Okay, do new MS symptoms only pop up during "flares?" I am getting new symptoms almost constantly. There's no 24 hour long flare up at least 30 days apart thing that Dr. Google says is an actual flare. In the past 9 months, there's been a pretty steady decline in my body. Maybe it's not MS, then? If it's constant symptom change?

For instance, last Christmas it started with sleep paralysis and "sciatica." And then four months later it was Sciatica+ right Arm nerve pain. Then it was both arms, and both hands. Then it was motor issues. I trip a lot and cant get my leg to respond sometimes. Now it's jaw and face issues and pretty steady headaches. And waking up with numb arms and legs. And hypersensitive skin. I hate my favorite blanket because it feels like sandpaper on my skin. Ugh, someone please find me some relief. I have three babies to enjoy.

There are two factors at work with MS. One causing Flares and the other causing other, more permanent damage. I have not had a flare in three years, but in that time my symptoms have gotten worse. My pains have increased both in level and in frequency. I even retired last year due to fatigue and cognitive issues.

What I mean is these other things you are experiencing may very well be the other half of ms hitting you. You may have to learn to live with some of them. However, since it seems your symptoms have gotten so severe, I would suggest you see your neuro for a check up. It could be some of your symptoms can be alleviated with steroid treatment, even if they are not typical flares. My flares were not typical at all, but my neuro decided to try steriods and they worked.

Best of luck, I hope you find relief soon, and can enjoy your little ones.

There are two things MS does. 1) it causes flares, 2) causes other symptoms not necessarily alleviated.

You already understand flares; so it seems to me that you are experiencing some of the other more delightful of MS's treats. I have not had a flare in three years, yet my disease keeps progressing, causing me issues in my legs, hands, feet. This then, is the more permanent stuff. I've had head pains for 20 years. I now take lyrica to keep the pain at bay. I also have pain in my hands that has steadily worsened, and is not alleviated by lyrica.

Since you are having so many severe sx, though I would encourage you to see your neuro. Steroids may very well help some of your symptoms. My flares were highly atypical, in that I would just have a hundred symptoms, but didn't seem to actually qualify for the term "flare", but she gave me steroids and it worked.

I hope you find relief soon. In the mean time, do everything you can to enjoy your little ones. Don't let MS steal that from you.

My flares were never typical and obvious. I would just have all these symptoms pile on. Taken individually, not a big deal, but added together, was a very big deal. My neuro decided to try steroids and they worked. I have not had a flare now in three years.

And I assume you already know that the weather can wreak havoc on your body. My son also has MS and every time the humidity gets high, he starts feeling badly. If it has been especially hot or stormy, it could account for some of your sx.

The other part of MS is the more permanent symptoms. I have pain and strength issues in my hands that is not getting any better. I've also had head, face and jaw pain for more than 20 years that just continues to get worse.

I would still encourage you to see your neuro about your symptoms. My flares were atypical, and yours could be too. Steroids may help alleviate at least some of your sx.

I also take lyrica, and so far it helps with most of my pain, and zanflex for spasms.

I hope you find some relief.