This Is MS Multiple Sclerosis Community: Knowledge & Support

[jennypenny]

I've had M.S for a little over 10years, for most of my relapses I have taken steroids. But refuse to do them anymore.
A few months ago I had a relapse. I woke up one day and my feet were numb, a few days the lower parts of my legs until it stopped at mid-chest. The numbness has gotten slightly better where it's not completely numb but it's not even close to where normal is.
How long do average relapses last, and when do you accept this symptom might be permanent?

[LR1234]

I got L'hermittes in a relapse (the one before the one I'm in now) and it took one year and a half for it to go. The lesion was in my spine so I thought the chance of it going was small but it did.

[Wonderfulworld]

I had mild aphasia and slurred speech for up to 2 years, now it is gone except when very tired.

On the other hand I was defined by my neurologist as being dyslexic on one occasion and that only lasted one week. It felt so strange.

Ooops I am forgetting my total ear deafness from MS - one ear is deaf, it has never come back and after 13 years I expect now it never will. But I haven't quite given up hope on it

Jenny hope the numbness abates for you soon.

[sou]

Relapses involving the spinal cord take a hell lot of time to be overcome. In the meantime, it could be helful if you started receiving physical therapy by somebody who know what they are doing so as not to forget how to use your feet/legs if you have any trouble with them.

[itaska21]

I have no spinal lesions, only brain. My understanding of a relapse isnt very clear, but I have cycling flare-ups that last anywher from a week to 6 weeks. Maybe some clarity would help here

[mrbarlow]

No one has ever actually explained the clinical definition of a relapse. Since I had optic neuritis I have had on off minor symptoms but don't view these as a relapse.

Can someone sum up the definition of relapse?

[jennypenny]

My last MRI was a year ago and showed no spinal lesions, but of course that doesn't mean they arent' there now. When I looked up the definition of a relapse it said it was when your symptoms get worse or new ones appear and it lasts more than a few days.
I agree about seeing a physical therapist that knows what the heck they are doing. I am currently doing the exercises they showed me after I had the ccsvi treatment. And I'm on the treadmill everyday as well, but i'm sure it's not enough and i have to step up my game.
I've also been to see my chiropractor in case i had a bit of a pinched nerve that was contributing to my numbness. Nothing though.