5 Day Steroid Burst

[Lisa3]

My DD was put on a 5 day steroid burst 1/25-1/29 while we were waiting for bloodwork results. At that time she was also on Amox. We did see results on day 5, 6 & 7 - then she slid back.

 

After bloodwork she was diagnosed with PANS/PANDAS - with strep, mycoplasma and coxsackie as triggers - labs showed normal immune system. She's on biaxin and valtrex. Dr T ordered a 5 day steroid burst as well and said to use them if she's not coming out of the flare up by Friday. I'm not sure what to do, she's a teeny bit better, but still isolates herself, still has tics and OCD, is still very irritable. So my question is do I start the steroids again? Is is too soon since the last burst? Like I said we saw great results before but they didn't last. Thanks

[dcmom]

hey lisa-

 

just offering my thoughts:

 

 

Dr T is relatively conservative- so I always feel comfortable with what he recommends from a "safety" standpoint.

 

My kids have had amazing and long lasting results with steroids. Sometimes we have needed a 30 day taper, other times a short 5 day burst has done the trick.

 

I do know a doc that has prescribed (with success) a monthly steroid burst for a pandas child. They are doing this until things stabilized. Sounds like a great idea to me.

 

Since Dr T has given you the green light, I think I might try the burst again. I would consider following the steroid burst up immediately with 5 days of regular advil dosing to avoid rebound inflammation. (steroids and ibuprofen cannot be taken together BTW).

 

Make sure she eats well, gets a lot of sleep, is not overscheduled and is following a routine- this helps a lot in our house.

 

Good luck!!

[T_Anna]

(steroids and ibuprofen cannot be taken together BTW).

 

Just saw this, what are side effects. I have been giving DS ibuprofen and steroid taper?! Yikes!

T.Anna

[Lisa3]

Thanks dcmom! Decided to do it on day 3.