How do you know if you are having a relapse/escaserbation???

How do you know? Do you need an MRI to prove it? I totally feel like something is not right but I don't know if it is a relapse or just a bad few days. I am having a lot of pain, issues with walking, more migraines than usual, I've thrown up 2 times today. I just don't feel normal. My doc says that you are having and excaserbation if you have a "new" symptom, like your right arm goes numb and you have never felt that b4. So what does it mean when all of your old symptoms start feeling worse? I don't want to get another MRI and I feel like an idiot going to the doc for every ache and pain. What do you all think? How do you tell you are having a relapse?

tkelly3287 said...
How do you know? Do you need an MRI to prove it? I totally feel like something is not right but I don't know if it is a relapse or just a bad few days. I am having a lot of pain, issues with walking, more migraines than usual, I've thrown up 2 times today. I just don't feel normal. My doc says that you are having and excaserbation if you have a "new" symptom, like your right arm goes numb and you have never felt that b4. So what does it mean when all of your old symptoms start feeling worse? I don't want to get another MRI and I feel like an idiot going to the doc for every ache and pain. What do you all think? How do you tell you are having a relapse?

Well, you don't need a new MRI to prove that you're having a relapse, or flare.  You know because old symptoms worsen significantly, and/or a new symptom occurs, and lasts for at least 24 hours.

But with the migraines and throwing up -- there are a lot of viruses "going around" right now. It's quite possible you have some virus causing your symptoms.  Do you have a fever? Often a fever will make MS symptoms worsen until you get the fever under control. And of course migraines can cause you to throw up, too.

You don't necessarily need to GO to the doctor, but it's always a good idea to call and at least report anything new, so that it gets noted in your chart.  Sometimes it really just is a matter of a few bad days, and if you take it easy you'll feel OK.

I hope you feel better soon.

Hi Tkelly,

 

      Flares don't necessarily have to be new symptoms they can just be worsening of old ones.  And sometimes, new symptoms don't have to be totally new.  Numbness for example might move to some place you never had it before.  Don't worry about calling too much, you pay them to take care of you after all Hope you feel better soon.

 

 

Kimber

Hey Tkelly,

I, like you never get sick. That is weird huh?  I am getting another MRI.  The doc is concerned about progression and the copaxone not working.  The MRI is not for the flare.  The flare hit hard and fast and there was no need to think twice.  I had real obvious symtpoms that progressed noticably in hours and lasted for 4 days. Finally feeling some relief and hope.  Hang in there, Tkelly.  I am right there with you.

Fight!!!!!!!!!!!!

tkelly3287 said...
I wonder why we don't get colds....it must be the immune system thing... I think this is definitely a flare. I'm just not as mobile as I was. I try to exercise everyday and I have not in 2 days and that is not like me. I'm having balance issues as well..... I left a message with the doc so we'll see! Just gotta keep fighting!

Some of us DO get colds or other viruses.  I probably get at least one cold a year; sometimes bronchitus; I've had whooping cough in the past; the flu (even though I get a flu shot, it doesn't always protect me from EVERY flu that's out there!). 

If you're on one of the drugs for MS -- they modify the immune system, neither suppressing it nor making it overactive...so there's no real scientific evidence to support a theory that because you have MS you're somehow immune from other colds and such.  Maybe it's a matter of now that you have MS you're not out and about in large crowds as much, where you're apt to pick up various illnesses.  Or maybe more careful to wash your hands thoroughly -- the main "carrier" of disease are our hands.

Hello , this is very interesting , I thought It was just me. Everyone in my family will get a cold and be sick in bed, but when its my turn I just get a little case of the sniffles. Yes, over- active immune system I guess.
I'm new here, I was diagnosed 14 years ago . very happy to have have found this message board.

Lisa