I'm not sure that we are more "prone" to infections, although it may make sense that we are, but we can have more problems as a result of any infection we do get:

"An infection with an increase of body temperature of 1 to 2 degress Celsius can also create a pseudo-exacerbation. An infection might also have an impact on the immune system, therefore triggering a real relapse, especially if not treated in time. The most common type of infection in people affected by MS is probably bladder infection, but any kind of infection can cause problem (ear infection, cold, flu, skin infection, etc.)"

Page 4:
http://www.mswatch.ca/ContentRoot/Ed...ry/Relapse.pdf

Some studies that have been done on this subject:
http://www.mult-sclerosis.org/news/A...SRelapses.html


The med I was put on, first for 3 days, then for 5 more, is Nitrofurantoin:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nitrofurantoin

I used to be able to tell when I had a bladder infection, and the MS symptoms didn't come on until (if I left the infection too long, and) I was already in a full-blown attack.

Now I get the MS symptoms first, it seems, with no glaring sign of infection. I guess that's what I have to watch for . . . a change in MS symptoms.

I think I turned a corner in 2007, with that untreated tooth infection, and I don't know my body as well as I used to any more. I too am having difficulty knowing when I need to get checked out, but after this bladder experience, I think I learned some things.

Cherie