Just a reminder, for when you suddenly have MINOR symptoms . . .
 

I have had burning feet and legs, extra fatigue, some weakness, numbness . . . nothing major, but I don't usually get "break-through" symptoms for no reason. For me it's either "all on", or nothing new . . .

I noticed I was getting up more to go to the bathroom during naps and at night. I had no burning or pain, just mostly frequency issues. That happens for me intermittently though, for no known reason.

I happen to have to take my daughter into the clinic this morning, so I figured I may-as-well get tested for a UTI. Sure enough, it was very obvious by the mini-test they do right there and then.

Which reminds me, wouldn't it be good to have one of those testers right at home? Do they sell them?

Anyway, I am always telling people "get checked for infections, if symptoms go on for longer then 24 - 48 hrs", but am so bad about doing this myself. What's with that?

DON'T IGNORE SYMPTOMS AS IT MAY LEAD TO A FULL BLOWN ATTACK.

Fortunately it didn't for me, and I am on the mend. :D

Cherie

The brand Azo sells some chemical strips that you use to check for UTI's....along with the ever helpful (and colorful) pyridium medications (basically, it's a pain reliever for bladder pain, and colorful because they turn your pee orange)

Next time I'm at WalGreens, I'm going to buy some of the chemical strips. Maybe I can at least have some fun next time I have a UTI by pretending that I can do chemistry.

Lady - Thanks for the reminder. :)

Quite right, Cherie, if we'd only listen to what we do/would tell others, we'd nip a lot of it in the bud.:o:rolleyes:

Glad you caught it and you're on the mends. :hug:

Glad you caught it in time and thanks for letting us know to monitor our own situations, however small they might seem at the moment. Hope you feel better soon.

Yep, I keep those AZO test strips on hand at home. I've had a few UTI'S before without the normal symptoms of burning or pain with urination because of having neurogenic bladder secondary to the MS ( I have urgency and frequency often, without having a UTI). Instead, I noticed an increase in MS symptoms, just as you described.

I'm glad you got it checked out. Feel better soon, Cherie.

Good point. Glad you had the sense to get it checked out. Most of the time those of us with neurogenic bladders wouldn't even know.

I ignored an ugly rash on my lower legs, a bout of influenza type symptoms and fatigue for about four months. My grandson, daughter and others around me seem to get strep infections and scarlet fever within a few days of visiting me.

Since I am spastic, fatigued, blotchy and bit^^y more than usual I think I will keep the appointment I have with my PCP in July and ask him to do a quick strep test. I will be seeing a dematologist at his suggestion in August. I have great pictures for him, the rash is starting to fade and I'll be darned if I am going to another specialist just to be told he can't dx it. I'm tired of being a mystery patient!

Why do we seem to minimize our symptoms? I think for me it's the limbo thing. Some answer is better than no answer.

Hope you made a clean recovery - no more fatigue etc.

Glad you got it checked out Cherie! :hug: I hope you'll be as good as new soon! And, thanks for the reminder!

I'm starting to learn that if my tooth hurts, and I get a new numb spot, or my vision gets fuzzy, that maybe I need to go see someone for some antibiotics. (my dentist doesnt give a strong enough dose tho. Last time, I had to go to my doctor because the lymph nodes in my neck started to swell up with the sore spot in my mouth)

cherie,

i'm very glad that you caught this early.
i think your quick action saved you a whole lot of trouble.

feel better.

symptoms
 

I faxed my neuro about a left handed burning sensation. Not remarkable, but most things happen on my right side. I got a call from her nurse stating I should have another Mri since it had been awhile.
This time I asked for a copy of the report and got a copy of the previous report. No big changes but one new lesion in the area that causes you to see flashing lights or spots in the visual field.
Can't say I've ever experienced that, but I didn't feel too bad knowing I only had one change since 2003.
That is a good thing......right?

Anyway, my advice is to learn your docs fax number and document your concerns and fax it to them. If its important, they will call you back with instructions to come in. That way you don't forget things that happen to you....and you feel like you are not bothering them with trivial stuff. I let them decide if its important and I feel I'm being proactive in my own healthcare. Don't ignore anything...write it down and fax it:winky:

Good advice! :D

Thanks Erin, I'll have to see if we have them in Canada too . . . I suppose we probably do.

Sounds like we've been ridin' in the same leaky boat, Desinie. :D I've had several UTI's before, but normally I'd get some pain/burning, significant hesitancy, frequency, incontinence, discoloration. I guess if I think about it, I did have a few indicators this time, but clearly none of them registered in my brain. :D It was the MS symptoms escalating over a week or more that triggered the brain into action.

Cindy, I should know better . . . but have always ignored my medical stuff as long as possible. It would probably pay to be more vocal about sudden changes, cause at least someone would kick my @$$ when I need it.

Good advice too, karilann. No news IS good news (re: your MRI). That is great stability after 5 yrs . . . whatever CRAB you are using seems to be doing what it should. :)

Cherie