Steroid Side Effects

[Ojibajo]

I finished up my first 5-day round of IVSM on Monday. I had some side effects and thought that i handled it pretty well and then WHAMMO! Today I feel like complete CRAP! I am pretty sure it is throwing my sugar off, I have had a non-stop pounding headache. gross taste in my mouth, painful swollen joints, painful spine, no appetite. It hurts to walk or even site up. I called in sick to work and ended up sleeping most of the day. I feel like such a failure. The house is going to hell in hand basket!

Please tell me this is temporary. How long does this last? Is there anything I can do to speed the process up?

[COBOB]

Some centers have stopped the taper.  Rocky Mountain MS just does the IV Pulse for 3 days without any taper and I actually did better on that.  They explained that the whole idea of tapering down to allow the adrenal glands to ramp up is more "Hocus Pocus" than science for short term IV therapy.

Long term chronic therapy is different from pulse therapy.

Given my response, they may be right.

Bob

[opie74]

I have to watch my sugar during and after.  Also, try taking over the counter potasium tablits.  I take 3/day during and after.  It really helps with the water renention and swelling!  Also Naproxin (alieve) is your best friend!  I do not always react that strong, but usually 3-5 days out, the crash and burn feeling is gone!  Hang in there.

[crwriter]

I remember that from when it first came out.  It is supposed to be fast-acting and leaves the system quickly.  So it's supposed to calm inflammation without the long-term effects of most steroids.  (My vet gave it to my dog after he was hit by a car many years ago.  Kids finally told me his bad back was from playing "rodeo doggie".)

I've had it once when after a bad fall last year, I was brought to emergency inside of a week.  I was moaning and groaning so bad I thought the ambulance driver was going to have a heart attack.  

I carried my sneakers in, and by the time I left, I bent over in the stretcher to put them on and tie my laces.  It worked.

We are all different.  So what might work for me might not work for you.

[Ojibajo]

I'm not sure. They just gave me 5 days of IVSM Thursday-Monday. I've never been known for being patient. I guess I'll have to work on it.

[Sumanadevii]

Unless your MS is totally out of control, I doubt they will give it monthly.  And, I don't get five treatments monthly.  I get two or three depending on the pain level and swelling.  Five treatments is much more serious even without the crashing and burning.  I remember  just the swelling and cotton mouth feeling...like I had cobwebs in my mouth.

Are you on a taper dose?  I never take the taper but it might help.

[rendean]

I have had many experiences with IVSM and , and your description fits them to a tee. usually within 5 days or less I have complete release from steroid symptoms and MS symptoms. There is noting I know of to shorten your shorten your symptoms.  I wish  I ad a magic wand to erase all the foregoing symptoms. Hang in there... relief WILL  come. Patience is the hardest virtue when it comes to MS.

Feel better,
Ren

[Ojibajo]

I hope they don't give these treatments to me monthly! Or if they do I hope that it isn't this bad every time!

I was only diagnosed about 2 weeks ago and I a feel like I was just thrown to the wolves. No advise, no information, no phone numbers or support. Just "here's a list of meds. Pick one and we'll see you in a month!"

What a lonely journey.

[Sumanadevii]

I take steroid treatments monthly.  I was dx last June and have done so since that time.  Out of all the times, I only crashed and burned once.  I, like you, was so disappointed I cried.  I posted here about it and it seems it does happen to many of us.  For me, it  lasted about a week but try to remember, I can be a bit dramatic at times so it  may be quicker for you.

I am sorry you are going though this...I HATE this disease!!!!