I wish I knew. My first exacerbation was when both my legs went numb. I could still walk and drive - just had the pins and needles sensation and it lasted about 2 months. At the time I didn't know I had MS. Thought it was a pinched nerve.

Second exacerbation was about 2 years later when I had double vision. It totally took me out of commission and it lasted about three months. This episode got me to the doctor and I got the dx of MS.

I've had a couple of episodes since then - one visual and the one I'm in now with my right side. I was numb on all my right side (with the exception of my head) and now it's just my right hand and arm. It's been about 5 months since it started but it's slowly getting better. I believe that my right hand is probably as good as it's going to get - it's still numb but I've regained most of the function (writing and some dexterity).

It seems like my flare ups always begin in October/November, too. It's a strange disease. I start to get anxious when Fall begins now.

My Neuro says I'm still RRMS.....I have no idea how they determine which stage you are. If I went to my Neuro with every ache and different symptom I have I'd be there every week!! I tend to wait and watch - and try not to get to freaked out over any one thing. It is what it is and I'm not going to do IV steroids anymore - I'll just wait it out if it's a true exacerbation.

Your dx is still fairly new - I know when I was first dx I micromanaged my MS to the point of distraction. I didn't want it to consume every minute of my life so I just decided that, although I do take a DMD, I was not going to let it rule every moment of my life. If something really strange happens then yes, I call the doctor. Otherwise - I try to work my way around it - ignore it but still stay aware of changes. Just my way of staying sane!

Good luck to you! I'm glad you found this board - it's got a waelth of information and caring people.