Hi there. I am having the worst flare I have ever had. It started before we went on vacation, so dr gave me oral script for pred. to take while we were gone. It did make me feel better for awhile, but 3 days before coming home I started to crash. My legs will just not work, dizzy, blurred eye and absolutely no energy whatsoever. Legs gave out so bad in hotel room (i had my cane even) I hit the dresser, ate the carpet and cut my face up pretty good. DH called dr and got us in Monday. This is where I am confused on. I truly trust my dr. She stated it was up to me whether if I wanted the IV steriod 3 day. She said since I had been on the oral =2 presecriptions while on vacation (we were gone 18 days) she was not sure how much the IV would help. She also stated that she felt I had pretty much dug myself in a hole and need just time to come out- so put me on bed rest for 4-6 weeks. Has anyone been put on bed rest for this amount of time? Also, today is Thursday and my eyesight is definately getting worse - 1 eye is just totally blurred and other eye is starting to get blurry I think. I have also noticed that the last two days I cant talk right. I go to say something and cannot get the words out or if I do - its totally not what I wanted to say or I stammer. I've never had this happen either. Is this part of a flare? I am still falling when I do get up, the 1 cane is not working. Our house is not really big enough to use walker everywhere. I have seen the canes where they attach to your arm - sort of a brace. My hands shake so bad with the cane this in my thinking might work. Sorry this is so long - just scared and not sure what is going on or what I should do. My husband thinks I should call her back and request the IV - he stated he felt it couldn't hurt at this point. He's just worried that I am left alone during day and will get hurt worse I guess. Anyway - your insight and suggestions are most welcome

I agree with your husband - get the IV. My neuro feels that the IV is more effective than oral, so maybe it would be enough to really help you get through this. I also don't know what dosage of the oral you were on and whether it was enough. I think that vision and mobility problems are definite reasons to bring out the big IV guns, though.

I also agree with your husband. And bed rest is not a bad thing considering your balance issues. There are a lot of walkers out there, you may want to talk to an occupational therapist.

I am so so sorry you are going through this. (((hugs))). I also agree with DH. Since this is an especially big one, I would try the IV steroids, to stop this thing in it's tracks.

I wish the best for you and please, Let us know how it goes.

I agree with the others. Try the IV steroids. Is the doctor you referring to a neuro?

ditto,

i agree too. seems to me you need some meds to break up the flare.
are you sure you couldn't use a walker? some of them aren't too much bigger than your body.

wear a cell phone on your person. that way if you need help you can reach for your phone.

are you on and disease modifying meds for MS?
please keep in touch with us. we want to know how you are.

i'm sorry you're going thru this. and, i also agree with the IV because your vision is being affected. you might need to see your opthamologist to document this episode.

As of this am - I am still waiting for the nurse to get back to me regarding the IV steriods. I just think I should go ahead since the issues that are getting worse have been just the last few days. I am just concerned and confused that I have been having the leg issues and such and just now the past few days the eye is getting worse and my speech and word thought is getting all screwed up. Is the speech and thought train (sorry -cant get the ol brain to work right this am) a flare symptom? This is so scary for me - my kids are looking at me when I talk like I have been drinking or something. I didn't know that you could get an in-home nurse apply the IV - not sure how you get this..? We have to drive about 40 miles each way to the hospital to get the outpatient IV so this would really help - esppecially since I only have a ride on Fri-Sun from my husband since he does not work those days. Again - thank you for all your input - it helps to know others are out there that know what I am going thru and I am not crazy.., well , somewhat - hehe. You have to laugh I guess at some point or you go crazy I guess. PS - please excuse if this doesnt read quite right - I just can't get my words out the way I want. thanks.

Your neuro's nurse should be able to arrange for home infusion. I only ever had one infusion done outpatient at the hospital. All the rest were at home with a visiting nurse.

I also want to relay my own personal experience with IVSM. They didn't give it to me right away when the sx first began. The sx just kept getting worse and worse (over the course of a couple of months) to the point where I could hardly walk with a cane. At that point, I finally got steroids.

I had some pretty dramatic improvement within a week or so after the IVSM. The first thing I noticed was that I could very suddenly think again. It was amazing. Then, other things started improving. They ordered PT along with the IVSM and that seemed to really make a difference. In fact, my PT said that he likes to work with MS patients in a flare while they are doing the IVSM or shortly after for the most benefit.

Finally got thru to the nurse and explained in detail how the flare was getting worse with my eye and talking/thought process - besides the really jello like legs. So they were able to find room for me to come in for the infusion - 3 day 1000 mg today. Set up for another on Sat and Sun Mornings also and then go on a 14 day taper down prenisone. I am really hoping for some relief. Nurse stated alot of people will notice improvement on their eyes and thought process after just the first infusion. I realize it won't be a snap of the fingers to get back to beginning point as my nueor dr stated she wanted me on bed rest 4-6 weeks to help reset my body since I was in such a "hole" to dig out of.
Do you know if you have to have drs prescription to get the arm brace type of cane? This is my husbands greatest concern is to have me here alone and fall - which I've done. I am just not stable enough anymore with just the cane and our house is not large enough hall size and such for a walker. Thanks again for all your thoughts and help in getting thru this one.
lindkaye

Well, I'm still somewhat hanging in there. I finished the 3 day IV infusuin yesterday - with starting the 14 day taper today. While in hospital yesterday, I mentioned I had been feeling like I was coming down with a UTI, so off to the lab for that and waiting to see it that could be part of the problem also. Last time I had the IV, I bounced back and felt great afterwards. This time, I am having such headaches, upset stomach, and very depressed. . I just slept all day today, guess this one might take longer to get over. Has anyone had a flare take longer to bounce back from even after IV? My husband came home today and thought I should be so much better today but I just cant get feeling better yet. I know the neuro said it might take 4-6 weeks bedrest, but guess I just didn't believe her. Has a flare taken long to get over even with IV steriods, or could I just be a slacker so to speak? I just want to feel normal and not sick and tonite all I can do is get emotional, with no chocolate in the house, go figure! Thanks again for your support.