solumedrol please help!

[angela5674]

Hi everyone, I've been dealing with vertigo for the past few days and my neuro wants me to start a solumedrol treatment tomorrow.  I've never had this before, so I was hoping you guys could help.  I have 2 questions...1) For those of you who have had this treatment before, what kind of a heads up can you give me regarding side effects and recovery time? and 2) Is there anything I can do to lessen the negative side effects?

I'm a bit worried about doing this, as I haven't heard the best things about this treatment.

Thanks in advance for whatever help you can give, Angela

[Lulu54]

Hi Misterfell - welcome to the MS forum here at medhelp.  You have added on to the end of a very old converation from 2008 - you might want to repost your question as a new thread so everyone will be sure to see it.  

I'm sorry you are suffering the vertigo - I'm not so sure that solumedrol does much for it - perhaps someone else will know.  

I'll look for a new post from you - hope to see you around!
Lulu

[misterfell]

I had my dx in 1998, just got hit with a bad vertigo attack this month and the world is spinnig fast...ambulance took my to hospital already once,...did the iv solumedrol end up nipping this in the bud?  just started day 2 out of 3 and it is still there when i move my head at all...was up untik 4 a.m. after first night of solu last night...tell me your vert went away plz and how long did it take?

many many thanks

[sllowe]

Hi Heather Daniel,

Welcome! Wow, and I thought my dx was quick.

Well, it's hard to say whether this is MS or the meds.  I think you should absolutely call the Dr. and find out.  You have come to the right place to learn all you can about MS.  Our Health Pages are jammed with info you will find interesting.  Describing so many problems associated w/MS.  You will also find the MRI and lesion write up informative since it will describe those "spots" they are looking at on your brain to a T.

If you don't get a lot of responses here at the tailend of this thread, please, copy what you have posted here, and start a brand new on where it says "post a question." It's hard for everyone to welcome some times just because your at the bottom of another post.  If you have probs doing this, please let us know, we'll walk you through...

Thanks for coming our way, hope to see you back soon........
Shelly

[HeatherDanielle]

I was diagnosed with MS last Wed and was admitted that night for a 5 day solu-medrol treatment. I got home today and was concerned with some strange things going on in my body. I went to go up my stairs only to find my legs felt 100 lbs heavier and like jelly. I couldn't hardly make it up. After reading some of your posts, I'm thinking it's effects of the meds and not the MS. The only reason they did testing on me was because I had a grand-mal seizure. After an MRI & spinal tap, they confirmed their suspictions of MS. Having no other symptoms of MS I wasn't sure if it was that or the IV treatment I had received. I start prednisone tomorrow for 6 weeks and then they'll do another MRI. If the spots on my brain have shrunk they said they would put me on a once a week injection I'll be giving myself. Does anyone have any advice or anything you could share from your experience that  might help me? I'm googling like crazy and trying to learn all I can. Thanks so much!

[doublevision1]

Tomorrow I am starting a 3 day course of Solu-Medrol.  I had a 5 day course once before.  Thanks for mentioning ice cream, I will try that.  Nothing appealed to me after my last treatments because of that bad taste in the mouth.  So for the next 3 days, I'm having Rocky Road for dinner!

db1

[susanhawley]

Hey all,
I am currently going through a 5 day course of IV Solu-Medrol.  I just finished day 2.  I have had 5 day courses a couple times in the past 5 years.  I do have insomnia and am planning on a taking an Ambien tonite.  I also get that metal taste which is not that big of a deal.  The worst part of taking Solu-Medrol is the withdrawal from it.  My doctor does not recommend a taper down.  I just have to go cold turkey and what I would describe it like is:  feeling like I want to jump out of my skin, peeing all the time, big time insomnia, and just an overall ichy feeling where nothing tastes good but ice cream.  I am usually feeling normal about day four after the treatments are over.  Overall it is not that bad so don't be scared about it.  Good Luck to everyone.  Susan

[squeezybear]

I am currently on an iv solumedrol treatment now for a 5 day treatment.  The home health nurse comes in and puts an iv in and I hook it up for 1 hour a night for 5 nights.

1st night had trouble sleeping
2nd and 3rd night slept like a baby
Pain in legs went away after 1st full dose

The only reactions I get with this IV is:
a bad metallic taste in mouth for 5 or so hours, so eat first.
and my arm gets a little red and face gets flused.  

Normal reactions you just watch them, but they are not a big deal.

Any more questions, you can email me

[Rena705]

The following is a list of possible dermatologic side effects that could happen due to the Solumedrol.  

Dermatologic

Impaired wound healing
Thin fragile skin
Petechiae and ecchymoses
Facial erythema
Increased sweating
May suppress reactions to skin tests

In my humble opinion, I would certainly ask your son's physician or at the very least speak to someone at the clinic where the IV infusion took place.  I didn't have any rashes from my IV infusion and from reading the previous other postings it does not appear to be a normal side effect.  Since he has also not had any positive relief from the Solumedrol like he did that last time, I would think that something is a little "off".

I think that he is still in severe pain, it probably wouldn't be unthinkable to take him to the ER just to be on the safe side.

Please let us know how he makes out ok?  We are here to support you should you require it.

Lots of Hugs,

Rena

[pastorgorman]

My email address didn't show up just now.  It is pastorgorman at aol dot com.  Thanks!

[pastorgorman]

My son is 13, and was diagnosed with Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis last year.  He was doing fine until last week, when he had a flare up.  He is a very athletic kid, and it just kills us to see him in so much pain.  Even though this is not a JRA site, I know that you all know what I am talking about.  Anyhow, this past week, he went in for IV treatment of Solumedrol.  He had been treated for this in the fall when he was diagnosed, and his recovery was immediate.  However, this time, we're a couple of days past the last dose, and we began the Prednisone yesterday.  He just doe not seem to be getting relief yet, and his face is very flush, and he has a rash that seems to be different than the JRA rash pretty much all over.  Can anyone help me with this?  Is any of this "normal," and has anyone experienced anything like this?  He is still in a ton of pain, and we had hoped that the effects would be instantaneous like they were in October.  My email is ***@****.  Thanks!!!

[angela5674]

I just thought of something...for the past couple of weeks I'd been having this "whooshing" sound in my right ear (don't know how else to describe it).  I would also, even before this, have periods where my right ear would lose normal sound and be replaced by this ringing sound.  Would this have any connection to my now having vertigo?  I had gone to my GP to make sure it wasn't caused by an inner ear infection, and he said my ears looked normal.  This prompted me to call my MS doctor who promptly ordered the solumedrol infusions that I'll be starting Tuesday.  Anyway, just wondered if there's any connection with all of this or if anyone else who has experienced vertigo had these symptoms before the vertigo came on?  Thanks in advance, Angela

[gooddays]

Good morning:

We have been called a lot of things, but I had never been called a horse *** before, does it como in sizes and types?  I guess we have a very good selection and we do not discriminate against anything unless they do not have MS, possible MS or are in Limbo Land.

We can take any name your physician says about us, as long as he does a good job for you, if not, you can always send us his e-mail address and he can find that he is being bombarded by the horses rears.  Sounds interesting!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Take good care of yourself and keep us posted, everything will be all right.

Gooddays

[young at heart]

YOU WILL BE FINE WITH THE SOLU-MEDROL,NORMALLY THEY DO TAKE ABOUT AN HOUR AND A HALF.

YOU CAN TELL YOUR MS SPECIALIST THAT I HAVE BEEN CALLED A HORSES ARSS BEFORE.

THESE TREATMENTS ARE EFFECTIVE OR I WOULDN'T HAVE THEM SO OFTEN,LAST NIGHTS WAS DONE IN 15 MINUTES TO SHOCK MY SYSTEM,TO STOP THIS ON GOING RELAPSE.

JUST WATCH YOUR CARB AND SUGAR INTAKE

NOT ALL DRS DO A TAPER OFF,MINE DO BECAUSE MY SUGAR LEVELS SKY ROCKET  AND IT PREVENTS MY INSULIN LEVELS FROM THE CRASH AND BURN.

THERES A LOT OF PRO'S AND CONS WITH SOLU-MEDROL,THE PURPOSE IS TO STOP THE IMFLAMATION AND REDUCE THE FLAIR-UP.

YOU HAVING FIRST TIME JITTERS IS VERY COMMON.

MY FIRST EXPERIENCE WITH SOLU-MEDROL I WAS IN THE HOSPITAL AND THEY RAN THEM AT 250 MGS EVERY 6 HOURS.YEARS AGO THEY DONE A DECADRON(OLD STEROID INFUSION)AFTER A BACK SURGERY AND I HAD A REACTION TO IT.

TRY TO CONSERVE YOUR ENERGY AND TRY TO REST AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE.

TAKE SOMETHING WITH YOU TO DRINK AS THE SM CAN AND WILL LEAVE A NASTY TASTE PLUS THEY CAN DRY OUT YOUR MOUTH,HARD CANDIES ARE GOOD TO.

YOU HAVE MUCH SUPPORT HERE.

T

[angela5674]

I guess I will be getting one infusion a day for 3 days.  The IV clinic said the infusions will take a couple of hours, so I guess I guess it's a slow drip.  My doctor never said anything about tapering afterwards.  I'm kind of irritated with him anyway.  When he told me I needed to get the infusions, I told him I had heard nasty things about Solumedrol.  He asked where I heard that and I told him I was on an MS forum.  He said (and I quote), "I think you got that information from the horse's rear." ???  So, my friends, you (or at least your experiences) have been reduced to a horse's arse.  I had already planned on switching to a closer doc as this one is 4 hours away.  He's an MS specialist and has been in this specialty for 30+ years.  I just basically told him I hoped he was right, but...what's the quote...something about a million Chinamen can't be wrong.  I hope my new neuro is good.  She doesn't specialize in MS, but I know someone with MS who goes to her and really likes her.  Thanks, everyone!  Angela

[gooddays]

Hi,

I have also had so many treatments, in the hospital and at home, that I have some suggestions to give you:

1. Like funmonkeytoes suggested, request a pre-med nausea medication, my physician prescribes zantac through iv previous to the steriod treatment.

2.  If you feel that you are full of energy, try to save it for the days that you may need more than you have.

3. Don't forget to take your sleeping pills, the steroids will move your need to sleep away from you:), but you have to find it in order to feel better.

4.  Sometimes that steroids will trigger a sugar craving, don't over do it.

Let your doctor know, if you feel that something is not right or you do not understand what is going on.  Good communication between doctor and patient is the best treatment for an MS patient.  If you have questions, write them down, I have a tendency to forget them when I see my doctor come in, it is something like a journal, which makes  it  much easier on you.

By the way, I am not a lawyer and am not trying to be one, but if there is a Human Resources Department where you work, find out if they have a Family Medical Leave Act Program, which protects an employee from being fired because of an absenteeism pattern due to a chronic disease and how to request it.

Remember we are a message away.  Also remember:  we have MS, but MS does not have us!!!!!!!!

Take care and keep us posted.

Zulma (Gooddays)

[young at heart]

YOU HAVE GOTTEN GREAT ADVICE.

SOLU-MEDROL EFFECTS EVERYONE DIFFERENTLY.

I WAS ON IT LAST MARCH 5 DAY HOSPITAL STAY,THEN IN JUNE,THEN IN OCTOBER,I WAS ON IT 5 DAYS BEFORE CHRISTMAS.THEN HAD A MASSIVE DOES LAST NIGHT.

THE FIRST TIME I WAS ON IT ,IT DIDN'T EFFECT,MY DRS BELEIVED IN A TAPER DOWN.A FEW TIMES IT MADE ME MEANER THAN A JUNK YARD DOG.AT CHRISTMAS IT MADE ME EMOTIONAL.

LAST NIGHTS MEGA DOSE GAVE ME A NASTY TASTE AND A MEGA HEADACHE,THEY PUSHED IT THREW IN 15 MINUTES,WHICH IS NOT THE NORM.

IT MAY BE EFFECTIVE RIGHT AWAY,BUT IT MAY TAKE A FEW DAYS TO KICK IN.

DRINK PLENTY OF FLUIDS.

WHEN I AM ON THE SOLU-MEDROL IT SHOTS MY SUGAR LEVEL THROUGH THE ROOF,THIS DOESN'T HAPPEN TO EVERYONE.IT CAN MAKE YOUR MUSCLES WEAK.

ITS LIKE ALL MEDS,IT'S DIFFERENT FOR ALL OF US.

GOODLUCK,I HOPE IT HELPS

T-LYNN

[funmonkeytoes]

I have had numerous rounds of Solu-Medrol [literally more than I can remember or count].  I was dx with MS eight years ago -- and here is my list of (hopefully) helpful tips for dealing with corticosteroid treatment.  First of all, I know you are nervous and probably scared -- but it will likely make you feel better in twenty-four to forty-eight hours, SO try to think of the positive side of the IV meds.

1.  IV Solu-Medrol is likely to make you nauseous.  Ask for "pre-med nausea medication".  Zofran is a good one to take either orally or through your IV.

2.  IV Solu-Medrol tastes HORRID......bring some fruit flavored candy to suck on.  Cherry Jolly Ranchers work well (the stronger the flavor, the better)

3.  If you get a prescription for a sleep-aid before you have insomnia, you won't have to bug your doctor later ;)  It is likely you will have insomnia -- so stay away from caffeine.  You might just pass out after your first dose and think you're going to be fine......that's more from the trauma of your exacerbation, I often sleep well after the FIRST dose, but by day two -- I am needing my sleeping pills.

4.  If you are supposed to do 1 gram x five days -- please complete the whole five days or you will probably flare up with the same or similar symptoms within a few weeks.

5.  If you are put on a oral Prednisone pack after your infusion therapy -- make sure you tell your doctor if it is bothering your stomach (esp. if you already have reflux or a just a sensitive tummy).  You might need to take Prilosec or something similar during your oral medication.  I have GERD so I don't do the oral Prednisone at all.

6.  Just because you might feel like a million dollars full of energy by the second day doesn't mean you should run around like a maniac cleaning the house.....remember it is a side-effect of the drug, and you should still tread lightly on your MS.

7.  Keep yourself well hydrated!

I hope these tips help you somewhat.  One IV dose of Solu-Medrol )one gram) should take an hour to infuse.  If it is being infused faster, it is going too fast -- ask them to slow it down if you feel comfortable doing so.  

Good luck to you.  Let me know how it goes.  If I think of anything else to share.......I will.  All the input you've received so far has been wonderful.  This truly is a great forum!

[angela5674]

Thanks so much for the kind words of support.  I really need it right now.  I found out the IV clinic can't start my solumedrol until Tuesday.  So, it looks like no work next week either.  I dread calling my boss!  It's not that, deep down, I really think they are going to fire me.  It's just my own guilt and paranoia taking over.  I have a strong work ethic and I know how much teenage girls feel they need their therapy!  I wish I could just relax and enjoy it for what it's worth.  Thanks again, Angela

[Rena705]

Hi Honey...I had IV Solumedrol in Oct. 2006 and again in Feb. 2007.  In October, it was the most wonderful feeling to be able to function without pain again.  My eye improved 100% and I felt good through it all...the downer was that it only lasted until February 2007.

My symptoms from the Paratrigeminal Neuralgia came back, my eye drooped and the icepick restarted it's attack on my head.  I had Solumedrol IV again for 3 days and felt great again other than the horrible taste in my mouth...Skittles work really well to get rid of it while on the IV by the way...but then I started the Prednisone.  It was not a pretty thing, the anger, the antsy feeling, the weight gain, the depression...I could not function and I personally will not do it again.  

For some people it is the magic "pill" and I am so happy for those people but for some of us it is HE** on earth.  

Angela, I will hope for you that the solumedrol will give you some relief from your symptoms and honey, really, what choice do you have?  For your hubby to say that about them not keeping your job is so unfair...just how the heck do you suppose you are going to continue doing your job anyway with vertigo as severe as to require steroid treatment anyway?  I don't know how it works in the U.S. but in Canada they can not just give your job away or let you go because you are sick!  If I were you I would look into this with the labor board if your job is that important to you honey.  I realize that you are not feeling well enough to have to do this and I can relate because I had to go through the same thing but you really should look into your rights and see if you have any.  At least then you can deal with your illness with all your might rather than worrying if you have a job to go back to.

Good Luck with the Solumedrol and I hope that you are the 1 that it does wonderful things for.  Please let us know how you are doing.

Lots of Hugs,

Rena705

[angela5674]

Thanks so much for the responses so far.  They are very helpful.  I'm trying to go into this with an open mind, but to be honest with you all, I'm scared as ****!  I was just telling my husband and daughter a few weeks ago after reading posts on here "If I ever have to do the steroid treatment, beware!  I might get mean."  I guess we'll soon find out how true those words were.

I talked to the IV clinic this morning and they told me they probably can't get me in until Friday at the earliest and maybe not until next week.  This is frustrating because this vertigo is awful, and I'm paranoid my boss is going to think I'm inadequate to do my job and fire me or something.  Being a therapist, nobody can really do my job for me while I'm gone, which I'm guessing is a liability for the facility.  I know I need to worry about myself first, but it's difficult to do that when I worry about job security.  Plus, my husband, as supportive as he's trying to be through this whole ordeal, has made comments like "Honey, you can't just be gone from work for that long and think they're going to keep your job for you."  Ahhhh!!!!  

Anyway, keep the advice, stories, and support coming as I'm a first-timer in the game called "Vertigo Induced Steroid Infusion Therapy."  Not a fun game, I might add.  Hopefully the ending is better than the beginning.

Amo- I'll be getting this done at an IV clinic.  I wish they would come to my home to do it.  I already have Ambien from the insomnia I already suffer with, so that may come in handy.

Heather- I better not clean my house or my husband will think I can do it all the time!  I'll find other ways to burn the extra energy if I have it.  I hope I'm as fortunate as you and my symptoms abate!

Angela

[AMO]

hi angela,

it has been a f few years sinc e i have had i.v. but i had some for awhile.
1 gramx 5 days  two month in a row, then again three months later 1 gramx 5 days, then 1 gram once a month for six months.
i have other issues alaso, so i unfortunate did not have much positive response .

Please be sure they do blood work ( i think usually day three) to make sure you tolorating it well.
I had my infusionns at my pcp office, but ordered from my neuro  . I know ppeople who have then done at home. They put my in a quieter room, and i would take my music headset  to help the time.

I would have a buff-cap on the top my hand, changed just once in the five day tre atments. I had a wrist injury before, and found my wrist brace and it was helpful wwearing it to okeep the line secured,

I recomend having your doc write a script for sleeep aid right away. One missed night sleep when it is time you need your sleeep can be a toll on you. You don't have to take ittt unless you need, but you have it on hand.


I would eat high potassium foods  . Stay away from sugar and salt.

I never had tapper, but could have use d it the frist ime.  I developed a little acne, and alot of peachfuzz! eewwie!

Will you have this done at the doctors?
take care, amo

[doublevision1]

I did 5 days of Solu-Medrol on an outpatient basis in October 2007, to deal with my first major attack.  The only side effect I experienced was the strange metal taste.  For the first couple of days, everything I ate, even chocolate, tasted terrible.  The treatment sessions were fine, maybe a slight burning session for the first several minutes after the IV was inserted and the drip started.  I did not experience insomnia or any of the other things they warn you about.  The treatment provided a lot of relief very quickly.  Within a few days, my stiff neck and hands, MS hug, most of my numbness and unsteadiness had improved greatly.  I had hoped it would also resolve my double vision quickly, but it did not.  I still have it, although it is slowly improving.  

I hope things go well for you.

db1

[Heather3418]

Solumedrol can be an excellent way to calm symptoms down if you are being treated due to MS flair-ups.

When I had my IV Solmedrol treatment, I was not able to sleep for days I was wired) and the doctor's gave me a weeks' worth of sleeping pills.  The Medrol caused havoc with my blood pressure and my blood sugar.  Please note that I have been on treatment for blood pressure most of my life and a diabetic since I was 40 (now 54)  

I also noticed a slight metal taste in my mouth for a couple of days.  I did not gain any weight, but I did notice that my appetite was increased.  I had so much energy that my entire house got a Spring cleaning, while I was on the treatment.  The only GOOD side effect, I can think of.  Solumedrol has the wonderful capacity to really quiet down symptoms from MS and I believe it's invaluable, especially when there is Optic Neuritis involved.  Sol will lower your immune system, so you may notice that you are more suspectible to colds and such while on treatment.  

I was a fortunate one and my MS Flair-up was stopped in it's tracks, at least for a month or two.  Not everyone experiences this relief, but a noticeable lessening of symptoms.  As with any steriods, they are hard on your body and should only be used in cases where it is vitally important to get symptoms under control and quickly.

Doctor's usually use Solumedrol as a kind of last resort, so if your doctor suggests steriods over a long term, I would question him on that.  You may find that you feel great after your steriod treatment.

Good luck to you and I hope things work out well for you.

Heather

[mae1]

Hi Angela, I  have had two Solumedrol treatments in the last year due to attacks. both for me were with 4 to 6 day hospital stays. everyone reacts diff. to steroids and both of my experiences were diff. first time I loved it. gave me lots of energy, my mind felt clear for the first time in a long time. the biggest downfall for me was the extra steroid weight. I couldnt stop eating, and im not a big eater. my second round 5 months later was a little different. I was more angry, everything seemed to bug me. thankfully this only lasted a few days. my first day off of the Solumdrol I fell into a very dark place, very depressed and thank god that only lasted a day. once the tapper down prednesone kicked in I felt great again.
please talk to your doc about the tapper down if he hasnt already talked to you about it....
I refuse to go on Solumdrol with out the tapper down.
good luck to you.
april