Is it still a flare-up or just lingering effects?

[kim1962]

I'm trying to decide if I am still having a flare-up or if I'm justing having lingering effects.  My flare-up began in June and involved short periods (1-2 minutes) where I would lose control of my left leg and then my right leg would feel like it was being filled with hot water.  At one point this was happening about 15 times per day.  I took a round of Solumedrol (3 days) and began taking 300 mg of  Lyrica per day.  It now happens 4 or 5 times per week.  My doctor prescribed another round of Solumedrol which is scheduled for next week (30 days from the first one).  I am trying to decide whether I want to do the 2nd round of Solumedrol.  It made me feel horrible and was a miserable 4 or 5 days.  I guess my question is whether the 2nd round would be beneficial at this point or if the lingering effects are something I am going to have to deal with from now on.  Any thoughts or suggestions are appreciated.  Thanks - Kim

[kim1962]

Hi Heather,

As always thank you for your kind words and informative response.  I have decided not to do the found of Solumedrol at this time.  I have felt better in the past 5 or 6 days than I have in some time and don't want to do something that I know will cause me to feel bad.  If I see my MS symptoms getting worse I will reconsider at that point.

Hope you're feeling well and that you have a great week,

Kim

[Heather3418]

Sometimes all of our symptoms from a flare do NOT go away after the flare is over.  You already know that Solumedrol is hard on the body.  I am like you, it makes me feel like poo for a few days after the infusion.  Doing a second infusion is totally up to you.  I wish that I could make the decision for you and already know the outcome for your health after it is done.  But I don't have that ability to look into the future.  I wish I did.

I guess this all comes down to how much you trust your doctor, to do what is in your best interests.  Do you trust him?  If this is being done because you absolutely cannot stand your current symptoms, you might consider going ahead with it.  If you prefer to wait to see if the symptoms stabilize on their own, that's also a choice you could make.

My Neuro perfers to withhold Solumedrol for flare ups that include eye problems.  She hesitates to use it to shorten a flare up.  She said that since it is a powerful medicine, that she would not use it unless Optic Neuritis rears it's ugly head.  That's only one Neuro's opinion.

I wish I could help you make your decision.  Maybe talk with your doctor and see if he really feels that it's necessary or can you wait and see how your symptoms go?

Please keep us updated about what you decide.  I hope you get to feeling better soon.

Best Wishes always,
Heather