There seems to always be confusion about this. An exacerbation (flare-up, attack, relapse) all mean the same thing...there is no difference, just different words.
http://www.nationalmssociety.org/abo...ons/index.aspx

That is why I phrased it as MY ms center uses that criteria.

((((Aynadee))))

When my MS started getting to the point of no full remissions, I figured I had slipped into SPMS.

If your symptoms are new, intense and last, then you are having an attack/flare/exacerbation. If your symptoms are not new or intense and they don't last, then you are probably have a pseudo flare, brought on by the weather, added stress, a flu bug...etc.

Thank you for all your responses!

I would have to say I am in another flare then. I have my old symptoms present, but this new symptom started about 3 weeks ago and has not went away, it's rather annoying as well.

I just don't understand what I am doing wrong.
I try my hardest not to over-do it.
I try to stay on top of my shots.
I changed my job as a server because I knew that was breaking me down.
I just don't get it...

I have been diagnosed since 2-8-09. Since then I have had probably 10 flares. That's why I say I don't want to call my neuro and have him put me on the roids. I feel like I have taken faaar too many steroids in the last 2 years...

Has anyone else experienced alot of flares in the beginning of their diagnosis?

It scares me because I know that this disease is only going to get harder to deal with as I age, and what worries me is that it seems I keep progressing at a relatively fast rate...

POOP ON MS!!!!!

INDEED!!!

Hello AynaDee,

Unfortunately, we are not in control, this disease is. You can do everything your doctor tells you, eat healthy, exercise and still have relapses...this disease sucks.

If, in fact, you are having actual relapses (10) and if you are on Rebif (?) then you might discuss with your neuro about a different DMD. It is possible Rebif is not working for you or possibly making you worse (?).

The disease modifying drugs are to hopefully decrease the amount of relapses, 10 relapses in almost 2 years sounds like an awful lot for being on Rebif.

I have given up trying to understand this aspect of MS.

I have learned never to call the neuro...I don't get any reaction other than, "You must have a UTI, or an infection."

So why bother calling? I just put up with whatever comes my way.

Thanks everyone! You all rock my socks off!

Ms sucks a big one, but at least I have you all to turn to for advice!

I think whenever I can get coverage im going to talk to my neuro about switching my DMD.. until then, I must be patient.. =)