Thanks Sally! if I go to the er, will they perform any tests or just do steroids? I want what happens to me documented.. This last flare in dec, when my eyes were completely jacked, they did nothin but hook me up to steroids. Social security has a hard time believing im in such crap shape cuz no tests are ever performed. These episodes are scary and happen so many times a day. The speech, ive noticed I have to pause per syllabal. I just noticed I cant continuously clap without pausing. Its like im forcing the engine to go with no oil.

I was laughing in my sleep 3 nights ago, then 2 nights ago had 8 of those terrifying episodes in my sleep that ive talked to you guys about. Now that im recalling all of this, im realizing im having some serious neurological dysfunction.
Here we go again, damn ms robbing me of my youth *shaking fist in air*

Im trying to be in chill mode so I dont feed the monster, and am trying not to talk as much as possible..

As for steroids.. They usually work... But notice theyre not as effective each time.. Have had 2 or 3 (3) day drips and have had 3 (5) day drips. I dont like them and am afraid of using em all up.. Im 25 and my ms is already aggressive so id hate to use thdm all up now. But I fear these things happening to me are not ok.

I'm with Sally. Don't wait too long. Call the neuro and see what he has to say. Getting the steroids shortly after the symptoms start is key. If you wait too long they won't be as effective.

If you go to the ER, they may do an MRI to make sure that it is MS that is causing this and not something else such as a stroke. They will also do a neuro exam on you, or at least they should, and that will be documented in your medical record. Get copies of your medical record as that will help you with your SSDI case. The last time I went to the ER for a flare, they did an MRI as well as a neuro exam, which I didn't do well on, and I had a "nice" 3 day hospital stay.

I hope you start feeling better soon. Please let us know how you are doing.

Yes, Ayna, call the neuro and get in ASAP. Something serious is going on. Nip it in the bud.

Best to you,
ANN

Thanks for all the advice!

I am going to call 'catch' monday (its a special program thatt covers doctors and costs for people without insurance and do not qualify for medicaid) and see if she can contact the neuro to get me in asap, if not, she will prolly tell me to go to er. I am not looking forward to a hosp stay, but if we can figure some stuff out with tests, id be up for it. I went to a few garage sales with my gma today and had one of the episodes while walking up someones driveway. Stopped, waited it out for a few seconds, started and got the hard lean. Luckily I was close to the lady's house and grabbed on to her siding to balanve myself out (thank god I didnt rip that panel off). Grrr, its embarrassing. Pretty sure I look like a staggerinng drunk most of the time. At least I still throw that smile my on my face

Thanks again all!

i agree with the others about seeing a dr asap.
you also want the dr to be able to document the worst of your sx's (symptoms).

could you see your pcp? sometimes it's easier to get in to them.
and, they might be able to get you into the specialist faster if they make a phone call.

do you have an opthamologist? they could look at your eyes and document any problems. they can also refer.

What happened, Ayna?

I hope you are some better.
ANN

I never was able to get in early for the neuro..

Found out that I am his 1st MS patient and he's starting the MS clinic the day of my appt so that's the quickest I could b taken.


I was going to go to my PCP but he and his nurse don't like me since I've gotten them in trouble for talking about me in front of patients.

So I talked to the lady that schedules my neuro appt and she said if I think I am bad enough to go to ER.

I chose not to. My appt is finally on Tuesday

However, I have DEFINITELY been progressing since I wrote this post.


My walk is much worse. Speech still gets really messed up. I am now clenching my left hand and arm when these episodes happen (when first dx in '09 it was my right arm/hand that I would clench). My friend pointed out last night, when I am having one of these episodes my left eye gets really droopy and its like the left side of my face clenches up.


I've noticed when these episodes happen and I am walking, my legs start locking up, I've got the drunk lean going on, and for some reason I laugh when it's happening EVERYTIME.

It's far from funny and is quite embarrassing so I am assuming that's PBA?


On top of all that yuck, the spasticity in my back is out of control and nonstop (which is usually a big indicator for me of relapsing) and I could sleep for 3 days straight.

I've been keeping up on me vitamins tho


I'm afraid the new neuro is going to make me do a DMD.. I can see I am progressing, I am not okay with it, but I am also not okay with poisoning my body.

I don't wanna take that road again.

poopy, poopy ms.