[SallyC]

I know that a lot of you are probably having Flares, this time of year, change of weather and all.

I am SPMS and on LDN, so I haven't had a bad flare in a long time, with the exception of Heat Flares. When I rest and cool down, the sx cool down too.

So tell us, if you are having a flare and what you are doing to "cool" your's down. Or, if you just want to rant about it or ask for help from some of us MS oldies (not in age but in yrs with MS ), Please do.

Healing Hugs,

[ewizabeth]

Hi Sally,

Don't know if it's a flare or not, I suppose it could be. I'm having severe spasticity and pain which has been building up gradually for several months. I started taking Baclofen for the first time a few weeks ago, and it takes the edge off of the pain.

I don't do well on steroids, or else I would consider them. I see the MS neuro later this month, and maybe he'll have suggestions. Maybe I should go off the Copaxone and try something else. I have been through the interferons, and they give me depression and anxiety that is difficult to control.

I don't know that I am brave enough to try Tysabri, but I plan on discussing that with the doctor, and other new treatments.

Thanks for the invitation to gripe.

[lady_express_44]

I too am on LDN, but I find when the weather changes to cold at night, my spasticity acts up again. It's not a flare or attack, just an annoying and sometimes painful symptom.

I have to get back into my exercise routine now that I'm home from vacation, cause that really seems to help. Sure is hard to do that, when I've taken a break though!

Cherie

[Lynn]

Being in Australia, I am finding the reverse situation true. We are coming into the hot weather - already in the 30s - 85+deg F. And I know it will only get MUCH hotter as summer progresses.

I am already finding the heat affecting me - and it sucks big time. Just having a whinge here. I understand that there is not much I can do other than try to keep cool. I am just dreading it soooo much.

[SallyC]

Yipes, so sorry Lyn. We're just getting rid of the summer heat and you're just going into it.

Stay in the AC as much as possible, and if you're out, wear a cool vest or something, so you don't keel over.

Be careful..Down Under.

Hugs,

[SallyC]

So sorry, Ewizabeth. Spasticity is not fun. I have bouts of it, but for the mostpart, spasticy is not a big problem. Have you given LDN a try? I know you can take it with Copaxone and some Neuros say it's OK to take with Tysabri.

I hope you find some relief soon. Let us know what your Doc advises about Tysabri.

Healing Hugs,

[SallyC]

Ah Yes, Cherie, Exercise....What's that? I get enough exercise just getting myself through the day, with my mini chores.

Stretching, now that's important for alliviating spasticity. You can do stretching while laying, sitting, standing. If I sit in one spot too long, it takes me awhile before I can get my sea legs, so if I'm sitting at my PC, I stretch my legs and arms/hands as often as I can.

Good luck with your exercise, Cherie.

[NeuroNixed Craig]

Hi Sally,

What a great and caring thread to start. It really shows your caring for others who read these post and you do not hesitate to reach out to them.

Thanks for the thread and your post.

[karilann]

Glad it is the concensus that its the weather making me ache.
Spacitity is a real issue for me. Here in Michigan, the nights are cooling drastically and winter is not long away!

I have begun to notice nights of waking up with leg and foot cramps. Neck aches even while lying in bed on my pillow. Elbows - hips- thumb joint aches and I know its due to spacitity around the joints. AHHHHHHHH.

I have baclofen and have been told I can take it 3 times a day. I just hate to start taking it like that because it says you need to stop taking it slowly. Oh Oh...another one of those drugs. But I know one thing....if my ankles and calves keep going into spasms at night....I will start taking the drugs....that feeling is awful!

I don't know about anyone else, but when I try to stretch these muscles out, they will retaliate by going into a spasm. Its almost like they are screaming at me to leave them alone

Anyone else have this stretching issue?

[SallyC]

Originally Posted by karilann

I don't know about anyone else, but when I try to stretch these muscles out, they will retaliate by going into a spasm. Its almost like they are screaming at me to leave them alone

Anyone else have this stretching issue?

OMG, yes, at first, but if you hang in there and go with it, the spasm relaxes....at least for me it does. And then go on with your stretches. It really does feel better.

After you do your stretches, then shake your arms, legs or whatever, like you would if you were shaking out a cramp. That helps to keep your muscles relaxed....sort of.

This probably won't work for all, but I hope you find that it works for you.

Hugs,