[Chazen18]

So, starting back in September I believe it was, I went into my 2nd ever flare... before Xmas I was put on IVSM and needless to say... 3 days after they were done I felt like my old self again! One whole month I got feeling normal.. no numb legs, no dizziness, no vertigo, I was able to walk more than 15 feet without painful leg cramps, etc. Now... as of about 4 weeks ago, all those symptoms are back... is it possible that the steroids masked my symptoms for awhile? Or do you think I am going into yet another freakin flare? I go to the neuro tomorrow.. and for once am anxious to get there cuz this is getting old... Any suggestions or stories would be appreciated. Thanks to all in advance!!!

[Snoopy]

You could very well be in another flare.

*Sigh* Steroids can be a temporary solution to a long term problem.

Talk to your neuro about symptom management meds and Physical Therapy. If your on a DMD discuss with your doctor if it's time to try a different one.

Your doctor might offer you steroids again and the choice will be yours to make. Some people (me) can go into remission without steroids but that's not the case for everyone.

I used oral prednisone for my first 2 exacerbations and the last 4 I waited out.

I hope your feeling better soon

[lady_express_44]

If there are "new, or worsening of existing symptoms, lasting more then 24 hrs" AND 30 days between those symptoms, it's a new attack.

http://www.nationalmssociety.org/sit...k_exacerbation

Cherie

[Chazen18]

and thank you too lady express! I did not know the 30 days between symptoms thing... so I guess I might as well buckle my seatbelt and hold on tight and ride this lovely flare out ... yeehaw...

[Chazen18]

Thank you very much snoopy. That was good info. Also, for anyone... does anyone know why fatigue is so bad with these things and also any tips for exercising with this MS? I tried walking... I get vertigo and my legs disappear... I tried tae-bo and that was even worse...

[Snoopy]

Not everyone with MS can exercise the same way. It will depend on you abilities and limitations. A physical therapist (PT) can help you find what is best for you.

Have you tried swimming, some have a lot of luck in a pool.

http://www.nationalmssociety.org/sit..._sourcebook_pt

[Chazen18]

I hope it warms up down here a little more.. I have thought about the swimming thing and even tho I am in Florida, it is still too chilly to swim. My aunt has a pool and right now I do not have the funds to go get a membership to the YMCA or anything like that.

[lady_express_44]

Oops, it looks like that direct link doesn't work any more . . . but it did a few weeks ago when I posted it on another forum.

I can't find the detailed description at the NMSS right now, but this link does indicate the 30 days criteria as well:

http://www.nationalmssociety.org/doc...x_tipsheet.pdf

Hope it's an easy relapse.

Cherie

Edited to include: Found the other link . . .

http://www.nationalmssociety.org/sit...k_exacerbation

[CayoKay]

Originally Posted by Chazen18

Also, for anyone... does anyone know why fatigue is so bad with these things and also any tips for exercising with this MS?

I second the recommendation for swimming.

and not frantic fast stuff, either,

just nice slow lazy laps, in the coolest pool you can find.

also, gentle stretches underwater, while holding onto the sides of the pool.

that's proved very helpful for me.

I tried Qigong, but I was unable to do the exercises due to balance problems... but that may work for you.

[Catch]

Nothing I can say about the flare, except I'm sorry. What a frigging drag.

As for excercise, both Yoga and Tai Chi have been recommended to me. I do both and you can easily pick and choose which exercises to do depending on balance issues, etc. I got a great free yoga/tai chi CD through Shared Solutions, which is affiliated with Copaxone. But I've also purchased some beginner CDs on my own.