Re: FYI-Side effects of Steroids

[Guest guest]

Thanks's for posting this information !!!!

I don't do steroids and refuse to ever do them because of the side

effects. I took oral ones twice between 2000 and 2001 when I was

naive about MS Treatments but since learning more I know that

steroids side effects are too risky and also I believe that

suppressing the immune system with steroids is foolish when the

immune system is already compromised in MS.

Maybe in later life if my MS gets alot worse I may resort to the odd

steroid dose but at least at that stage of my life they will work

better when I wouldn't be used to taking them regularly aswell as

side effects not worrying me too much when I'm old as I'd have spent

most of my life avoiding steroids which will stand to me.

>

>

> Side Effects of Steriods as Multiple Sclerosis Treatment

> Before receiving steroids for multiple sclerosis treatment,

patients should

> be aware of the side effects and should arrange to be under the

supervision of

> a physician. Some of the side effects include difficult sleeping,

mood swings,

> water retention, elevated blood sugar, acne, indigestion and acid

reflux, and

> irritability.

>

> To counteract these side effects, doctors may prescribe pills for

insomnia

> and stomach difficulties before the multiple sclerosis treatment

begins. During

> and after the treatment, it is also important to maintain a diet

low in salt

> because the steroids cause water retention and a diet high in

potassium because

> the steroids deplete the body of potassium. Additionally, the

treatment may

> lower immunity, so it is critical to communicate if any infection

is suspected.

>

> Healthcare professionals claim that there are few differences

between

> Solu-Medrol and Decadron. Patients who have received both types of

treatment may

> notice that with Decadron there is less hyperactivity, less

heartburn, and no

> metallic taste in the mouth. There is speculation that Solu-Medrol

is a more

> effective, but the outcome depends on the person who is receiving

treatment.

>

> According to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, “The side

effects of

> long-term continuous steroid use are serious and well-documented.

These include

> stomach ulcers, weight gain, acne, cataracts, osteoporosis

(thinning of the

> bones), deterioration of the head of the thigh bone, and chemical

diabetes.â€

> Talk to your doctor about these risks and what habits will help

prevent them

> before receiving multiple sclerosis treatment.