another exacerbation question (sorry) - Multiple Sclerosis Message Board

oceangirl19 · 08-28-2007, 05:54 AM

Throughout an exacerbation do all the symtoms/problems stay the same or can they spread/change?

Sorry for the many questions, I am having an extremely difficult time dealing with my problems...ugh...(in fact in the process of making a psych appt)
After my 5 days of steroids I am feeling so much better - that was two weeks ago. I thought I was well on my way, except for some residual issues that come and go....However, this entire time I've had blurry vision, even during the steroid thing and now I have developed ON in my right eye (which I've never had before). I'm scared that means it's going to get worse again, or maybe it's been developing the whole time (since my vision has been crappy for awhile)....ugh...I dunno....

Any words of wisdom? I need some right now...
Thanks for listening!
Rachel

tuckersmom · 08-28-2007, 06:15 AM

Rachel... don't apologize for asking questions... that is one of the reasons for this board. I can say during the relapses I have had, the issues did change. I knew when it was coming by the escalation in the tingling and then the spasticity would get worse, then better then new things, then gone. The relapses were very different from each other. I have not had significant vision problems. Maybe others can speak to that.

Keep asking questions Rachel. Respectfully demand answers. Keep asking drs. until you get answers.

Good luck and don't hesitate to talk to all of us and ask as many questions as you need.

Lisa

moore170 · 08-28-2007, 11:54 AM

Don't ever worry about asking a question. I have learned so much by others questions or felt relieved that I am not the only one having the problem. Symptoms can worsen or change during an exacerbation.
Candy

MSNik · 08-28-2007, 01:36 PM

I agree Rachel, first ask away, that IS why we are here..and second, I agree with the resonses you have gotten. Symtoms can change completely, or get worse with excaberations. Theres two things I want to ask you- one, have you seen an opthamologist to verify that you are experincing ON? ITs not always vision changes with ON, but it can be quite painful...if you havent verified thats what it is, go see an opthamologist immediately...and two, is it possible that you are having steroid withdraw? If you dont know what that is, its a very real issue of coming off the steroids, and it usually takes from 3 day to 2 weeks to start happening. You just start feeling better from the drugs, when your body comes off them and has withdraw from them. You really do go downhill again. It takes about a week afterwards for your body to start adjusting to the withdraw and start feeling better again. there is hope!
I hope you DO start to feel better soon. Keep us posted.
Nikki

oceangirl19 · 08-28-2007, 03:24 PM

Thanks for all the responses!!!!
Yes, pain ugh in the eye it sucks. The only reason I think it's ON is because
I have had it twice in my left eye and it felt the same way. (Started with a headache and blurry vision, then became painful with movement and less blurry.)

The steroid withdraw is quite a possibility, interesting - people (meaning docs) should warn you about these things. I had 5 days of ending on the 17th and felt great last week. However this week is another story - not that things are going completely bad, I just don't feel as good (eye pain and throat issues). And of course, my anxiety over all of this is TOTALLY NOT helping...

This week I just feel really fatigued and have all the symptoms back, just not as strong....withdrawl....interesting...

Thanks for all the help!
Rachel