Urgent advice on steroids
About 6 weeks ago i had a relapse affecting my hands and legs. My neuro gave me steroids but asked me to wait a few days before taking them to see if my body could improve on its own. Anyway that weekend my legs improved but not hands. My neuro nurse said because my legs were better that was a sign I could get better without the steriods so i choose to not take them. This week a i got foot drop which i think is another relapse. I rang my nurse to tell her and she told me I could take my steriods if my foot got worser by Saturday. What my nurse is saying is that its up to me and I don't know what to do. I want the relapse to get better soon as this is the 7th week ive been unable to use my hands and now I have foot drop. Ive heard steriods are horrible and my nurse has warned me a will feel unwell. What shall i do? Take steriods and be unwell or don't take them and let my body naturally heal?
@gemma87 If I was you I would first clarify the situation that's making you feel "it's up to you". The Doctors and Nurses are supposed to explain all the pros and cons of anything they suggest. Of course in the end it's up to you, but I feel you aren't sure and need to know more about the steroids and whatever things may help, in order to be able to decide. Hope you'll get more answers and information soon! Take care xx (Sorry for not bringing a stronger opinion but I'm having the same doubts and trying to find the same answers as you...)
@gemma87 , it's Friday, so the end of the week. Everyone feels tired and jaded at the end of the working week. Us MSers can get little signs that we're a bit tired, e.g. your foot drop. So, you could rest up over the weekend and see if that helps at all. In any event, steroids or no steroids, resting up will allow the recovery to get underway. Yes, you can hear horror stories about steroids. I had them on 3 - 4 occasions, before the internet brought us all together. I never experienced any problems - I wasn't even aware that they could cause problems! But, they can leave a metallic taste in your mouth - keep some mints handy. They can interfere with your sleep. They can interfere with your mood. These potential side-effects only occur when you're taking the steroids, so it is very short term. So, if the steroids can bring this relapse to a swifter end, then you have to really consider taking them.