Oh no! Did the steroids not work?

[lovemy6monkeys]

On the 26th I saw my neuro for vertigo. He is calling it a suspected MS attack. When the vertigo got worse through that first day he recommended I start IV steroids, which I did that afternoon. I did the IV for 3 days, and am now in the final 6 days of the prednisone taper.

After the first week, I saw a lot of improvement. This week I felt pretty normal, but still tired easily.

The worst thing is all week I've been awake by 6. Just wide awake. I normally don't have to get up until 7:30, and I'm not a morning person, so it did not thrill me to be up so early. But, during the week, I was able to have coffee with my husband and see the older boys off to school, which was kind of nice!

I stayed up late last night (about 11:30) in the hopes that I would sleep later today. I only slept till 6:30 :-(

I've noticed over the last week that when I get tired my balance does get a bit off, Nothing too bad, just a bit tipsy looking.

Today, I started off like that. but, as the morning is progressing, my head is feeling worse. I'm pretty sure by the end of the day the spinning feeling is going to be back.

Does this mean that the steroids did not work? Does that mean the vertigo is not from an MS attack?

Ugh! I have errands to do today, and my husband yesterday surprised me with a new book and a gift card to Panara Bread and told me he wanted me to go have a nice quiet kid-free lunch before I did my errands. Now I'm not even sure if I will be able to drive by this afternoon!

I'm sorry to vent and complain so much! I just wish I could know what is going on! It would be easier if I knew the vertigo was from MS. Right now I have no clue! If the vertigo is back, does that mean the steroids did not work, so that would mean the vertigo is not from MS?

*sigh*
Thank you all for listening to me whine. Next time I'll bring cheese and chocolate to go along with it :-)
~Jes

[tonyad]

   Sounds like an awesome plan of attack!  Good for you :)

AND...I LOVE chocolate Cream....

<<>>
~Tonya

[lovemy6monkeys]

Thank you guys! I was able to go out today and have a quiet lunch, just me and my book, before i ran some errands. It was heavenly! LOL

And, even better...my husband and kids had cleaned the house while I was gone!

I guess I'm at the point that I just need to stop. I need to step away and just go with the flow. What happens will happen and my worrying wont stop it or hurry it up or anything, so why drive myself, and everyone else, crazy?

I'm also going to rest when I need to, as often as I need to. I'm finding that my eyes will feel sore/strained for a bit before the vertigo starts up. I'm wondering if that is the nystagmus? I'm making a list of questions to bring to my doctor on the 18th. Until then, I will be patient :-)

Thank you all for your replies! I hope you have wonderful Mothers Days tomorrow! I'm in charge of dessert, and couldn't decide if I wanted a lemon pie or chocolate cream....so I made mini pies of each LOL
~Jess

[tonyad]

   Hey there, Hope your feeling better this evening :)

I have to agree with Lulu in that I DO think that the Steroids worked!
I too get easily excited (dizzy, vetigo) when I have not had enough rest and try and over due it w/out a nap.....That's every day of my life!

    One thing I would like to add..is that right now you are in a situation of POSSIBLY having a Disease that has no cure.....Now, with that being said I think that you are very conscious of everything (times 10) that you are feeling and thinking (quite normal for this situation).  

     And YES!  You can have Vertigo (dizziness) from other things than MS. But you already know that......Perhaps try and relax a little bit if possible, Enjoy Mother's Day, and try to take your mind off of all these sensations that you are having. I am NOT saying that will make them go away...But, it may desensitize you just enough to be able to relax and enjoy the rest of the weekend (and hopefully the week also).

      Big Hugs to you Jess....I soooo remember being in your shoes!   You will get answers soon my friend  :)

Happy Mother's Day,
~Tonya

[daisy.girl]

I believe it is common to have the same 'problem' once the steroids are stopped.

Steroid use in any auto-immune disease, such as MS, will have a strong adverse effect by suppressing both the immune system and adrenal function. Thus, when these drugs are stopped, these reactions will result in an increase in both the risk of further relapse, and the rate of disease progression.

This is why there is controversy surrounding the use of steroids....except in extreme situations.

I hope you feel better soon....sounds like you have a wonderful, caring husband. I would love to have lunch at panera!

[Lulu54]

Hi Jess,
I've not had the pleasure of IV steroids but have read a lot from others.  Everything I know - which isn't much - comes from their comments.

Being alert too early and the excitability is a side effect of steroids.  That would explain your getting up way too early for your liking.  I don't know how long this lasts.

you point out that you do get worse when you get tired - with those monkeys I'm sure that can happen easily.  Try to put aside some time during each day just for Jess and get a little bit of extra rest to see you through the day.  

Perhaps that tiredness is giving you the pending vertigo feeling today - you didn't get extra sleep and maybe could use a good afternoon nap?  Here's hoping the vertigo doesn't come back - it sounds like the steroids did work for you.

I would call the doctor if the vertigo becomes a major problem - you know what you can handle.  It might save you a trip to the ER if you can't make it until Monday.

As for the snack, I prefer chocolate with my whine.  LOL

be well, Lulu

[lovemy6monkeys]

One last question: since it is the weekend...if it were you, and the vertigo gets worse, would you call the doctor or wait until Monday?

Again, sorry to be such a complainer :-(
~Jess