steroids or not? - Multiple Sclerosis Message Board

beachlover247 · 07-24-2005, 09:43 AM

Last Mon. my doc (first visit with her) said she didn't think steroids would do any good this far into my exac. She didn't refuse, but advised against it. Well, I only seem to be getting worse and just don't know what to do?? I've started choking on liquids a little bit (I'm a speech pathologist so know all about the swallowing function) and am going in for swallow study next Thurs. Anyway, any advice out there for me would be very appreciated. I know steroids have terriible side effects, but this is no walk in the park either. Please advise. I've never had iv steroids, only oral.

Tobinose · 07-24-2005, 04:54 PM

had them twice - helped lots and no side effects - I have more from oral. The first time was early in my exac, second pretty late - for me I would do it again.

beachlover247 · 07-24-2005, 04:58 PM

Thank you so much for your input....How much did they give you??Strength and length??

Sharon Grace · 07-24-2005, 06:58 PM

Always a tough choice. I had my first experience with sterois in April/May. Five days of IV solumedrol, followed by tapering Prednisone for three weeks. I did have a rather nasty flare-up. Lost function in my right arm and leg, had severe shaking in my right hand and couldn't walk without losing balance. My doc recommended the steroids and I finally gave in. Anyway, I still had all my symptoms for three weeks after starting the steroid treatment. I thought they would magically stop my flare up in one day (silly me). There were a lot of nasty side effects, but I can report that I have come back completely as of a few weeks ago. All function returned. Now, I know this brings up the question - would I have come back eventually without the drugs? Who knows. I thought it was worth a try. Hope things work out for you whether you decide to ride out the storm or try the steroids. Any other info I can give on the treatment, please let me know. Best of luck - Sharon Grace

Jas0n · 08-18-2005, 12:00 AM

The goverment makes steroid use look much worse than it really is. Ciggerates kill 100,000 people a year. How many people have ever died from steroid use? The only reason ciggerates are still leagal is becuase the goverment makes too much money off them.They actually make more money off the ciggerates then the ciggerate componies. LMAO. 50% of the total sale profit goes to Uncle Sam and then the sales tax the custimer has to pay. and finnally the tax the employees pay the goverment from thier weekly saleries. the Steroids are illegal (well most of them) becuase of NFL, Pro baseball and the olympics dont want athletes to cheat. And finally most of the people who even get side affects from steroid use are idiotic teenagers and people who overdose.