Prednisone

Prednisone has been the most frequent treatment throughout the 18 years

 

Treatments have ranged from maintenance dosages to "Prednisone Pulse Therapy". In this latter, Patti would swallow 1,200 mg of Prednisone per day over a three day period once a month. (A homecare friendly adaptation of the ‘Solu-Medrol IV Drip’ outpatient treatment.)

 

Prednisone was usually thrown at periods of more active exacerbations or flares. For ‘inquiring minds’ additional information is available from NMSS web site regarding CORTICOSTEROIDS as treatments for MS attacks: http://www.nationalmssociety.org/Sourcebook-Corticosteroid.asp

 

Did Prednisone work? It seemed to usually help with an attack. ‘Prednisone Pulse Therapy’ in particular I swear could make a corpse walk. Patti always had a few extraordinary days before the bottom fell out following ingesting 3,600 mg of Prednisone. The days that followed euphoria was caregiving hell.

 

Prednisone has risks. Early in diagnosis when Patti was using as maintenance self image related problems such as hair loss, weight gain, and rounding of the face developed. Osteoporosis, diabetes, cataracts, and stomach ulcers are more long term side effects and so far have not reared their ugly heads

 

However during scary days at home with multiple falls, Prednisone was a tried and true stabilizer.