Can Steroids Increase My Risk Of Infections?

Here is my question:
Hello, I have had MS for 14 years and I am 43 now. I was diagnosed with RRMS and have been on Copaxone since 2000. My MRI scans have been stable. I have had a lot of problems stemming from bladder infections after the use of steroids. I had a really bad relapse after I took liquid steroids in January. I finally got rid of the infection in March and have recovered pretty well with the help of PT. My question is, I am having trouble with my body deciding if it wants to stand up or not. Sometimes yes and other times it is like something is pulling me back. I am in a manual wheelchair. I have had one since 7/2000. I urinate etc. on my own. I do almost everything but walk. Which leads me to another question. In July of 2000 I had a big infection not treated right away and that led to paralysis for 7 months. Would that cause a lesion in my spine to not let me walk for 14 years? Sorry for the long question(s).

Answer:
Steroids can certainly increase your risk of infections including urinary tract infections. More importantly, repeated and frequent infections are associated with more rapid worsening of MS, especially in more disabled patients such as yourself. I know you mention urinating on your own but it is highly likely that your bladder function is abnormal because of your MS. This will increase your risk of urinary tract infections even further. You need to be seen by a urologist specializing in patients with MS and spinal cord disease. An evaluation is likely to find ways to decrease your future risk of infections.

Good luck
-Rip Kinkel, MD