[Erin524]

I've been having a bad month with walking.

Started out just feeling a bit weaker. Then about a week and a half ago, I had a weird virus of some sort, where I had a fever for about three days. Highest the fever got was about 103F on one of the days.

Now I'm having more problems walking. I HAVE to use a rollator walker to get around, and I can hardly get around. My neuro is out of the office (as it seems like he usually is whenever I have a problem). I went to my regular doctor yesterday, and he prescribed some physical therapy, but other than that didnt seem all that concerned. He didnt really watch me walk much tho. (used a cane to get into his office, and kind of wall walked thru the place)

I think my walking is worse today than it was yesterday. Should I be panicking yet? Every time I feel like panicking about a symptom, I end up with someone telling me it's not a big deal. I think walking is kind of a big deal, and if I'm nearly falling down half the time, that might be a problem.

Is now an appropriate time to start panicking?

[Jules A]

OMG yes it is a big deal however, the thing about panicking is that it really isn't going to help, will only serve to make you more anxious and possibly cloud your good thinking.

So while you totally deserve to panic I'd try to hold off if you can.

[Erin524]

should I at least be concerned and calling my neuro's office, even tho he's not there? (there's other neuros in the office)

[tkrik]

Being able to walk is kind of a big deal. Falling is a really big deal as you could potential hurt yourself.

Since it is Friday, I would call the neuro's office and at least let them know what has been going on. You may just be experiencing a pseudoexacerbation as you just had a virus. However, it is always best to get it checked out or, at least, find out what you are to do should things get worse over the weekend.

Good luck, Erin. I hope you feel better soon. Let us know how you are feeling.

[Erin524]

I just called them.

Not feeling all that great today. I'm soooooo tired! I keep falling asleep whenever I sit down.

[Judy2]

Hi Erin..........So sorry you're having a troubling time. Seems to be the nature of this beast. You possibly could be having more symptoms since running the temperature and being sick. Your body is telling you it needs more rest, so take advantage of those naps. Hopefully you'll feel better soon, and yes, I think it was a good idea to call the neuro just to check in.

Take care and we'll pray this will soon pass.

[SallyC]

Hey Erin, so sorry for your trouble walking and your
overall weakness. I hope, as others have mentioned,
that it's just a temporary setback, due to that nasty
virus and fever you had.

Feel better and stronger soon.

[Erin524]

just talked to one of my regular neuro's partners. This was the same guy I saw two days ago for an exam for getting disability, so he's actually seen me.

He told me that the fatigue and feeling really tired isnt MS. (really?) and that the weakness isnt MS either. (REALLY?)

I told him I saw my regular doctor yesterday and all he did was Rx some physical therapy, which starts monday. I just feel weaker and weaker every day.

So, I kind of feel that this guy was decidedly unhelpful.

Weakness and fatigue arent MS? I saw the diplomas on this guy's wall. He's actually been to medical school, but I just feel like no one takes me that seriously about this. Well, my regular doctor took me seriously yesterday, and gave me the PT, but I'm just a little frustrated that I'm so tired and feel so weak and kind of sick...and am getting told by the neuro's partner that it's not MS causing it. (his report back to the disability office after I saw him the other day had better get me disability this time around)

[tkrik]

That's so funny! Well, not really but fatigue is one of the number one reasons MS patients stop working. What was this guy thinking? Oh wait, may be he wasn't.

Anyhow, should you have any trouble or continue to get worse over the weekend, I would to the ER. They may be able to help you more than the neuro did.

In the meantime, get plenty of fluids (juices, teas, and water) as this will help flush your system of the virus. Rest when you feel you need to rest. And take care of yourself by trying your best to relax.

Hang in there, Erin!

[Erin524]

That virus has been over for over a week. All it did was give me a slight stomachache that wasnt very bad. I still ate and was hungry and never got violently ill over it. The worst part of it was a fever that went up to about 103F and that lasted about two or three days. (it ranged from 101F up to about 103.7F)

Then it went away.

The whole time I had that fever, I could feel all the weird little symptoms that I've had for the past 6 months flaring up. It was a couple of days after that fever that my walking just went out the window. I've nearly fallen a couple of times. When I stand up, I have to wait till all my muscles are ready to start moving, otherwise my body says "we're going to make you fall down if you move too soon".

I dont know if I'm going to have the energy to do the PT on monday. All day today, as I've been sitting at my computer, trying to stay awake. I just keep falling asleep. Reminds me of watching my grandmother fall asleep in mid-sentence while talking to her when she was 91yrs old.