Just finished 5 day IV Steroids....feeling worse

[ccbettez]

Hello all :-)

My husband just finished his 5 day IV steriods and feels worse than when he started. Flushing on and off all day, aches and pains, general blah feeling. I know these are general MS symptoms but I thought the IV was supposed to make him feel better not worse. Anyone else experience this? TIA

[KitOP]

It can take the steroids a few days to show any improvement. I've had treatments that showed improvement right away and some that have taken a few days to a week or so.

Has your husband ever had them before?

Please hang in there and give them a chance to work. I know how frustrating the MS can be all by itself, let alone going through these treatments.

I sincerely hope that help is on it's way. Please let him know that he has many people here on MSW that are wishing him well.

[ccbettez]

This is his first time in IV steriods. We just saw an MS specialist a few weeks ago. Our last Neurologist was not very helpful in any way. The MS Specialist ordered the steriods to help with his bad headaches other symptoms.

Any other time it has been oral steriods by one of his other doctors. ..family doctor...rheumatologist. ..pain management doctors.

Thanks for the advance!!!

[Marco]

Your husband is very fortunate to have such a compassionate and loving wife. Steroids attempt to short-circuit or reduce the duration of the flare, but they often come with their own side effects. A neurologist told me, within two weeks of the completion of steroids the flare should hopefully begin to subside and improvement should be evident. Steroids can be quite harsh on a body. For me, I have to greatly reduce my sugar intake or I'll feel miserable the entire time I am on steroids. Salt intake can also increase bloating so minimize that. I also increase my water intake (no booze) and then rest as much as possible. Any unnecessary tasks should be put off.

As a caregiver, try to minimize his stress wherever possible and try to distract him. If his stomach is upset you might try a zantac for relief. The steroids will greatly reduce the effectiveness of his immune system so he needs to take precautions to prevent infection. Avoid unnecessary germs from crowds, ensure people are washing their hands before interacting with "dad," etc. Depending on his personality, you might remind him that the doctor believes the benefits outweigh the side effects and nuisance of taking steroids. As the steroid level decreases in his body he'll start feeling better and more normal.

Again, I want to thank you for taking care of one of "us" patients with MS. Being loved on during a flare up can never be underestimated. I hope your husband begins to improve quickly and the flare is stopped without any damage.

[KatieAgain]

I too in the not so distant past went through 5 days of IV Steroids. Steroids have always helped me. However, the Hospital Neuro did not give me a taper. I had what they call a "Steroid Crash". Horrible. Could barely move for about a week.

Did your husband have a taper? If not he could be crashing and it will be better in a week. If so...like the previous poster stated, give it time. Sometimes people don't see results immediately.

Good luck. It will get better.

[ccbettez]

Thanks everyone! ! He now has flu like symptoms with aches, pains and runny nose :-( I will tell him yall's advice. I hope he feels better by Thursday! ! We fly home for a few days!!

[Cat Mom]

Hope your hubby feels better soon! Not sure if this is the case but every time I've been on IV steroids, the day after the IV comes out, I "crash". It's such a high dose, even the taper is a drop in the bucket compared to IV.

I hope you have a great trip home!

Jen

[WithGrace]

Not sure if this is the case but every time I've been on IV steroids, the day after the IV comes out, I "crash".
Jen

Hope things have calmed down for him as well. I had the "crash" as well for about 3 days I could barely move and was very nauseated. Thankfully 2 weeks later and I am much better.

From what I've learned the attacks make our symptoms worse. Treatment makes some go away or just become less intense. It's not a cure all. Not even for me but I feel better than I was pre-treatment.

Be comforted and get better soon

[ccbettez]

Thanks for the kind words and encouragement. It did not help with the any of his symptoms. He now feels worse than before. Hope it helps others!!!