Handling minor relapses

[Punchy]

When you have a relapse, do you always go see the doc? Or do you just wait it out?
What makes you decide to go in, when you do?

I'm having one today, my lower torso and pelvis has gone numb. I had this about 7 years ago, so it isn't new, but there were no residual symptoms in the seven years since it disappeared.

I am not in pain, my mobility and eyesight are fine and I can work, so is there any reason to go other than recording the incident? I don't like to take steroids unless necessary, but what if the damage becomes permanent?

I'm in Canada, with free health care, but I often wonder about those of you who have to pay for each and every visit.

[Froggie]

Hi Punchy-

Not to be evasive, but I think it depends on the symptoms. I have some symptoms such as spasticity in my right foot, slurring of speech and brain fog that get much worse when my body gets overheated. When it's hot outside, they come back with a vengeance! Thankfully, once I cool down the symptoms go away. In cases like that, I don't bother with medical intervention. If you have said symptoms frequently enough, you might need to change your meds if you are taking any. While on Copaxone, I was having relapses every two-three months or so. I even went to the hospital at one point because I was having difficulty breathing. Found out from a specialist that I was a non-optimal responder and changed meds. If I develop any new symptoms, I would at least call my doc to see if I need to come in. Thankfully, that hasn't been an issue lately.

I hope this was some help!

[Kronk]

I don't like to take steroids unless necessary, but what if the damage becomes permanent?

My Neuro said a steroid does nothing to prevent damage it just speeds up your healing if any was to be had. He said there have been 100's of studies and none show any better results with steroids vs. nothing. He said if my life is impacted by a relapse, eyesight, walking, etc. get the steroids otherwise wait it out.

Luckily its been about 18months since i have had a bad relapse. I have had a couple very minor ones that i just waited out. My eyesight seems to be getting worse, acuity is fine but bright lights have a long "burn in" and fast movement seems to be a bit blurred. I can't pinpoint a relapse for the eyesight... just seems to be off.

[Punchy]

Thanks so much for your responses.

It's the potential progression to permanent damage that was worrying me. That's good to know.

I am very lucky, 6 years since my last relapse. And all I have is a numb bum, which is more an annoyance than anything.

Kronk, I hope things begin to improve for your eyesight, and Froggie I'm sorry to hear your troubles with copaxone. My last relapse was on Rebif, after which I stopped medication (to get pregnant) and never went back. This is definitely a relapse though, not a flare. I also experience crazy things in the heat!

[ElliotB]

I have decided to see my doctors less at this point since the they really can't help.

"It's the potential progression to permanent damage that was worrying me"

While there is always this potential, the doctors really can't help you with this. You need to help yourself in order to insure that this event does not occur or is at least kept to a minimum.