MS pain and Steroids

[mommylarson]

I am a 31 year old woman.  I was diagnosed with MS 3 years ago, and was symptom free for the last 2 years.  About a month and a half ago I started having a flare up.  It is persistently getting worse.  I finished a 5 day iv dose of steroids on Tuesday.  I started having a spike in my symptoms on the 3rd day of the steroids.  My symptoms have continued to get worse.  Last night I started having burning pain in my neck, shoulders, back, chest, and arms.  I have never had pain like this!  It even hurts to the touch! Could this be from the steroids?  Is there anything I can do to help calm the flare?  My doctor has not returned my calls, so I am just concerned and don't know what to do!

[calamfred]

My hubby is on a monthly dose of steroid, 1000 mg. His Neuro has him mix it with juice and drink it. (steroid comes in powder form in small vial)
I had never heard of doing it that way, most if the time it is given by infusion.
Anyways, hubby has never had symptoms like you describe, either. He usually will be very red in face for few days after, always does get a headache. Which we know are listed as possible side effects. I have wondered if the headache is the steroid working on the inflamed areas where he has known lesions...just a theory I have thought, and probably not at all what it is..lol
Good thing you're seeing your Dr to find out!
Take care,
C

[mommylarson]

The pain is not as bad as it was, but I am still having some.  I am also still having the increased MS symptoms.  I am scheduled to see the doctor on Thursday.

[kwarendorf]

Hi ML-

The symptoms you describe do not sound like the normal IV steroid side effects. If this has been going on since Sunday/Monday, and your neuro is not responding, I would call you PCP and or go to the ER.

Kyle

[mommylarson]

They were done at home. The nurse called while he was here to let the doctor know my symptoms were getting worse.  He called 3 different times and days and the doctor never got back to him either!

[PeninaD]

Where were the IV infusions done? Home, hospital, infusion center? If your doctor dies not answer you, contact the place that did the infusions.  They might have answers for you, and/or they might contact your doctor and get your call bumped up his/her priority list.