This Is MS Multiple Sclerosis Knowledge & Support Community

Hey everyone,

I believe I'm a little bit confused on the definition of a relapse. I hear of people having the "buzzing", then I hear of folks having relapses. What exactly is the difference?

Here's my situation. Almost every morning, and many other times throughout the day, I'll get up, after sitting for a period of time, and take a step or two, then my left leg "gives out", not necessarily numb, but it loses its function. I have to quickly sit on the bed/couch/wherever and ride it out. This sensation only lasts for 2-3 minutes, then I'm good to go.

Is this considered the "buzzing", or are these examples of relapses? If this is just the buzzing, that what does a relapse generally consist of? (I know everyone's example might be different, just trying to get some ideas).

Are these signs/symptoms indicative of RRMS? I just fear in the back of my mind that I may have been misdiagnosed, and my have the progressive MS, since these occurrences are relatively frequent.

Thanks again for all help/info/advice/thoughts/support. I will be giving lots of these thank yous, because when questions arise, I'm gonna ask!! Consider yourselves warned!! Haha.

'Chele

hey che, doesn't sound like relapse to me. i think relapse has to be.. worse than that. it just sounds to me like one of the day to day things that are your particular burden. i have numb hands. sometimes they're worse, sometimes they're better. i know when i go swim laps they will be worse. i know i will have trouble walking for a few steps when i get out of the pool. it's just the way life is now, not a relapse. hope that helps!
JL

The "buzzing" people describe is a symptom of the MS, different from what you're describing. The best way to describe it, is that it feels like a cell phone set on pager mode. It doesn't really qualify as a relapse, except at its first onset. It's more of a lingering, annoying symptom.

This was one of my symptoms before diagnosis - after a hot shower, if I bent my head forward, I got the buzzing in my lower back - sort of a combination of Uhtoff's and L'hermittes. Sometimes I still get the buzzing if I get overheated or use my legs a lot, though it isn't as intense.

Jimmylegs and Patientx

Thank you so much for the responses. That's what me and my husband was thinking that it was just part of the MS but were have not been able to find anything to conclude that. I was hoping that it was not relapses , I was starting to get worried because I'm having that "buzzing" almost everyday( I thought to myself why am I having this many relapses) I think it will be alittle easier knowing that its normal now with all MS patients, is that correct?
I am home from work today because I had a long nite of not being able to sleep(me and my husband actually) We were up late researching and talking. Yesterday was a very emotional day for me, I just feel very overwhelmed. Between work, I also go to school online which is full time as well. I am trying to finish out everything from the accident I was in and then this was thrown in there which seems to consume me now. I am very fortunate to have my support system. I'm not quite sure what I would do without my husband, he is the best. My parents and my sister they are very supportive as well, sometimes I don't think they quite understand everything I have going on but I guess thats normal.

Thank you again for taking the time to help ease my wondering mind with your knowledge



Chele

I was dxd'd in late Nov 2009. Just started Copaxone 1 week now. First night violent vommitting- day 2,3,4, all ok and "do-able"- day 5 shivers and heaviness/weakness, Day 6 violent shivers/shakes, Fever and Paralysis from shoulders down. Resulted in Trip to ER with fever of 104.8. ER doc claims side effct of c-injections - Neuro says no- would happen every time I inject if it was a reaction. I'm so very scared and confused. want to stick with the Cop but givng it a few days on antibiotics before starting again. Anyone have any similar experience? Took a few days but am now able to stand and walk as awkwardly as I did... prior to at least... smiling. Thanks Deb

Hi Deb,

If all those things started once you started injecting, then I would feel strongly that they're related. Call Shared Solutions and see what the nurses there think. They're more familiar with the Copaxone side effects than your Neuro is.

I had some heart palpitations a few times after injecting but it was almost 8 hours later. I called SS and talked to a nurse there and she said that heart palpitations are a side effect of Copaxone however it's rare. She also said that most side effects will happen immediately or soon after injecting.

When are you having your issues? Soon after injecting or hours later? Do you inject in the morning? If so, you may want to consider injecting in the evening if you think some of the symptoms can be slept through. But after looking over your side effects again, doesn't look like you can snooze through those.

chele83 wrote: Are these signs/symptoms indicative of RRMS? I just fear in the back of my mind that I may have been misdiagnosed, and my have the progressive MS, since these occurrences are relatively frequent.

Chele,
I understand your confusion. I had the misconception that with RRMS, during the remission phase, I would feel normal.....definitely not so.
On the bright side, some of my goofy symptoms actually make me laugh. I had a tingly spot just below my lip that lasted a couple of weeks, it tickled, maybe this was "buzzing".
Kara

Kara,
Thank you for the reply, I think I am so confused at times because I was not sure what these symptoms were coming from. I was in an accident Feb 2009 and I really have not gotten much direction from my Dr except on the research they have Thank you again for the reply

Chele

Hello Chele,
I just went thru the worst 'relapse' of my nine plus yrs with MS...I almost always have a few 'buzzing' feelings throughout my body at various times, and my hands are slightly numb now for many years, cold feet at night too. But these are the 'little' things I live with (I think it was Jimmylegs mentioned stuff like that) but what I have just gone through is definitely a 'relapse' where one day while I was on my daily walk, I was barely able to hold myself upright, so sat down and thought, 'shit'--- I had a few signs that things seemed a little worse, but the symptoms of weak legs to the point of not being able to walk, came on really strong; and then I was sleeping 14 hrs plus a day, extreme fatigue, then slowly the right eye was sort of stuck because I started seeing double...there were other symptoms as well and I am describing all this, not to scare anyone, even though I was scared to death myself, but I got through it, and took an IV drip of cortisone, first drugs ever for me, to halt the 'attack'. It worked and now I am gaining my strength back an life feels like life again.
But you'll know if you are having a relapse. is what I think. It sounds like you are doing well and so don't let worry get in there, fear is our enemy.
Peace,
Zinamaria

Zinamaria,
Thank you so much for that response! I feel a lot more comfortable now hearing everyone's comments because I am so new to this and not quite sure what is what. The Dr said to watch out for relapses but we were not sure what counted as a relapse. I have not started any medicine yet however I believe I have chosen to go with Copaxone. Are you on a medicine?


Chele