Solu-Medrol

[sickinmo]

For those of you who have had to get the solu-medrol treatment IV for 5 days, how did this affect you and your body?  It has been a couple weeks since I stopped the out-patient treatment for the IV.  I am still awake a lot of the time when I should be sleeping.  I got about 2 hours of sleep last night, and today, I lay down to rest and I can't still.  I know that it takes time for the medicine to get out of my body, but since taking the IV, I've noticed that the muscles in my left leg are tense still and getting progressively worse and also my right one is now starting to tense up as well.  I still take my Baclofen like I'm suppose to, same with the Tramadol.  But, I've also noticed that my feet (the top parts of them) are sporadically going numb as well (or like my SO calls it, it feels like a wax has been poured over them and that's what I feel.  I kinda feel numb, but kinda don't.  I dunno how to explain it, if anyone can help with that one, that'd be great so I know how to explain it to my dr when I go see him on the 9th of December.  

Also, my pain has not gotten better.  Some days, I feel that it has gotten worse.  I'm anxious to get back to work, but fearful that I won't be able to.  

Thanks.

[Jaimekey]

Thanks! I finished the treatment 2 days ago. I think I'm worse now. My issues haven't really got any better, but now I have fallen twice and that's new for me! Also, my neck is so stiff i can barely move my head. He's giving me a taper to start today. Maybe that will help

[Maks322]

I did a 5 day treatment in September.   It did make me jittery, but not so I couldn't drive.  (I'm jittery sometimes anyways).  My neuro prescribed a sleeping pill at the same time as he prescribed the IV.  The IV did not help me much, hands and arms, less numb and tingling.  I know it does help a lot of people.  It's worth a shot anyways.  But get something to sleep,  you will feel better.
Maureem

[Jaimekey]

And are we supposed to be driving? I wasn't told, but read on a site that we are not

[Jaimekey]

I'm actually in the second day of day5. I feel drunk and really off balance. Don't know if that's normal. This didn't happen last night...this happen to anyone else?

[Sarahsmom46]

I just got off Solu-Medrol last week and ended up having to have another boost + oral prednisone taper to get me over a flare-up and then a rebound flare-up.  I agree with Jason, it is ok to take something to help with sleep as insomnia is a common side effect.  Even if you are off it, the effects of such a high steroid dose can linger for a week or two until it is out of your system. Tylenol PM is definitely worth trying.  If that doesn't work, you doctor can give you a low-dose prescription to use for a week and see if that helps.

I had some breakthrough symptoms after stopping the IV steroids too. And even with the prednisone I still have a little numbness and tingling in my feet, but it is much better than before the treatment.  Are you feeling ok otherwise?  Do you feel like you are getting a cold?

Is this your first time with IV steroids?  If so, it is really a learning curve let me tell you.  I have learned so much from this recent exacerbation as it was different from the last time I had this medication 6 months ago.  

Write everything down that you are experiencing and let you doctor know at your next visit.

Wishing the best for you.  

Julie

[Jason732]

I'm actually in the process of my second round with solumedrol. It makes me jittery and I sometimes have a hard time sleeping, but nothing that Tylenol PM can't help. I've had occasional muscle stiffness, but nothing that has lasted very long at all (typically less than a day). You should mention these things to your neurologist and see if he/she has an opinion on it. Hang in there and hopefully, you're doc will have something to say or possibly know what to do to help.

God bless,
Jason