Arthritis With MS?
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Hi Chris, I’m not actually on anything. My symptoms remain mild and my neuro at this stage just wants to see what happens. I agree with him as sometimes everything’s fine and others not so fine, but still comparatively mild. I actually just went ice-skating and I think that’s given my entire body a run for its money. Will see how it copes! Hope you’re feeling better. What are you taking and what other symptoms have you got, if you don’t mind me asking? Best wishes, Robert – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->What medications are you taking? I wonder if this could be related to a >medication at all. I hope so because I could quit taking the medication and >relieve some of the pain. I hope you are feeling better. >Chris
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Good luck chris
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Chris, Your symptoms sound very familiar. The fatigue and the pains in the body. I’ve also had a few shots of neuralgia in my legs but only a handful of times. I spoke with my neuro today who’s going to put me on a course of steroids – probably prednisone – so I’ll see how that goes. My symptoms though have been fairly quiet for the last two days so fingers crossed. It is bizarre how things can be so severe (I couldn’t walk on my right leg Friday night – no alcohol involved!) and then disappear the following day completely. The only thing I’ve found to help with the symptoms is rest. I know sleeping 11 or 12 hours a night is often not possible but when I can afford to I find it’s the only thing that reduces my symptoms. Will see what the steroids do though? Anything I should watch out for re: side-effects? As for ice-skating well I’m a little sore today, with a blister on my big toe (!) but I’ll try and go again on the weekend to get a bit of fitness back into this ailing body of mine. I hope you’re feeling better soon. Keep me posted. Robert – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->In a message dated 97-10-26 02:22:51 EST, you write: >Thanks for the reply. I am taking Neurontin and prednizone. The symptoms I >have right now are fatigue, the body pain and trigeminal neuralgia. It >certainly isn’t the worst, but I am used to feeling great. These stabbing >pains in my face and body are difficult for me to deal with. I also have >weakness in my limbs that can be quite severe, or go completely away. This >is all new for me, so I think it may bother me more than it will later. >I am glad that you went ice skating. I hope your body responds by saying, "I >am tired, but give me more." Have a wonderful weekend. >chris
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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->On Tue, 21 Oct 1997 22:41:29 GMT, st…@tropheus.demon.co.uk wrote: >>In my case I doubt that it’s Lyme disease because, so far as I know, >>Borrelia burgdorferi is not present in the deer or dog population >>where I live (England). I don’t think the transmitting tick species >>exists here either. I think cases of Lyme disease that have been >>identified in England are in people returning from the US. Someone >>else may know different – please tell us. >Well, I’ve been told! I got up this morning to see I had four emails >to inform me that Lyme disease does exist in England along with the >tick that is it’s vector. A very useful email from Art Doherty pointed >me at the web http://www.dis.strath.ac.uk/lymeeu/index.htm and the >newsgroup news:sci.med.diseases.lyme >I will investigate immediately so I may know what I’m talking about in >future. >– >Steve
For the record, one of my parents’ cats was recently very ill and the vet ordered some blood tests which showed that she had Lyme disease. My parents live in south Devon (in south-west England) on the coast, and the two cats roam around the local fields and woods. I gather that Lyme can be carried by a variety of tick species if its preferred one is not around – in this case the vet thought it was a sheep tick. The cat, which is only a year old, appears to have made a full recovery, although after reading up Lyme on the web I will keep an eye on her for signs of arthritis. Anna —————- Anna Whelan London, UK a.whe…@ic.ac.uk —————-
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Hi all – I too have been bothered by joint pain at night. Since I’m not as active as I once was…got to wondering about gout… I noticed that my pains come and go…I’ve now noticed that they are worse when I eat processed sugar. A piece of cake is guaranteed to set them off.. best, sahree
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eally??? And, exactly *when* did I say I didn’t believe in immunizations??? I don’t believe in immunizing 2 month old babies, (and you probably wouldn’t either if you read what’s used as binders and carriers in those immunizations. But, maybe you see nothing wrong in injecting formaldehyde into babies), but I’m not opposed to immunizations. Or, have you just assumed that every chiropractor is opposed to immunizations???? Neil ================== On 27 Oct 1997 23:52:54 GMT, writ…@Eng.Sun.COM (Bob Morrisette) wrote: >That’s an amazing statement coming from someone who doesn’t believe in >immunization for children.
================================================= A few months ago you listed some childhood diseases that you did not think required vaccinations. I never said that all chiropractors opposed immunizations. It is a pity that any oppose them. I think that we should leave immunizations to real doctors. Chiropractors are not qualified to make decisions on immunization. Bob Morrisette
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>I have started having arthritis pain in my legs, feet, arms and hands real >bad.
I also have these aches but mostly in my left leg. I was diagnosed with osteoarthritis in my neck and tend to think the pain is mostly related to the MS. I have heard that alot of MSers are also diagnosed with Fibromylagia so that could be the culprit but it is also a no cure disease. Sorry you have this pain it sure is a bummer. Take care Shel
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I’ve heard (don’t remember what the source was) that the steroids many MSers occasionally use for treatment (like IV Solumedrol, Prednisone, etc.) can sometimes cause adverse side effects like the feeling of having arthritis. What do you guys think? Leo – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Shelbenjoe wrote: > >I have started having arthritis pain in my legs, feet, arms and hands real > >bad. > I also have these aches but mostly in my left leg. I was diagnosed with > osteoarthritis in my neck and tend to think the pain is mostly related to the > MS. I have heard that alot of MSers are also diagnosed with Fibromylagia so > that could be the culprit but it is also a no cure disease. Sorry you have > this pain it sure is a bummer. Take care Shel
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>I’ve heard (don’t remember what the source was) that the steroids many >MSers occasionally use for treatment (like IV Solumedrol, Prednisone, >etc.) can sometimes cause adverse side effects like the feeling of >having arthritis. What do you guys think?
I think alot of the meds prescribed, have definite disadvantages and I am very careful as to what I will put in my bod. I know alot of folks have had great success with things like Tegretol, Symmetrel and Prednisone but these are heavy heavy drugs with heavy heavy side effects. Anyway I guess what I’m trying to say is Yes absolutley I think MS’ers can develop nasties from the very meds that are suppose to be helping but what are you going to do , stuck between a rock and a hard place. Take Care Shel
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I have started having arthritis pain in my legs, feet, arms and hands real bad. I have CPMS and was wondering if it was MS or truly arthritis. Does anyone else have this type of pain? Terrible aches in hands and fingers mostly. Have a good day. Terry
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On 20 Oct 1997 19:25:38 GMT, tlover…@aol.com (TLOverton) wrote: >I have started having arthritis pain in my legs, feet, arms and hands real bad. > I have CPMS and was wondering if it was MS or truly arthritis. Does anyone > else have this type of pain? Terrible aches in hands and fingers mostly. >Have a good day. >Terry
Terry, I have both MS and arthritis. My arthritic pains started a long time before my MS when I was in my mid twenties. I don’t think my arthritis and MS are too closely related. You can get a rheumatoid factor blood test that may help you and your doctors separate your MS and arthritis. One thing I did discover is when I stated talking large doses of EPO to help my MS symptoms I found that my arthritis pain nearly cleared up completely. I now only have a slight pain in my toes, ankles and fingers. — Steve —————————————————– Stephen Wolstenholme: http://www.tropheus.demon.co.uk Author of NeuroDiet – neural network diet planner
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HI Terry, I too have terrible pain in my hands and fingers. It is what I thought was arthritis. My neuro said that it might be, but it could also just be a side effect of the MS. I havent really found anything that did much good for it. However I do think that it gets worse if I am doing alot of wrting or other tasks with my hands. Hope you find something that helps. Be Well, Lori <CCsMo…@aol.com
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Hi gang Have an addendum to my post of last night. Just looked up the different forms of arthritis because I could not remember how many there were. I counted 86 different forms and each section (there were 13 sections) had "others" listed. Aparently the "others" are more rare. At any rate, testing for rheumatoid arthritis alone is totally inadequate and seldom done alone. This info was from the 12th edition of the Merck Manual and I know there are at least two newer editions and maybe more. L — Dude 1: "What do you think of western civilization?" Dude 2: ’"I think it would be a great idea!"
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On Tue, 21 Oct 1997 02:58:35 -0700, LaVonne Murphy <mscan…@worldnet.att.net> wrote: >Hi gang >Have an addendum to my post of last night. Just looked up the different >forms of arthritis because I could not remember how many there were. I >counted 86 different forms and each section (there were 13 sections) had >"others" listed. Aparently the "others" are more rare. >At any rate, testing for rheumatoid arthritis alone is totally >inadequate and seldom done alone.
True, but it’s an easy test that cuts down the number of potential arthritis problems. My point is that if a rheumatoid factor test is negative then the pain may be related to MS. If it’s "positive" then it is much less likely. An accurate diagnosis of arthritis is just as difficult as one of MS but a RF test is a good first step. It often results in a simple topical treatment that further helps to "zoom in" on the true cause. — Steve —————————————————– Stephen Wolstenholme: http://www.tropheus.demon.co.uk Author of NeuroDiet – neural network diet planner
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Just need to add to my previous post, that from my own personal experience , besides being dxd with MS I had an elevated RA factor and all those markers disappeared after being treated after being diagnosed with Lyme disease.
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On 21 Oct 1997 19:41:12 GMT, mrsmeis…@aol.com (MrsMeister) wrote: >Im certain this is beginning to sound like a broken record, but I really really > hope that you people with stories like this are being fairly ( and I dont mean > a simple ELISA) are being evaluated for Lyme disease or another spirochetal > type neuroborreliosis as the initial cause of your conditions… arthritis and > MS?? some one has got to start looking at these cases with an open mind…
(snip) In my case I doubt that it’s Lyme disease because, so far as I know, Borrelia burgdorferi is not present in the deer or dog population where I live (England). I don’t think the transmitting tick species exists here either. I think cases of Lyme disease that have been identified in England are in people returning from the US. Someone else may know different – please tell us. — Steve —————————————————– Stephen Wolstenholme: http://www.tropheus.demon.co.uk Author of NeuroDiet – neural network diet planner
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Yes. I am CPMS,too. I have arthritis in my ankles, knees, and one hip. Bursitis is in the other hip. People keep telling me arthritis and MS don’t go together, but I believe the guy with the medical degree- and the perscription pad! Vicki In article <19971020192501.PAA02…@ladder02.news.aol.com>, tlover…@aol.com says… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->I have started having arthritis pain in my legs, feet, arms and hands real bad. > I have CPMS and was wondering if it was MS or truly arthritis. Does anyone > else have this type of pain? Terrible aches in hands and fingers mostly. >Have a good day. >Terry
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That sounds exactly like the pain in my calfbone and right forearm and hand. I’m assuming mine is MS as sometimes the left leg takes over the pain from the right and I had a shot of pain in my left shoulder yesterday that left me shaking. I find my hands and finger itch a bit too when the pain is about to come on. A reliable warning system! Hope you’re faring better soon. Robert – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->I have started having arthritis pain in my legs, feet, arms and hands real bad. > I have CPMS and was wondering if it was MS or truly arthritis. Does anyone > else have this type of pain? Terrible aches in hands and fingers mostly. >Have a good day. >Terry
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On 24 Oct 1997 00:37:11 GMT, dr…@dienes.com (Dan Rice) wrote: >Yes. I am CPMS,too. I have arthritis in my ankles, knees, and one hip. Bursitis >is in the other hip. People keep telling me arthritis and MS don’t go together,
I have arthritis in my knees, hips, and back. Strangely I have no pain at all in my knees. The arthritic changes showed up on a bone scan and the PT can hear the crackling when she moves the joint. I think the knee problems are due to years of walking on a weak leg, along with some falls. The back problems are also probably made worse by "wobble- walking". Kate
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Hi Chris, Well, today I’m feeling better – no symptoms to speak of. I’ve had this on and off though over the last fortnight with the pain lasting as long as the day. Just depends. Last night my right leg was so bad that I could barely walk on it. I also played the piano for a bit and the pain in my forearm popped up here and there but passed within a few minutes. I don’t think I have arthritis either as it comes and goes and does different things in different places all the time. I would have thought arthritis would remain in a certain place and not come and go as much. But I really don’t know. I hope you’re feeling better today. The only thing I’ve found that helps is rest. Slept 11 hours last night and am feeling quite OK. Just hope it lasts. Best wishes, Robert – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->I am having the same problems. I don’t think I have arthritus, however, > because I can feel it in the bones..in the muscles…all over. How long have > you had this and how long does it last. I feel bad…I hope you feel better. >chris
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Arthritis and MS may very well be a combo of second stage Lyme[arthritis] and third stage[mimics MS, sclerosis in brain]. Try perna, an herb reported to work wonders quickly for arthritis. Omega 3,6 should be good as well for both. Dave Q = q…@2cowherd.net alt.support.mult-sclerosis.alternatives Natural Recovery Usenet http://www.2cowherd.net/q/ "Solutions" Contains MS/Diet/Lifestyle I used to "Recover" from CPMS,
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It’s true. My neurologist says so!
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>>It’s true. My neurologist says so!<<
Alix… *What’s true? Judith
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Have you considered Lyme Disease? Janie
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Robert – I’ll throw in my 2 cents worth here. I have had over a dozen Solu-Medrol ‘tune-ups’ over as many years and usually the 2 to 2 1/2 week taper of Prednisone has been the norm afterwards FOR ME! Just remember we are all different in how we respond, the severity and length of exacerbations. I realize I am preaching to the choir here. Hope you are up and all you want soon. Regards – Margaret Kris Lewis wrote in message <34565e86.50609…@news.mindspring.com>… >Robert, >I was put on an 18 day taper after 5 days of Solumedrol. So, 13 >sounds good to me. >Kristi >I asked God for strength, and he gave me Richard… the embodiment of
strength, bravery, wisdom, and (most importantly) love. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->P.S. Take the ".nojunk" out of my address if responding via e-mail.
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Robert > Well, I’ve had a few people comment that I spelled the drug name wrong > however I am definitely on Prednisolone which is a glucocorticosteroid as > opposed to prednizone which is a steroid hormone very similar to cortisone. > Perhaps then the dosages vary considerably between the two.
Usual Prednisolone dose is 5-60 mg per day in single or divided doses. Usual Prednisone dose is the same. However, Prednisolone is 3-5 times more potent. Don’t ask me why they can’t be more specific. It may have something to do with the way the persons body absorbs it. Both drugs do the same thing and have about the same side effects but are chemically different. Both are antiinflammatories and both kill off the immune system > >My cycle of pain/muscle discomfort sounds about like yours. The night is > >worse, although there are some "reminders" during the day. I also seem to > >sleep it off.
Neither of these phenomenons is unusual. During the day, your mind is often distracted with other things. You will notice that it is when you have the time to notice or when the pain becomes really intense, as in when you stress the painful body part, that you feel it the most. At night, you are less distracted with work, family and other things so that you give your mind more free time to notice it. Sometimes concentrating on deep breathing exercises and/or relaxation (there are audio tapes everywhere to help this) will occupy the brain enough and relax you enough that you don’t complete the exercise because you fall asleep. Self hypnosis that has been taught you by someone licensed to do hypmosis is also effective. These things work unless you have used the affected joints enough to make the pain severe. Sometimes, whatever you use for pain about an hour before bedtime also helps. Nonsteroidal antiinflammatories are also often effective for this type of pain. Prescription strengths or drugs available only by prescription are often more effective for acute situations than over the counter stuff though that works for some folks. No matter, whatever you choose, should be discussed with the doc. Waking with less pain is also not unusual. You have given your brain enough quiet to effectively produce natural endorphins and your body was relaxed enough to benefit from it. You were not using and aggrivating the affected part(s) as you do in the daytime so that the endorphins are more effective. > One thing > though, I have noticed that the prednisolone has reduced my fatigue > considerably to the point where I only managed 6 hours sleep and yet feel > better than I normally do with 9 hours so that in itself is encouraging.
Do not be suprised if this changes back to normal sleep habits as the drug is tapered. This is a side effect of the drug. Some folks sleep less and some almost not at all. Some folks have a feeling of well being, some are manic and some are depressed while on any steroid. But then, there is the posibility that you are just getting a little better. > I asked > my GP for some anti-depressants so I’m on 50mg of Zoloft a day. Helps to > take the edge off things so I don’t wallow in it all. It’s a thought if > you’re finding things a little difficult and helps keep one optimistic when > things are a little terrifying. Haven’t noticed any adverse side effects on > my MS although I do feel a little nauseous at times, with the occasional > stomach cramp which is annoying.
This is more likely to be a side effect of the steroid. It is something you need to report to the doc. Most folks on steroids or antiinflammatories (especially prescription strength) need something like pepcid or tagamet, also prescription strength, to prevent ulcers. L — Edd’s Law of Radiology The colder the x-ray table, the more of your body you are required to place upon it.
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Hi again Chris, I’m so glad to hear that you’re feeling better. I must admit I was worried when I hadn’t heard from you in a while. It is such a relief when things that have been making our lives so difficult, go away. My it remain this way for you. I hope the tests go OK. It’s never fun getting back results which may confirm or not a dx but I hope they come up with something that helps them to treat all the sx you’ve got right now. That should be the priority – to maintain your sanity and peace of mind throughout this very trying time. Rule number one with any chronic illness that significantly effects the way we function: never settle for anything less than the best you can feel. That goes especially for pain – if it’s bad, get something that takes it away as pain is a very demoralising sx. Sorry, I know I’m ranting a bit in retrospect but just felt the need to! To explain, I’ve been having some very trying side-effects on the prednisolone. Mood swings like I’ve never had in my life, insomnia, manic behaviour, then groginess and a lack of motivation to do anything and then, loads of energy and a ludicrously high libido! (Something I can live without right now!) It’s truly driven me round the bend for the last week, which is why I’ve been so quiet on the list, but the extremity of the things I’ve been feeling have been downright ridiculous. Things have calmed down now that my taper’s at 50mg so I think in future, if I do this again, I’ll start at 50mg. 75mg just sent me round the bend! It has reduced my sx though I feel, especially the pain which is fairly minimal now. Fatigue’s gone, funnily enough. What a ride! I’m glad you find the Zoloft good. I too had some bad side-effects in the beginning, particularly nausea, but that seems to have gone now. The prednisolone has helped alleviate my pissed-offedness but things are returning to normal thankfully. I’ve felt a bit like Dr Jeckyll and Mr Hyde of late so I’m glad that’s passing. Well, I think I’ve ranted enough! Take care and good luck with the neuro and all the test results. Let me know how you go. Take care, Robert
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Margaret, Thanks for your reply. I guess I’m new to all this stuff so I like to know what’s going into my body, what it’s doing and whether others have had the same. I’m a bit of an information junkie like that, I’m afraid – never leave any stone unturned if I can avoid it … Drives my doctors and friends insane sometimes!!! So far, it’s going OK but I’m closely monitoring things and receiving much wonderful advice and advice from all on the group. You’re all great! Best wishes, Robert In article <3457a11…@news3.kcdata.com>, "Margaret Nusbaum Terry" – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -<mte…@tpk.net> wrote: > Robert – > I’ll throw in my 2 cents worth here. I have had over a dozen Solu-Medrol > ‘tune-ups’ over as many years and usually the 2 to 2 1/2 week taper of > Prednisone has been the norm afterwards FOR ME! Just remember we are all > different in how we respond, the severity and length of exacerbations. I > realize I am preaching to the choir here. Hope you are up and all you want > soon. > Regards – > Margaret
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my tapers have been just like that – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Robert R. Wagner wrote: > Hi again Chris, > >Hopefully the Neuro will only put you on a taper of steroids. It is only a 6 > >day course. I didn’t find that I had any side-effects. I know of others > >that have had swelling and the puffy face syndrome from only a week, but I > >think it is rare. As I am sure you know, long term steriods are bad and > >aren’t used unless necessary. > Yes, he just did today after I finally called him (!). He’s put me on 3 x > 25mg prednisolone which tapers off by half a tablet every two days until it > stops after 13 days. Does this seem a lot? I’ve never taken this before and > as you said a six day tapering, I’m a bit concerned that he’s gone a bit > too far. Let me know what you think. I couldn’t find any info on the net > regarding the usual dosages so I’m not sure if it’s a lot or not. > >The ice skating sounds great. I am thinking of trying to swim more for > >fittness. We know some people that have an indoor pool at their house and I > >may try to swim over there. Fitness is important, but difficult when you > >feel so bad. > It was fun and I’m going again this Thursday! Desperately trying to get fit > again. Will see how my body copes with it, as I’m still a bit sore … > Swimming is good. I’ve always been told it’s a great excercise as the water > supports you so go for it. I know it’s hard though when things aren’t too > good. I’ve found though that even though some muscles feel sore, my > optimism and motivation has increased immeasurably. > >When you have the pains in your legs is there a certain time of day that they > >are better? Worse? How are they when you sleep? > A tough one. I’ve gone through my MS diary – a bit tragic but I thought it > a good idea just in case I see a pattern – and it does seem the pain is > worse in the evenings after a long day. It’s definitely worse when I don’t > get much sleep. It does also come on more in the heat – it’s approaching > summer here in Australia so I’m not looking forward to that! But it also > comes on during the day sporadically but never lasting more than an hour, > unlike in the evenings when it can last up to 6 hours and not stop until I > sleep and wake up refreshed. The pain in my forearm reacts similarly. > Sleeping is OK though and though it can be painful trying to get to sleep > it generally eases enough so that I can sleep. > Hope that helps a bit. Let me know how it is for you so I can compare! I’ll > keep you posted on how my prednisolone course goes and if it improves > things for me. Considering today is the first time in 3 days I’ve had any > real pain and that’s after taking 75mg of prednisolone, I’m starting to > wonder about it’s efficacy! Oh well, can only try … > Hope things are better for you. Take care. > Robert
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Hi Chris, >I didn’t take nearly as much prednizone, but that may be because at the time >I started, my symptoms were less severe than yours. Once you start, you need >to finish the entire course that is VERY important.
Well, I’ve had a few people comment that I spelled the drug name wrong however I am definitely on Prednisolone which is a glucocorticosteroid as opposed to prednizone which is a steroid hormone very similar to cortisone. Perhaps then the dosages vary considerably between the two. I spoke with a lady at the MS Society here (who in fact remembered me when my mother had MS) and she said that the dosage was fine so I’m reassured. She said that for my symptoms which remain mild, prednisolone is a good place to start treatment to see how I react to it before going up to anything stronger should I need it. I will finish the course though, don’t worry about that! >My cycle of pain/muscle discomfort sounds about like yours. The night is >worse, although there are some "reminders" during the day. I also seem to >sleep it off. Last night I had such a difficult time going to sleep because >I felt so bad. I woke up this morning and feel good. I just wish it would >stay this way all day 
"Reminders" is a good way to put it. I’ve had a few of them today. I had difficulty sleeping last night also as the pains started to flare up as soon as I got into bed. Took me two hours or so to get to sleep. One thing though, I have noticed that the prednisolone has reduced my fatigue considerably to the point where I only managed 6 hours sleep and yet feel better than I normally do with 9 hours so that in itself is encouraging. Pain hasn’t gone though unfortunately. : < Hope your pain stayed away for the day. I had two days of nothing so hope you get you quota also! >I am glad you are feeling optimistic. I hope I feel more enlightened after >my visit to my neurologist today.
Well, it’s either that or fall in a heap and will myself to be depressed and no doubt worse. I fluctuated though with my moods and as it’s been such a bad month for me (My girlfriend went overseas, Dx with MS, and was told my job contract ends in a month – all in the space of 4 days!!!), I asked my GP for some anti-depressants so I’m on 50mg of Zoloft a day. Helps to take the edge off things so I don’t wallow in it all. It’s a thought if you’re finding things a little difficult and helps keep one optimistic when things are a little terrifying. Haven’t noticed any adverse side effects on my MS although I do feel a little nauseous at times, with the occasional stomach cramp which is annoying. Let me know how you go with your neurologist, especially if he/she has some answers for the pain. Mine wasn’t sure what to say except that it is a symptom not uncommon in MS but, unless the pain is excruciatingly severe, there’s not much he could think of to do except prescribe a course of steroids. Well, best wishes with it all and I hope you’re feeling better today, especially after seeing your neurologist. >Enjoy your skating…..
I shall! Best wishes, Robert
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Hi again Chris, >Hopefully the Neuro will only put you on a taper of steroids. It is only a 6 >day course. I didn’t find that I had any side-effects. I know of others >that have had swelling and the puffy face syndrome from only a week, but I >think it is rare. As I am sure you know, long term steriods are bad and >aren’t used unless necessary.
Yes, he just did today after I finally called him (!). He’s put me on 3 x 25mg prednisolone which tapers off by half a tablet every two days until it stops after 13 days. Does this seem a lot? I’ve never taken this before and as you said a six day tapering, I’m a bit concerned that he’s gone a bit too far. Let me know what you think. I couldn’t find any info on the net regarding the usual dosages so I’m not sure if it’s a lot or not. >The ice skating sounds great. I am thinking of trying to swim more for >fittness. We know some people that have an indoor pool at their house and I >may try to swim over there. Fitness is important, but difficult when you >feel so bad.
It was fun and I’m going again this Thursday! Desperately trying to get fit again. Will see how my body copes with it, as I’m still a bit sore … Swimming is good. I’ve always been told it’s a great excercise as the water supports you so go for it. I know it’s hard though when things aren’t too good. I’ve found though that even though some muscles feel sore, my optimism and motivation has increased immeasurably. >When you have the pains in your legs is there a certain time of day that they >are better? Worse? How are they when you sleep?
A tough one. I’ve gone through my MS diary – a bit tragic but I thought it a good idea just in case I see a pattern – and it does seem the pain is worse in the evenings after a long day. It’s definitely worse when I don’t get much sleep. It does also come on more in the heat – it’s approaching summer here in Australia so I’m not looking forward to that! But it also comes on during the day sporadically but never lasting more than an hour, unlike in the evenings when it can last up to 6 hours and not stop until I sleep and wake up refreshed. The pain in my forearm reacts similarly. Sleeping is OK though and though it can be painful trying to get to sleep it generally eases enough so that I can sleep. Hope that helps a bit. Let me know how it is for you so I can compare! I’ll keep you posted on how my prednisolone course goes and if it improves things for me. Considering today is the first time in 3 days I’ve had any real pain and that’s after taking 75mg of prednisolone, I’m starting to wonder about it’s efficacy! Oh well, can only try … Hope things are better for you. Take care. Robert
