This Is MS Multiple Sclerosis Community: Knowledge & Support

After recently being diagnosed on 6/6 I've started a 5 day IV drip of Solu-Medrol(steroids) as a first step before I start a long term approach to attacking the diesase. I guess it's pretty standard stuff.

I had some questions about the experience of anyone that has gone through this treatment because I've been experiencing some side effects.

During the treatment I felt great. I even went for a couple runs for the first time in almost 8 months so I had high hopes, however since the treatment has stopped I seem to be dealing w/ these side effects of the steroids.

- Weight Gain: I've gained 4-5 pounds in just the past week
- Joint Pain:
-- Hip (Left) feels like it's constricted in movement.
-- Brain stem pressure & intense pain in upper shoulder area make it painful to sleep. The brain stem pressure feels like a more intense and encompassing feeling of "sleeping the wrong way". Like a neck-crick times 1000.

I haven't taken pain medication since my first neurological visit in 4/25. I used to take Excedrin every day for headaches but found the medication was giving me the headaches. I don't get them much any more but for this pain that prevents me from getting a good nights rest I feel like I need to take something. Does anyone have a good recommendation of a pain reliever for this type of intense joint pain??[/b]

When did this symptom begin? Did you have a spinal tap as part of your recent diagnostic procedure? Your neck pain sounds very similar to the headache that some people get after a spinal tap. For me, it started about 2 hours after the tap and lasted for five days and it felt like someone was trying to pull my brains out down the back of my neck. However, your pain may not be related to a spinal tap so it might be best to discuss it with your doctor.

NHE