I’ve never had or requested them myself, but I think steroids, IF prescribed, are usually high-dose, short term - but not necessarily intravenous. Some people are offered the choice.
They are most effective when administered as soon as possible during/after the relapse, so a lot of neuros wouldn’t bother, several months later.
Still, if a lower dose months later did help, why question it? I’d say it isn’t typical treatment, no, but if you’d kicked up a fuss and rejected it because of that, you wouldn’t have got the benefit you have. So proof of the pudding, I’d say. You’re lucky you had a GP whose instinct was to try something, even if it wasn’t “textbook”, and that instinct worked.
It’s helped me make more progress with the physio too…I think sometimes even the best GP’s sit back and wait for the neuro’s to issue instructions and as time wears on the GP probably finds it as frustrating as we do.
It is normally better to not have steroids until after MRI as steroids work by reducing inflammation which can make lesions harder to spot. I would assume that this is why the neuro did not prescribe any. The normal dose of steroids for an MS relapse is in the region of 500-1000mg oral or IV a day for 3-5 days as far as I know, but I think there are other doses for specific symptoms. It could be that your low dose steroids have helped or that it was a coincidence (ie you were getting better anyway) or it has been a placebo effect. Whichever it is, the main thing is that you are feeling better - so enjoy! Long may it continue Karen x
Good call karen and it would explain why the GP waited until I’d had the follow up MRI…yes it’s such a lovely feeling to be on the mend.
I was just kind of curious as to why she gave me them then but I think they have significantly reduced the joint inflammation which has in turn got me moving so all is good. thanks
Karen x