Looking for a cause - Multiple Sclerosis Message Board

jlenzmeier · 04-18-2008, 12:14 PM

My sister has had MS for about 4 years. She currently takes a half dose of Rebif. She was taking Celexa as well but stopped taking it about 2 months ago. So far the MS has only given her bouts of Optic Neuritis but for about a month and a half she has had numbness on one whole side of her body and now in the past week she has been off balance as well. Our mom passed away almost 8 months ago. My sister is starting IV steroids today to hopefully nip this in the bud before it gets worse. I am wondering if this new developement could be a delayed response to our mom's passing. I also thought that it could be related to her going off the Celexa. Seems like her symptoms starting to come on after she went off the medication. Perhaps it was helping her deal with the stress more than she thought. She is also planning a wedding and just got a new job. Obviously there is a lot going on here. I also realize this could just be a random episode in a very complex disease. Has anyone else had a delayed response like this after a life changing event?

MSJayhawk · 04-18-2008, 12:27 PM

Death, divorce, and any life altering events can overcome a person's emotional threshold. The meds your sister takes are not cures and exceptional stress can bring flare-ups. Your sister should make sure that her doctor is aprised of her stress levels and the changes she has been enduring.

Emotional support can really help her get through much of this pain she is going through. My prayers will include both of you for your loss and suffering.

jlenzmeier · 04-21-2008, 10:33 AM

Here is something interesting. My sister's dog was just diagnosed with Lymes Disease. I told her to ask her doctor about being tested. She rides horse and is outside a lot.

Bearygood · 04-21-2008, 10:55 AM

jlenzmeier, good idea. I'd suggest a visit to the Lyme board here to ask about adequate testing. Problem with Lyme is that there are many false negatives AND false positives. It's good that you suggested this to her. Lyme can absolutely mimic MS, down to the lesions and also ON!

Filipinone · 04-21-2008, 01:39 PM

jlenzmeier,

How is your sister taking a half dose of Rebif. Is that doctor prescribed. Curious because I was diagnosed with benign MS which translates to infancy MS.

Lisa

dx 6/04
Avonex