Multiple Sclerosis

Posted on: Fri, Aug 29 2008 6:45 PM

Posted by: Wes Prom Posts: 4

Most of the time I have not enough energy to do anything. When I was first diagnosed my neuro had me going for IV therapy quite often he then decided to make them less often giving me less energy in the long run. Life is not about waiting but I am always waiting to have enough energy to live.

Posted on: Fri, Aug 29 2008 6:55 PM

Posted by: rainey826 Posts: 3,961

 hi wes , i am so sorry to hear that , i wish you the best for i am sure there is plenty that you want to too~~~~~~~~`  rainey xo 

Posted on: Fri, Aug 29 2008 7:25 PM

Posted by: pambe2 Posts: 0

Hi Wes, I have been taking Provigal to increase my energy level. My neuro prescribes 200 mg with breakfast. Provigal is a stimulant first used to treat Narcolepsy and now MS fatigue. The good thing about Provigal is, people like you or I can take it! This one will not trigger addiction. It doesn't operate the way the addictive drugs do. I have had good success with this drug. It is really good for MS fatigue. Are you on anti-depressants? Depression is another symptom of MS. I have the same fear you do Wes. I don't want to take anything addictive. I have 23 years clean and sober. I'm not about to mess with that! Solumedrol works, for a time, but it can do some really bad damage to us over time. Try the Provigal and some anti-depressants or LDN. They will help.

pambe

Posted on: Tue, Sep 2 2008 3:01 PM

Posted by: scrambledbrain57 Posts: 7

Wes,

Sorry to hear how bad the malaise/fatigue is for you. 

I personally can't do SoluMedrol.  The one time I did I had  psychosis related symptoms and that was very scary to go through.

Good luck.

Posted on: Tue, Sep 2 2008 3:19 PM

Posted by: shellGVchick Posts: 1,261

I'm sorry to hear it's been so difficult to sleep.  There are times it seems like all I do is nap one day and then I'm caught up for a bit.  I had a friend who was put on Solumedrol and it really interacted badly with other medications she was on.  There are so many medications out there, don't give up on finding the right ones.  Best of Luck to you.

Posted on: Tue, Sep 2 2008 3:41 PM

Posted by: hinge404 Posts: 213

Wes:

I know MS fatigue is a bummer.  But long term use of Solumedrol leads to Cushing's Syndrome and other problems.  Provigil gave me insomnia. 

In some patients, they have had some luck treating fatigue with Prozac.  If this worked for you, it might also benefit your depression. 

Speaking of anti-depressants, some of them (primarily the older, tricyclic antidepressants) are somewhat effective in treating MS related pain.  (If these do not work for you, Lyrica might be helpful in dulling neuropathic pain.)

(None of these drugs will work if your back pain is not neuropathic/MS related.)

Sorry I can't be more helpful--hinge

Posted on: Tue, Sep 2 2008 10:51 PM

Posted by: MaggieF Posts: 15

Interesting that you mention Cushing Syndrome because after being on a one day a month Solu medrol for over a year, I saw a show on Cushing's. I'm in my 50s overweight, since MS, but not morbidly obese. I thought I had a hump on my upper back and my stomach got disproportionately bigger without weight gain. My doctor poo poohed the idea. Well, the Solu medrol did help me dramtaically. I've had MS over 25 years and had it a few times in the middle years. I layed off it. I have pre diabetes, in part a/c of the Solu medrol.

I did have it in July and it helped, but I had a down time of a few weeks before it helped and the improvement was not as as dramatic as before. They also monitored my blood sugar before, during and after.

My Mom has MS. She tried it once and no help.

I think it can be useful, but it should be done cautiously. Bone density tests advised. The last times, I was so angry, where before, I get a little grouchy.

I took Provigel too, but got PVCs Premature Ventricular Contractions of the heart. Now, I take Amantadine, which isn't as helpful.

Fatigue is the pits.

Posted on: Wed, Sep 3 2008 2:15 PM

Posted by: bevjoy Posts: 10

 Hi, I just read your reply.  It was just like I wrote it.   I also am in my 50's. Have  been on the nasty steroid treatment  every month for 10 months in the past.  Now it's every two month.  But had weight gain.  No diabetes.  Had MS 25 plus years.  The solumedrol always makes me eat.  No wonder I gained. Have had bone density test , and it wasn't good.  It has always helped me but I'm ready to try something else.  I feel like a guiny pig.  The neuro always has a change in store for me.After reading your story, I had to answer and let you know your not alone in this treatment.  Bev