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Hi currently in a Flare

Posted: Mon Nov 21, 2011 7:43 pm
by Catrinky
Hi my name is Catherine, I was diagnosised in 1989 with R/R. It happened as I was driving down the highway in the passing lane. The entire left side of my head went numb. Drove myself to the local hospital after a bunch of neuro exams and(new to the market)an MRI, I was dx'd with MS. MS didn't fit into my schedule, being a working mother of 3. The numbness subsided after several months, but I still have tingling. Fatigue proved to be my biggest problem. I'll jump right through the years to now, I experienced several flare ups some big some small they include, bladder self-cathing, numbness,
double vision, depression and now imblance, all reminding me MS couldn't be ignored.
I have been on several MS drugs, Avonex, Copaxone and Zenapax, I experienced problems with all of them. Last week a had a nap, when I woke up I couldn't stand up. My legs were strong but I was falling back and side to side. I had not been sick, all I could think is that I ws having a Flare, off to the Emergency Room. Needless to say the drs and nurses were puzzled. They did an MRI and found a new 7mm lesion left side of brain in the Corona Radiatia, I thought for sure this was the problem, but a "Resident Neuro" told me 'No that lesion is not in your stem or cellebrium, it is in the Sensory part of the brain and it is new since June, but don't worry about it. You know you have several lesions, almost too many to count". Needless to say I didn't let her off with that answer, I said I am concerned with a new lesion anyplace in my brain. I have had many many MRI's and Dr appts. the last several years I have not been told I had a new lesion. I am finally on IV Steriods after 7 days, my own dr. is going over the MRI. I am on a walker, so frustrated with the medical profession right now. The internet is providing me with more info than the drs., I read you can have imbalance from a lesion in the corona radiata of the brain, because many signals travel through this area and your "sense" of balance can be off if the 8th cranial nerve has a lesion.
Ok sorry for going on, if anyone has any in put I woud greatly appreciate it.
Gentle HUGS! Cat

Re: Hi currently in a Flare

Posted: Mon Nov 21, 2011 8:21 pm
by lyndacarol
Welcome to ThisIsMS, Cat. You have found a group of new friends who understand your situation. We invite your comments and questions; we encourage you to read the MOUNTAIN of information here at this website. Use the "search" feature to find a specific topic such as "steroids" or "Solu-Medrol" (which I suspect is the IV form you were prescribed).

By the way, do not fret over the number of lesions you may have; there is no correlation between the number of lesions and symptoms. In fact, I had symptoms for several years before my fourth MRI showed any lesions.

Re: Hi currently in a Flare

Posted: Mon Nov 21, 2011 8:35 pm
by Catrinky
Thank you for your response! I will read up and continue to learn about this unpredictable disease! ((hugs)))

Re: Hi currently in a Flare

Posted: Tue Nov 22, 2011 5:57 am
by mrbarlow
Catrinky wrote:Thank you for your response! I will read up and continue to learn about this unpredictable disease! ((hugs)))
Welcome and sorry to hear your latest news. Your post is both informative and frightening for a relative newbie to MS like me (1 year mark)

Out of interest whats your nutrition like and do you take supplements? Personally I found taking large quantities of Omega 3 oils have helped a lot. I take 3-4 grams a day as part of food or a supplement.

Re: Hi currently in a Flare

Posted: Tue Nov 22, 2011 1:06 pm
by Catrinky
I was on a gluten sugar wheat free diet for three years didn't change anything. I saw a naturalpath nuitritionist. I took several supplements thru the day until I started vonitting them. I want to hit a happy medium. Currently I take Vit d and cook what I think are nutritional meals fresh veggies and meats. I think you suggestion of adding omega 3 is a good one. I'll have to research to see what is a healthy dose. Thank you! I'm at the MS CENTER getting my 2nd infusion of solumedral. I didn't mean to frighten you. I am sorry if I did.

Re: Hi currently in a Flare

Posted: Wed Nov 23, 2011 10:06 am
by want2bike
You might want to check out Dr. Swanks web site. Dr. Swank treated MS for over 50 years and showed good results. Haven't seen any studies showing that drugs work. Many have gotten sicker when they take the drugs.




Re: Hi currently in a Flare

Posted: Wed Nov 23, 2011 1:13 pm
by jimmylegs
hey there catrinky, when you were seeing the naturopath nutritionist did they send you for any bloodwork? do you still have to deal with fatigue?

Re: Hi currently in a Flare

Posted: Fri Nov 25, 2011 4:05 pm
by Catrinky
Hi
He didn't send me for blood work. I do have fatigue in spite of being on Provigil and Concerta, but I am in a flare up just finished three days of IV Steriods.
I am low on Vit D my neuro is increasing this vit.
Thank you