What is a relapse?

[Jaded]

Hi Folks

Long time.......

I'd like to say I haven't been here because I've been well.....but sadly I can't.

The trigeminal neuralgia is back and the docs want to kill the nerve with radio frequency - frightening.

I am also having some problems with my toe which has fluid on the joint. I had a steroid injection last week but it is hurting again and my foot is feeling numb. This happened before and I ignored it - it went away. It's not numb all the time but I wonder if this is a relapse?

It's been over 10 years since my last which was quite significant - this feels like a fleeting thing. So I am not sure.

If anyone has any advice I'd be very grateful.

Thanks

J.

[ElliotB]

There is no way to know for sure if all or some of the symptoms you are currently experiencing are part of a relapse. As per Web MD, "A true relapse lasts more than 24 hours and happens at least 30 days after any previous relapses. Relapses vary in length, severity, and symptoms."

10 Years since your last relapse... I would say you are doing well! My last relapse started in my upper shoulder and felt like muscle pain and remained that way for almost two months. But in time, the pain location changed and I realized it was a relapse. I don't have a lot of experience with relapses fortunately but I am aware that some will be easy to determine and others will not. And I am also aware that not every ache and pain will necessarily be a direct result of MS.

Hope you are felling better soon!

[Snoopy]

An exacerbation (relapse, attack, flare up) is an increase of old symptoms and/or new symptoms lasting more than 24 hours ---continuously. Exacerbations can be mild or severe and lasts anywhere from several days to weeks. Recovery can take longer.

I am also having some problems with my toe which has fluid on the joint. I had a steroid injection last week

I would suggest you see the Dr. who did the steroid injection and seek a cause for why there is fluid on the toe joint. MS doesn't cause fluid on joints but other conditions can. Not everything we experience is MS related.

[Jaded]

Thanks Elliot - well I am deteriorating. My last relapse was on my right foot and now the whole leg feels hollow. I can't control it as the proprioception is now reduced.

Thanks Snoopy - the toe inflammation is because I can't control my right leg well so when I walk i tend to slap it down. So it is caused my MS indirectly,

I was just worried about the foot feeling numb. But that doesn't last 24 hours. So thanks guys.

Sometimes you feel you are winning - and others not so much!

J.