Bad Flare - need your suggestions
 

Hi there. I am having the worst flare I have ever had. It started before we went on vacation, so dr gave me oral script for pred. to take while we were gone. It did make me feel better for awhile, but 3 days before coming home I started to crash. My legs will just not work, dizzy, blurred eye and absolutely no energy whatsoever. Legs gave out so bad in hotel room (i had my cane even) I hit the dresser, ate the carpet and cut my face up pretty good. DH called dr and got us in Monday. This is where I am confused on. I truly trust my dr. She stated it was up to me whether if I wanted the IV steriod 3 day. She said since I had been on the oral =2 presecriptions while on vacation (we were gone 18 days) she was not sure how much the IV would help. She also stated that she felt I had pretty much dug myself in a hole and need just time to come out- so put me on bed rest for 4-6 weeks. Has anyone been put on bed rest for this amount of time? Also, today is Thursday and my eyesight is definately getting worse - 1 eye is just totally blurred and other eye is starting to get blurry I think. I have also noticed that the last two days I cant talk right. I go to say something and cannot get the words out or if I do - its totally not what I wanted to say or I stammer. I've never had this happen either. Is this part of a flare? I am still falling when I do get up, the 1 cane is not working. Our house is not really big enough to use walker everywhere. I have seen the canes where they attach to your arm - sort of a brace. My hands shake so bad with the cane this in my thinking might work. Sorry this is so long - just scared and not sure what is going on or what I should do. My husband thinks I should call her back and request the IV - he stated he felt it couldn't hurt at this point. He's just worried that I am left alone during day and will get hurt worse I guess. Anyway - your insight and suggestions are most welcome

I agree with your husband - get the IV. My neuro feels that the IV is more effective than oral, so maybe it would be enough to really help you get through this. I also don't know what dosage of the oral you were on and whether it was enough. I think that vision and mobility problems are definite reasons to bring out the big IV guns, though.

I also agree with your husband. And bed rest is not a bad thing considering your balance issues. There are a lot of walkers out there, you may want to talk to an occupational therapist.

I am so so sorry you are going through this. (((hugs))). I also agree with DH. Since this is an especially big one, I would try the IV steroids, to stop this thing in it's tracks.:mad:

I wish the best for you and please, Let us know how it goes.:hug:

I agree with the others. Try the IV steroids. Is the doctor you referring to a neuro?

ditto,

i agree too. seems to me you need some meds to break up the flare.
are you sure you couldn't use a walker? some of them aren't too much bigger than your body.

wear a cell phone on your person. that way if you need help you can reach for your phone.

are you on and disease modifying meds for MS?
please keep in touch with us. we want to know how you are.

i'm sorry you're going thru this. and, i also agree with the IV because your vision is being affected. you might need to see your opthamologist to document this episode.

I would try the IV steroids for 5 days. It's not going to hurt and may help. :hug::hug:

Go for the IVSM, maybe a home infusion nurse so you don't have to go out. When the oral doesn't help and you worsen, that means the relapse has gone acute. You need a heavy dose to get you back to your baseline.

I do 5 days 1000 mgs no taper. Or 1- 750- then 3 days 1000 mg and another 750 as the taper. It gets me walking again when I can't. I have even had 10 days of IVSM, when the relapse goes from bad to worse. JMO

Good luck and feel better.:hug:

So sorry you're having a rough time right now. I agree with all the others in thinking a BIG shot of IVSM would be a good thing. Also, the bed rest might not be a bad thing either. Years before I was diagnosed with MS, I had optic neuritis (probably the beginning of my MS) my eye doctor put me on pred. and confined me to bed. Couldn't do stairs, cook, or anything except go to the bathroom. Besides the vision problem, the balance was affected too, like you. Much safer to rest until things improve.

All the best and let us know how you are!:)

My MS clinic says that you have 10 days to start IV steroids. once that 10 day window is past, the rate of recovery from a non steroid course is the same as a steroid course, and it isnt worth the risk to your bones...rest and recovery issues other than steroids are employed then. yes I have been put on bed rest, but only a week. it wasnt strict rest, i had potty benefits.

I am sorry you are going through this. :hug: