Steroid withdrawls

[figuerpa]

Ok here I go again, seems like I went a long time with nothing to post and here recently it is one thing after another again.

I have the rapid/hard heartbeat, which I know is normal from the steroids, believe I held off the thrush this time because I have been brushing my teeth about 6 times a day to keep the bacteria at bay.

I am very light headed which I am guessing is a withdrawal symptom, I feel like I am drunk and haven't had a drop to eat. I also can not go to the bathroom. I am urinating just fine it is the bowel movements that are affecting me. I can't even push, there is like no muscles there to use to push. I started taking a laxative/stool softener combo hoping it will help but it hasn't yet. I have tried going and feel like I have to but as I said I am unable to push. Another side affect of the steroids? I am not sure what is going on.

Staying out of the heat to prevent any other problems so I know that has nothing to do with being heat related.

I feel like the walking dead at this point. I can't keep my eyes open, just want to sleep and sleep. Trying to keep my wits about me but am unsure what is going on. Suppose to go back to work on Thursday but not sure if that is going to be doable if this does not get any better by then. I need to go back but I have to look out for me right now, I am more important than my job that will just make me more fatigued due to the physical demand it takes on my body.

Sorry to keep going on and on I am just in a bad way right now and I know you all understand. I have been drinking massive water to help me go but it isn't helping. The not pushing is the worst part for me. Is this all normal from the IVSM? I don't remember it being this bad the last time I was on them.

Thanks for listening,
Paula

[Sumanadevii]

Just a little warning.  Thrush doesn't just show up in the mouth but also in errr...down yonder and in skin folds (like under breasts and errr...down yonder).  Watch for any skin rashes if you are prone to getting it.

I have had bowel problems long before I started on steroids.  I don't use laxatives but stool softeners.  I truly only go two or three times per month.  I just have accepted it as part of MS.  All of my body  has slowed.  If I drink plenty of water and take the softeners, things are not hard when exiting..lol...Is the only way to describe it..

You may still be in the flair.  It isn't like the IVSM works overnight.  

Just my thoughts.

[RedFlame]

Paula that sounds horrible.  I don't have any knowledge about steroids but I know how it feels when you feel like the "walking dead"!

As far as the problem with constipation, I think you should allow your body to heal and not push.  Bearing down hard or at least trying to may not help until the steroids are out of your system.      I wouldn't take any more laxatives because it may eventually cause some cramping and then eventually deplete your body even more.  I have taken laxatives, the harsh ones and ended up depleted, losing too much water and electrolytes.

Instead of bearing down, you could try relaxation.  And then some gentle massage to help your intestines wake up.  When i have had major surgery, it takes days for the system to work again because of the anesthesia.  It shuts everything down.

Allow yourself to sleep all day if that is how you feel.  It takes our bodies a long time.  Give yourself some time.  

Is there any way you can postpone your work situation until Monday?  Maybe talking with human resources would help you.  And yes, you are much more important than any job!!!!

I'm sorry you are in so much pain right now Paula!  This will pass.

Til then I am thinking of you and praying that you will recover soon!

love and hugs to you dear
XXXXXOOOOOXXXXX

Red

[Sumanadevii]

Red?  You have never been on steroids?

[metalbender]

I went through 5 days of ivsm about two or three weeks ago....It was so much better this time than a couple months ago...My vitamin D was so low that my doc said the pain index doubles when it was that low...My symptoms get worse after the intial steroid infusion...But it does get better...I walk drunk too and talk like I'm drunk....I was lucky, I went straight to work after each infusion...I felt great!!...But, a couple days after I will stiffen up like a board to the point where I can't walk....I think these are the worsening symptoms my doc told me about...

As for constipation, it happens with me as well....Heartburn is another bad side effect from steroids....And of course weight gain...

[figuerpa]

Red you are right about not bearing down, the problem is I am not pushing, I can't it is like my muscles arent working. The laxative I am taking is a lax/stool softener mix. I am going to talk to my work and see what I can do. If nothing else then I may be looking for another job.

It would be different if I sat at a desk all day but I am on my feet 7 out of 8 hours moving constantly so that is not something I see me doing right now. I need to find a job that will work for me and have been but nothing as of yet.

As for the sleeping, lol that is all I have been doing, laying around and sleeping, I am listening to my body this time because I so want this to pass so I can be done with it.

[figuerpa]

Metalbender, I felt this way after my last round of steroids. I am sure it is withdrawls. I just wish it would pass.

As for the constipation. That I am use to it is the not being able to push that is bothering me. I feel so weak that I cant push but I am sure in time it will pass.

I will see what is going on with work tomorrow. I am not sure if I will be able to return as of yet. May have to hold off until next week but we will see how it goes.

[drsdonthelp]

Oh My!!!!, Paula, I feel for you!! Walking dead,... Lol, I can say, been there, done that. Worst feeling in the world. What type of  work do you do?
good luck honey, Pam

[figuerpa]

Pam,

I am in hospitality at a hotel, so I am on my feet walking alot so that is out for now. Just talked to my doc and he said that it is better for now if I stay out of work due to my gait issues at the moment. He told me that it could make me worse if I don't just rest and take it easy, so here I am again without work and income. This just stinks all around. What is a person suppose to do?

Paula