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Old 02-27-2008, 11:13 AM
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lady_express_44 lady_express_44 is offline
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lady_express_44's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Vancouver, Canada
Posts: 3,300
15 yr Member
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Quote:
Originally Posted by molpep View Post
I have been having numbness come onto my legs when I have been trying to walk since i finished on the IV steroids, and last night my left arm went numb which was followed by my trunk going numb today. It usually settles down after a couple of hours though. Just makes it hard to get fit and healthy. If they could give me something to manage that i would be grateful!

The disease modifying drugs we use are not intended to manage ongoing symptoms, and often make us feel worse initially (until our bodies adjust). The idea though, is that they may help to manage the disease process by hopefully reducing the number of relapses (attacks) we have . . . which in turn could ultimately result in a reduction of symptoms from attacks.

Each of the options we have MAY work for one person and not at all for another; it's trial and error to hopefully find the right one that works for YOUR body.

Are they not giving you symptom management drugs right now though, i.e. for pain, tingling, etc.? I don't happen to take any of these drugs, just because I am too sensitive to medications, but normally they will offer relief with or without a confirmed dx.

BTW, an attack is defined as "new symptoms . . . or worsening of old symptoms . . . lasting longer then 24 hrs". There must be 30 days between accelerated symptoms before it would be counted as a second attack (. . . those aren't the exact words, but the easiest way that I can personally explain it).

For as long as it takes to get in to see the specialists, it is probably a good idea to research your drug options to determine the best potential fit for you. The NMSS has some good information in this regard:

http://www.nationalmssociety.org/sit...ures_comparing

I found the following website helpful also, for another perspective:

http://www.themcfox.com/multiple-sclerosis/ms-drugs/

Cherie
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