Severe Back Pain?? Heat Sensitivity?? - Multiple Sclerosis Message Board

happy513 · 06-04-2009, 08:52 AM

Hello everyone. I was wondering if anyone suffers from sever back pain. When my husband initially went to the hospital the end of February - he went because of numb left side of face and numb left palm. However, after he left the hospital he suffered severe back pain. At 1st we thought it was because of the LP. But, 3 months later his back is still hurting. Is it possible that he is still aching because of the LP? Or was it not done accuratley? Or a lesion on his back? He does not see his Neuro again until August. But he did tell him about a couple months ago - the Neuro said it is nothing to worry about. However, it is so painful for him. I wonder if he should get an MRI on his back?

Also, he is experiencing heat sensitivity. He works in a warehouse without AC or any air circulation. He gets very fatigued after a couple hours and sick to his stomach, headaches. Could this be due to his MS? I have read that people due experience heat sensitivity with MS. I have also read that it could be fatal. His Neuro said it is not fatal.

He also, got a new exacerbation - now his right hand finger tips are numb. Does that mean the Copaxone is not working? A new symptom after 3 months?

This disease is very confusing. And only 3 months in to this - it is still very new to us. I greatly appreciate the help you all have been over the past 3 months. Thanks and God Bless.

MSJayhawk · 06-04-2009, 10:58 AM

Your husband need to absolutely avoid the heat. He might look into a cooling vest.

When I have an active lesion on my spine, I have severe back pain which radiates down to my left thigh. Last summer it lasted 6 months and my left leg has been dragging since. I used a heating pad to kill the pain. I placed the pad in the area which seemed to be the most painful. As the area heated up, the pain was "zapped". I used the heating pad for 6 months.

MSNik · 06-05-2009, 06:39 AM

The heat issue will make his life miserable. We have several male members who have had to change jobs or make accomodations in order to stay employed, due to working in warehouses.....a cooling vest will signficantly help. And, no one needs to know why he is using it...also, they make bandanas, which he can tie around his neck, and tuck into a tshirt- which also get soaked in ice water, thus cooling the body down. They work. I use them all the time...

The copaxone- thats another story. It will take a minimum of 6 months for the drug to build up in his blood stream....therefore, if he gets another symtom now, it doesnt mean that it isnt working. I had one of the biggest relapses of my life when I started Rebif. I was sure they were going to take me off of it at my 6 month MRI check....however, they didnt, and Im glad they didnt. I havent had a single relapse or symtom since 6 months into my drug...but in the beginning, your husband is likely to have more then one issue before things start to even off..

The back issue, I think I also experienced. I had what felt like a knot in one area of my shoulder blade, which was screaming, burning intense pain. IT started a few months after my dx. I cried, had people rub it- begged my husband to pound on it- the pain was pretty severe. I wound up having a shot of cortisone into the area, which signficantly reduced the pain and lasted about a year....its been almost another year since it wore off, but the pain isnt so bad that I choose to do it again, even though my Neuro has asked me if I want it done....Im not sure that it was a lesion causing it, but it was definately around the time of my MS dx...maybe anxiety and stress, the way I was holding my body? I have no idea...now, its a dull thudding pain and not every minute of the day. The heat might be causing it to feel worse then it is...cooling vests, definately something to look into.

I hope he feels better soon. This doesnt have to be life changing for you guys- simple life modifying, ok?? Your wonderful for being so involved. Hes lucky to have you.
Nikki

happy513 · 06-06-2009, 12:24 PM

Thanks for the reply. I have gotten him the cooling vest through MSAA's Cooling Program and he rotates the ice packs in the freezer so he always has a batch ready. They have helped him out alot. I have thought about what you said about changing jobs, etc. that if it gets too bad he might have to talk with his boss about it. Ecspecially come July and August in Florida HOT. Thanks for the info on the Copaxone, I guess it is just a waiting game. TICK TOCK TICK TOCK. and MSJayhawk I will try the heating pads for his back and see if that helps him out any. Again, thanks so much. This website is such a blessing. God Bless!