I think the biggest questions involved with Solu-Medrol IV steroid use revolve around what to expect, in the matter of side effects. So, I have compiled my top 5 list of side effects associated with the IV infusion.
You'll notice there are no horror stories associated with my 3-day infusions. That should be of some comfort for any one who is brand spanking new to the wonderful world of steroids.
My top 5 list is specific to me, but I think most steroid users would have at least 2 of my picks in their own list, were they to compile it.
In no particular order of importance, here is my list:
- INSOMNIA: I can find no way to avoid the loss of sleep associated with 1-day, 3-day, 5-day or longer pulses. Perhaps there is the small consolation in that the shorter the treatment, the sooner the insomnia will end, otherwise, insomnia and being sleep deprieved is an inevitable part of using solu-medrol.
- DEHYDRATION: Helped along by profuse sweating, dehydration easily occurs with steroid use. You MUST drink plenty of water. Not only does it rid the body of toxic residue left in the system with steroid use, it also keeps the body functioning through all the changes it must endure as the steroids not only fight the MS inflamation, but take over your endocrine system, ramping it up as well.
- METALLIC TASTE IN MOUTH/ODOR IN URINE: It can be a shocker when you develop the strange taste in your mouth, however, don't be alarmed it is just the steroids. You'll know the taste when it hits, it is unmistakable. It will last for quite awhile, so ready yourself with something to cut the taste. Perhaps, mints or lemon, anything that works for you.
- STRONG FOOD CRAVINGS: The cravings for sweets and sugar may be over the top for some of us. I know it is for me. Try to convnce yourself that healthy snacks taste just as good. Salt adds to dehydration, so salty chips and things must be limited, or done away with all together if you can manage it. Sweets rich in sugar can cause oral thrush, something you don't need on top of the steroid experience. Very sweet candy, even chocolate candy bars can give you a thrush problem, so be careful with the amount you allow yourself to eat.
- THE STEROID CRASH: As the saying goes, " you can run, but you cannot hide" from the steroid crash. It has to happen because your body has to gear back up and take over the functions the steroids usurped while you body was under their control. The drop or crash is the void left when your body is cleared of the steroid after your last infusion. It is craving more and when it realizes there is no more and it now has to work for itself, the crash occurs. I think of it being like a big let down for the body. It is feeling totally bummed by the fact the go-go juice is gone and it mopes around for a bit until it finally realizes it has to go back to work. Relunctantly it slowly gears back up, but not before putting you through physical and emotional turmoil you never imagined existed. Expect it, try to understand you will not be yourself for however long it takes your body to gear up, and try to ignore all the strange thoughts and feelings running through your mind. It is all temporary, you have to keep reminding yourself of that.
So there you have it, my five top side effect issues when on Solu-Medrol steroids. If you would like to read a day-by-day account of my most recent steroid infusion just click here and be taken to the first in a series of articles I wrote, entitled, My 3-Day Steroid Treatment.
Click the link below to read the top 5 side effects of the steroid CRASH.
Please feel free to leave any comments or questions you have. I would be happy to answer any and all concerns regarding steroids and Multiple Sclerosis. |
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