Multiple Sclerosis Exacerbations

I never know if I am for sure having one of the exacerbations related to my multiple sclerosis or if it is just a few bad days. I can never firmly isolate the situation.

The challenge is if I am having an exacerbation, then I need to take steroids. If I am not, I don't want to take the steroids. However, if you don't knock out an MS exacerbation with steroids, there is potential that whatever is happening temporarily may become permanent. I am constantly challenged with this issue as I don't want the side effects of steroids if I don't need them and I don't want to put any unnecessary medicine in my body.

I am in this situation right now and I am having such a difficult time -- both with my MS and with the decision of whether or not to take the steroids. My doctor has prescribed a pretty intense dose of steroids that would knock anything out but they may also help me gain weight (already a problem). I also continually fear that my body will get used to a medicine and the medicine will eventually become less effective. What to do!

Multiple Sclerosis is a very interesting disease that constantly forces me to think about treatments, daily activities/mobility and everything in between!!!