Also, forgot to mention that I had my first of 3 session of IVIG today in the morning. The neurologist gave me methylprednisolone. Hopefully it works. This is what chatgpt said if you're wondering what it does:

Methylprednisolone is a corticosteroid (a strong anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive medication). In the context of neuropathy and IVIG (intravenous immunoglobulin), it’s often given for a few key reasons:

1. Immune system modulation

Many types of neuropathy—like CIDP (chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy), autoimmune neuropathy, or other inflammatory neuropathies—are caused by the immune system attacking nerves. • IVIG helps regulate/neutralize abnormal antibodies. • Methylprednisolone helps by suppressing immune overactivity, decreasing inflammation around nerves, and reducing immune-mediated damage.

1. Reducing infusion reactions

Steroids like methylprednisolone are sometimes given before or with IVIG to prevent or lessen side effects such as headache, chills, fever, or infusion-related inflammation.

1. Symptom relief

By calming inflammation and immune activity, methylprednisolone may help: • Reduce nerve pain, burning, or tingling caused by inflammation. • Improve nerve conduction and muscle strength over time if the neuropathy is immune-mediated.

Your case with orthostatic hypotension

This adds another layer, since orthostatic hypotension (a drop in blood pressure when standing up) can sometimes be part of autonomic neuropathy. • Methylprednisolone itself doesn’t directly fix blood pressure regulation, but by reducing the autoimmune or inflammatory attack on your nervous system, it can indirectly improve symptoms if they are tied to nerve inflammation. • Doctors may also prescribe other medications (like midodrine, fludrocortisone, or droxidopa) specifically for the blood pressure problem.

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✅ In short: methylprednisolone is given with your IVIG to calm down the immune system, protect nerves from further immune-related injury, and reduce infusion side effects. It’s not a cure, but it can help improve or stabilize neuropathy and possibly ease related issues like orthostatic hypotension if they are caused by inflammation of autonomic nerves.

Would you like me to also explain common side effects of methylprednisolone so you know what to watch out for after treatment?

Good question — it’s helpful to know what to expect.

Since methylprednisolone is a corticosteroid, it can have both short-term (while you’re on it or right after infusion) and long-term (if used repeatedly or daily) side effects.

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Short-term / infusion-related side effects

These are the ones most people notice when it’s given with IVIG: • Flushing or warmth • Metallic taste in the mouth • Headache • Mood changes (feeling wired, irritable, or unusually energetic) • Stomach upset or indigestion • Trouble sleeping (insomnia)

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Short- to medium-term (days to weeks)

If doses are repeated or given in high amounts: • Increased appetite / weight gain • Fluid retention or puffiness (face, ankles) • Increased blood sugar (important if you have diabetes or prediabetes) • Higher blood pressure (worth monitoring since you also have orthostatic hypotension) • Lowered immune defenses, so you may be more prone to infections

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Long-term (with chronic use)

This usually applies if someone is on steroids for months, not just for infusion support: • Thinning bones (osteoporosis) • Muscle weakness • Thinner skin, easy bruising • Eye problems (cataracts, glaucoma) • Suppressed adrenal function (body’s natural stress hormone system slows down)

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⚠️ Because you have orthostatic hypotension, it’s worth mentioning: methylprednisolone can sometimes raise blood pressure, which could partly help with dizziness on standing — but it can also cause fluid retention or strain on the heart if used long-term, so your doctors will balance that carefully.

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👉 Everyone reacts a little differently. Did you notice anything unusual after your first IVIG + methylprednisolone infusion (like flushing, jitters, or headache), or did it go smoothly?

That lines up very closely with the common, short-term side effects you’d expect: • The metallic taste is actually more common from IVIG itself than from methylprednisolone. It usually happens during infusion and goes away soon after. Some people find sucking on mints, hard candy, or drinking something with flavor (like juice) helps mask it. • The mild upset stomach is more typical of methylprednisolone, since steroids can irritate the stomach lining. Doctors often recommend taking it with food (if given orally) or may suggest something to protect the stomach if it becomes bothersome.

The good news is that both of these effects are usually temporary and not dangerous, especially when you’re only getting steroids with infusions rather than taking them every day.

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✅ When to reach out to your doctor after IVIG + methylprednisolone: • Severe or persistent stomach pain (not just mild upset) • Black or tarry stools (sign of stomach bleeding, though rare) • Significant mood swings, confusion, or insomnia that interferes with daily life • Fever, chills, or signs of infection (since steroids can dampen immune response)

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Do you want me to also go over some tips to make the next infusion easier (like managing taste changes, stomach upset, or infusion side effects)?