for food, either, that many people have on the steroids.  So you and I are the exception - I hope that you feel better in a day or two.

[mets482]

Glad to hear from you.  I was also wondering where my big burst of energy was coming, so I would feel like cleaning my house, but I haven't had the great  energy from the steriods.  I just feel more fatigued, not hungry, but really thirsty.  I am drinking a lot of fluids & having to force myself to eat.  Hopefully it gets better now that I've had my 3 day course.     Thanks,  Nicki

[Lulu54]

Mets, welcome to the forums/  I'm glad you talked to your medical folks about this one.  I hear you about being independent, but that self-sufficiency can be our worst enemy .  Listen to your instinct and when you know you should asking for help, please do so and don't ignore it

I have insomnia from the steroids, but always waited for the burst of energy to clean my house- and that unfortunately never comes.  If they didn't tell you, the steroids can also be hard on your stomach, and you might want to take an OTC drug like prevacid to help.  

I hope the steroids help and it gets you back to feeling better.  I hope we see you around here more - this is a great place to turn to for answers when we are too stubborn to ask for guidance   :-)

Laura

[mets482]

I was having tachycardia from steriods, so I got atenolol, used for BP issues, but also keeps pulse lower & advised to take Benadryl & just rest.  The h/a is somewhat better today.  They are giving me a break off steriods today & I'll get final 1 Monday instead.   Thanks for your response & help, as I'm a very stubborn ex-Army girl who's always been self sufficient & now need help & advice from people who've been there & know.    Thanks soo much.

[supermum_ms]

Hi and sorry but when it comes to sx's that sound like heart attack sx's, I am going to advice you not to assume anything but contact your dr or supporting health nurse!!

Please get to the ER if you are at all concerned that this could actually be a heart problem, its in your best interest to seek medical help and be sure of whats going on!

Please let us know what the out come is.

Hugs..........JJ