[Friend2U]

For that last several weeks, or months, when I get up to walk I have had my muscles from the waist down do this little ripple thing before I can get started. It is gradually getting worse. This week it is moving to my upper body as well. Today especially It is even rippling through my arms and they do uncontrollable movement until I can get started, then settle down once I'm moving.

I don't know what this means. Other than just another thing that keeps getting worse instead of better. I haven't had a 'bad' relapse for over a year. But symptoms seem to be steadily and gradually get worse. I'm afraid of moving into spms. I'm not trying to be paranoid, just a little concerned. There is always that fear of the unknown I guess.

Thanks for listening!

[Kitty]

I think I know what you're talking about. Whenever I get up...whether it's from sleeping or just from sitting in a chair....I have to stand there for a minute and sort of readjust my legs before I can start moving. It feels sort of like I need to stretch them before walking. That's about the only way I can describe it. I'm sure it comes from spasticity......it's especially bad after I've slept for a while. If I do attempt to walk to quickly without stretching out I look like I'm doing the zombie walk!

[NurseNancy]

i think you should let your dr know.
true, it's not a flare, but new or worsening sx's may warrant a check up.

please keep us updated.

you don't have to just suffer. please call for help.

[Friend2U]

Are steroids the only option for sx treatment? I've had steroids once. I'm afraid of having to use them too much. My body is just buzzing all over. Also balance is really off.
Thank you.

[Kitty]

I would venture to guess that your Neuro might suggest steroids. I'm not sure what else would help. I'd at least give him a call and let him update your records with this new sx. I hope you feel better soon.

[Friend2U]

Originally Posted by Kitty

I would venture to guess that your Neuro might suggest steroids. I'm not sure what else would help. I'd at least give him a call and let him update your records with this new sx. I hope you feel better soon.

Thank you for your responses. Last time I was at the neuro, some of this same stuff was going on. The only option he gave me was steroids. But he doesn't want to use them unless necessary. He left it up to me. It's just continued to get steadily worse. But I guess I'll hang in there for a little while.

I 'wish' we could just all have a break in this stuff every once in a while. It's like I hate to complain, so I don't to my family. Because I know how much worse it can be. But it does get discouraging to know that 'getting better' is not an option. And probably having a little break isn't an option either.

Do you like my new "Hang in there! Kitty"??? Sometimes I hate that saying... and sometimes I need it!

[jackD]

I think what is going on is the INVOLUNTARY nervous system is showing it is messed-up.

I believe that the odd way our nervous system works normally is that when we are sitting down that a signal is send repeatedly to tell the muscles to "NOT CONTRACT".

In MS that signal gets "lost" so the muscles quietly, slowly contract.

When we try to get up it is impossible or very difficult because the legs are in this contracted state.

If one gets fully upright and takes a few small steps (very slowly of course) the VOLUNTARY nervous system "takes over" and after the third of fourth step we are able to walk much much better. It fact at this time a cane is not a necessity but it does help a lot in getting up and taking those first steps.

jackD

[Friend2U]

Yes, it does get easier to walk after the first few steps. Then it's just some balance problems. It does seem to be involuntary things going on with my muscles. thank you for your input.

Another thing is that I had some vertabraes fused the end of March. And the neuro said it could possibly be partially leftover effects from that. But he said usually by now all of that would be over. So I'll give it a little more time.

But I'm having numbness move up from my feet to above my knees. and now my hands are becoming numb and moving up toward my elbows. It' not that I cant feel anything and I feel cold and hot correctly. It's just that feeling that when pin sticks me it just doesn't hurt and though I can feel, I just can barely feel.

I go back for my second followup with my back neuro surgeon and will talk with him about these sx and see what he says and then go from there.

Thank you again for you imput.