Need Advice - how to deal with exacebration - Multiple Sclerosis Message Board

Thes · 03-03-2008, 12:09 PM

I have been diagnosed with MS since August '06. I had symptoms like double vision, pain and numbness in legs and arms. I lasted 3-4 months. In summer '07 I had a another relapse and my legs felt the cold as hot. I did not go to my neuro. In december I had another minor relapse my finger tips were num. Then I had an MRI and 3 new lesions appeared. Now it's been almost 2 months since I started Rebif 22 and I think I have another relapse, because in some parts of my body (legs, arms, back) I feel cold patches. My question is: my relapses are not that serious should I visit my neuro and have an MRI every time I have relapse, or be patient and it will go away in a couple of weeks. To be honest there is not much the neuro can't do, can he? After all I am on medication.
What do you in similar cases?

MSNik · 03-03-2008, 12:40 PM

Hi THes. my first 5 months on Rebif, I had three excaberations. I was SURE it wasnt working for me, but at the six month mark- I had an MRI which showed NO NEW LESIONS. 18 months later- still no new ones! IT takes a good 6 months for Rebif to build up in your blood stream and make you feel better, so be patient- it will help you. As long as you are tolerating it, and not having any blood work problems, stay on it.

To answer your question, your right, there isnt much they can do. If the relapse is serious enough, they can put you on steroids, IV..but if you dont want to go that route- and you dont, unless it is really serious, then you are gong to have to just wait it out. You can call your Neuro, but im pretty sure he will tell you the same thing...theres not alot we can do when this hits...but if you are in really bad pain- or it gets worse, make the call. better safe then sorry.
Good luck.
Nikki

TXChica70 · 03-03-2008, 02:36 PM

I just had my official 2nd attack - actually, I'm still experiencing the flare up. My neuro did not mention having a MRI. MRI's are expensive and won't do anything to help you with your current symptoms. About all the doc can do is prescribe steroids. I would at least call though so he can make a note in your file that you're having another attack and what specifically they symptoms are this time.

Without keeping an accurate record of symptoms and when and if they go away, the neuro won't be able to tell is you're still RRMS or if the disease has progressed.