This Is MS Multiple Sclerosis Knowledge & Support Community

Hi all! I'm somewhat new so hopefully this is the right forum for this!
I was diagnosed about 3 weeks ago after losing sensation in my left leg and was immediately put on 1000mg of steroids given through an IV for 5 days. The doctors said the steroids should start to take effect within the next couple of weeks. I've noticed that my leg is definitely improved. I can move my foot and toes now and don't have a limp unless I'm walking for a long period of time, but I still have that loose, "asleep" feeling in the leg. I have my first neurologist appointment on Friday, and I'm worried that I might have to go back on steroids. The main issue with this is that my job involves some manual labor (some lifting and a lot of walking and moving things around, sorry to be vague!). When I was first diagnosed and put on the steroids I got a doctor's note to give to my boss that said I'd be ok to work the manual labor portions of the job in 2 weeks, so next week they're assuming that I'll be ok to start working the parts of the job involving labor, and I'll get my work schedule on Thursday. Unfortunately since my appointment isn't until Frida, I'm not sure if the neurologist is going to want to put me back on steroids, and if he does then I can't work the manual labor jobs because the steroids make me sick, but it's also really difficult to change my work schedule once it's been set for the week. I don't want to get in trouble at work for this, and I also don't want to have to tell them what the medical issue is. Like I haven't told my bosses I have MS. I just said it was a nerve issue.

Ok that was really long-winded, and I kind of got off point. Basically I guess I'm wondering if steroids are supposed to fully heal you. I think I'm mostly ok, but not fully healed, and if that's the case is it likely I'll be put back on steroids? I don't have an actual treatment regime yet. We're supposed to discuss this at the appointment on Friday.

These are probably good questions to ask your doctor as each case is different.

Steroids are typically a temporary 'fix' for severe symptoms and are not a cure.

They have serious side effects, and have a limited time frame for which they work. ie they dont work forever. They are mainly used to stop and recover from a relapse in RRMS.

I know they help with inflammation and they help the symptoms temporarily. Also you should tell your boss that you have it so that he/she understands why you can't work right now or just for future references. Just tell them to keep it confidential.

Hey sweet

Generally speaking most people will improve to some extent from a multiple sclerosis relapse regardless of whether or not they are treated with steroids, but steroids on average improve the speed of recovery (but not the end result). This is based on multiple old trials including the well known optic neuritis treatment trial (ONTT)

There is a treatment called plasmapheresis which can be used for steroid resistant relapses which requires insertion of a central line and a dialysis-like procedure. It is generally reserved for more severe disabling relapses.

My best advice to you is probably to ask for additional time off work and physical therapy to improve faster.

best of luck in your recovery. Try to be optimistic.