Another relapse

[pushingForward]

Not sure where to post this exactly, but since it is my first post here, I figured introductions is as good a place as any.

I am a male, 39 year old - diagnosed about 8 years ago. I have been on Avonex consistently since diagnosis. My main symptoms have been numbness in hands (persistent, since 10 years ago), bladder issues (seems like forever), optic neuritis (came and went about 5 years ago) and fatigue (starting around 1 year ago). I was running about 10 miles a week until the fatigue started and can not really run at all anymore .

I have been reading posts on this site for years (and getting some great info BTW), and about a month ago switched to a paleo diet (other than an occasional gluten-free beer ). During a trip to Arizona last weekend, I started feeling severe numbness in both of my feet and slight tingling all the way up the back of my legs. I am able to walk, but cant really feel my feet, other than the icy-hot sensation. So I called my Neuro and he wants me to come in tomorrow. I am pretty sure he is going to recommend Solumedrol - the usual course, IV then oral to ween off. I have done this twice in the past - once when optic neuritis hit and once when fatigue started. I am wondering what others do when a relapse hits - do you go on steroids, wait it out, or what else?

BTW, I really like my Neuro and generally take his advice. He is actively involved in the MS community and does a pretty good job of keeping up on new treatments. He is, of course, more in favor of drug therapy rather than natural.

Thanks for any comments you have, this board is great and I appreciate everyone's openness and honesty!

[lyndacarol]

Welcome to ThisIsMS, pushingForward.

I used Avonex for about 7 years (Betaseron for 3 years before that; Copaxone after Avonex), but saw no benefit with any of the DMD's. I discontinued all MS medications since I believe that researchers must know the CAUSE of MS before they can develop an effective treatment.

Since I believe that excess insulin is involved in MS symptoms, I try to avoid anything that will raise the blood sugar (glucose) level because the insulin level will rise in response to the blood sugar. Glucocorticosteroids (Solu-Medrol is one; prednisone is another) raise the glucose level so I avoid them also. I did use them long ago in the past with no benefit. Long-term or high-dose use of steroids is known to have a connection with developing diabetes – you and your doctor might want to keep an eye out for this.

As a reader of posts on this site for many years, you must know that I encourage everyone to ask his physician (GPs rather than neuros may be more receptive to this request) for a "fasting blood insulin test – NOT to be confused with a glucose test. The optimal insulin test results are 3 UU/ML or lower.

All the best to you.

[pushingForward]

Thanks for the response lynda. I have seen your suggestions in the past and I am seriously thinking it is time for me to test my insulin levels as well as food allergies.