Should I do steriods???

[JJJ77]

Hi all!  It has been awhile but I wanted to get some opinions.  It seems as though I am having an MS attack (diagnosised in August so don't know much yet).  I had my first episode last year about this time and haven't had any problems since.  For the past week I have noticed when I bend my head down my legs/trunk vibrates. Now, my legs feel as though they are constantly vibrating.  I called my neuro and she wanted me to start IV steroids.  I did the steroids with my first attack and it didn't seem to help so I am wondering if I should try it again this time?  I am function normally, it is just a HUGE annoyance at this point.  Does anyone have any insight for me?

[JJJ77]

It is so nice to hear from you!  I have been doing so well in the past several months that I have stayed away from this site...you know how it goes "outta sight, outta mind".  What I am going through is tolerable but there is a reason Dr. S wants to do the steroids so I guess I need to suck it up and do it!  Looks like it will be started tomorrow...ugh.

Yeah, having two toddlers running the house during cold and flu season, leaves little hope for not getting sick :(  Fortunately, I have an office job and can keep myself away from everyone as much as possible while there!!  

How have you been?  Sounds like you have had a couple of episodes recently!!  Glad to hear that the steroids are doing well for you!!!  

Hope you had a Merry Christmas and enjoy your New Year!!!

[michelleric]

Well, I am in the midst of the steroid taper right now.  I had a round in September, which was WONDERFUL for me. This round was not great.

However, the only thing I feel if there is a "next time" for me with the IV steroids, is to make sure there is not sickness in my house. I felt much worse this time around, because of a virus I caught while my immune system was/is down. Not good. Sick.

However, my leg and TN are HUGELY improved, so for me, it was a good thing, the IV steroids.  I am not falling now, for the most part and my face pain is gone.

Is Dr. S still your neuro?  I have found her to be so wonderful. I trust her very much. So, part of me taking the steroids was her suggestion and so far she has done lots to help me.

Wishing you luck and I would also ask her for something to help you sleep while you are on them in advance.  I had lots of trouble sleeping with the roids this time around.

Let us know how you are doing,
Michelle

[JJJ77]

Thank you for all the information.  I think I will go ahead with the steroids...ugh.  I guess if there is a chance that it could help in the long run it is worth it.  There really isn't anything to lose by initiating therapy right?  Thanks again!!!

[Quixotic1]

Not all symptoms respond to IV steroids.  But, very new ones are more likely to.

There is soft evidence that with some symptoms, quick use of steroids "may" delay some disability.  To that end, I would go through another round of 'roids or two to see if they ever help.  If they don't, then further decisions become easier.  

On the other hand, if the symptoms are only a nuisance, then it is an iffy call.  You neuro clearly believes in getting aggressive with this disease.  She is offering what help she can.  You are having sensory symptoms only and not the kind that really cause disability, BUT one of those could be waiting in the wing.

No, you are describing a lesion in a different place on the spinal cord, which would make me want to try to relieve any new inflammation.  In the end, it is your decision.

Quix

[jensequitur]

Maybe... without an MRI of the spine, you won't know for sure - and maybe not even then.

A good MS neuro will treat your symptoms rather than look at your lesion locations.  There's obviously something going on in your neck, so there's no point in subjecting you to another MRI.

[JJJ77]

I do have a large lesion on my C3 spine.  When it originally flared up the only symptom was that my right arm went numb.  Could it be the same lesion flaring up again with different symptoms? Or is it more likely a new lesion?  I am clueless :(

[jensequitur]

Sounds like L'Hermittes sign to me - a lesion in your neck is causing nerve disruption further down.

Are you having problems with fatigue, or anything?  I wouldn't bother unless you're seriously disabled by this flare.