This Is MS Multiple Sclerosis Knowledge & Support Community

Hi,i just joined this site, I was diagnosed with probable MS in 1997, at 17. I have led a pretty normal life up to a few + years ago.I am now having the worst flare up I've ever had since the diagnosis.My left leg and groin is tight,achy and numb for the last month or so. Its terrifying and during a very stressful time in my life and I don't see it getting easier in the near future.I took a 7 day oral steroid treatment, didn't work so well, so i went to the hospital and got a 3 day IV treatment. This hasn't worked as well I had hoped yet.My leg is still numb etc, it actually seemed to get worse and spread. I just want it to end and go back to normal so I can go back to having a somewhat normal life. I'm currently on copaxone 3x weekly and i start pt and accupunture soon. Also the Wahls and McDougall's diets were recommended. This has thrown me into a even deeper depression. I'm not sure what to do at this point. I know it could be worse but I just really wanted others opinions and experiences with this sort if flareup.Oh and to tell me its going to go back to normal:)

Bclee12 wrote:Hi,i just joined this site, I was diagnosed with probable MS in 1997, at 17. I have led a pretty normal life up to a few + years ago.I am now having the worst flare up I've ever had since the diagnosis.My left leg and groin is tight,achy and numb for the last month or so. Its terrifying and during a very stressful time in my life and I don't see it getting easier in the near future.I took a 7 day oral steroid treatment, didn't work so well, so i went to the hospital and got a 3 day IV treatment. This hasn't worked as well I had hoped yet.My leg is still numb etc, it actually seemed to get worse and spread. I just want it to end and go back to normal so I can go back to having a somewhat normal life. I'm currently on copaxone 3x weekly and i start pt and accupunture soon. Also the Wahls and McDougall's diets were recommended. This has thrown me into a even deeper depression. I'm not sure what to do at this point. I know it could be worse but I just really wanted others opinions and experiences with this sort if flareup.Oh and to tell me its going to go back to normal

Welcome to ThisIsMS, Bclee12.

Unfortunately, no one can tell you if "it's going to go back to normal"– but it is possible.

In my opinion (I have no medical background), doctors should order a vitamin D blood test (the "25-hydroxy D") for people who present with unexplained neurological symptoms. If this has not been done in your case, I suggest you call your GP and request one. Also, request your own copy of the test results so that you have the actual numbers.

MS patients are frequently low or even deficient in vitamin D. I was tested in January; my result (24 ng/mL) was low, frankly deficient. It would be a good idea to test and to know your Vit D status.

I usually get my D levels every three months and I am on 5000 roughly. Maybe i should take a little more?

Hi,

It's hard to work out whats going on from that description. It reminds me of how I started with a big attack but the IV treatment can take a while to show a benefit.

The leg issues don't always just relate to the leg. The reason you can lift your leg is because a big muscle in your torso called the psoas contracts and helps pull the leg up. When it seizes up you feel stiff and numb. If it is really tight your lower torso will feel like big wooden balls are rolling against each other.

If it is tight you will feel it around the groin. Go to a physio and ask them to do a Thomas stretch. ( ). If you are really tight they can push their thumb into the trigger points on the groin to release the leg. Sometimes it drops dramatically but they have to know what they're doing.
Once it is released you need to stretch the psoas which hard to do. Pilates instructors are the best at this. You will need to stretch it a lot. Try small classes, group mat classes won't help you. You need to be watched.

If you try them do a lot of leg work on the reformer as well as your gait will be affected by the issue you currently have. Until they are comfortable the problem is sorted don't do any abduction work or you might end up with bursitis in the opposite hip as it is being overworked.

Regards,

Bclee12 wrote:I usually get my D levels every three months and I am on 5000 roughly. Maybe i should take a little more?

Do you have the actual result numbers from your latest vitamin D test (the "25-hydroxy")?

If 5000 IU of vitamin D daily has not raised your level to at least 40-60 ng/mL, you may well need to "take a little more." (Some neurologists recommend a level between 80-100 ng/mL for patients who have neurological symptoms.)

It is not the dosage that you take that matters, it is the level of vitamin D in the blood that matters. There is wide variability in how people respond to the same dosage. In some people, a daily dose of 5000 IU will raise the blood level quite a lot; in other people, a daily dose of 5000 IU will not budge the blood level.