If you have multiple sclerosis, it just might be possible that you’ve also experienced the dreaded IVSM.  IVSM = Intravenous Solumedrol, a treatment which involves really high doses of glucocorticoid steroids, specifically Methylprednisolone.

Solumedrol, a potent anti-inflammatory steroid, is used as an emergency treatment for acute exacerbations.  It does not affect the course of the disease, but it does shorten the length of a relapse by putting a stop to ongoing inflammation and closing the blood-brain barrier. 

If your relapses have not been too severe, maybe you’ve not had the ‘pleasure’ of IVSM so far in your MS career.  I applaud you in that.  But if you do have to undergo the infusion, hopefully these tips will help make your experience more tolerable.

In 2005, I was in the process of being officially diagnosed.  After the results of my Lumbar Puncture came back, I was called into the neurology center to begin a 5-day adventure into SolyWorld.  One of the other MS patients already hooked up mentioned that it was like “PMS in a bag” - a description he and his wife had lovingly coined.

1.  Shy Veins. Since I have small and hard-to-find veins, I take care to be well hydrated.  In order to get a really good IV line started, the nurse uses a heating pad to further plump up those veins.  Thank you Janice.  Also, protect your IV line by not getting it wet.

2.  Metallic Taste.  Solumedrol causes a really yucky, penny-like taste in the mouth.  I recommend sucking on hard candies and mints during the infusion session.  My personal favorites are Jolly Ranchers and LifeSaver Mints.  Don’t leave home without them.

3.  Avoid Headache.  If you get a headache during or after the infusion, ask the nurse to slow down the drip on following days.  For me the 60-minute drip was too fast and found that a 90-minute drip avoided a pounding headache later in the day.

4.  Protect your Stomach.  Solumedrol causes increased stomach acid production which can cause severe heartburn and gastritis.  Rather than let this excess acid eat away at your stomach lining, take Zantac as a precautionary measure before each meal and each infusion.

5.  The Cookie Monster.  Steroids will make you hungry!!  Maybe even create an urge to eat the cardboard boxes which house the cookies.  Be careful.  Solumedrol causes water retention, so avoid salty and sugary foods.  It can cause increased blood sugar levels while it depletes potassium levels.  Increase potassium-rich foods, such as bananas, apricots, lima beans, beets, and baked potato with the skin.

6.  Anxiety.  Many folks report feeling a surge of energy, so much so that laundry gets done, the house gets cleaned, etc.  Be careful.  The steroids are putting a huge strain on your body and you need to rest and recuperate.  It’s tempting to be an Energizer Bunny for a few days, but you’ll just end up paying for it later.