Frequent Cold's

[zoefromsussex]

Hi all, just a quick question! I have read that colds are less frequent in those of us with MS but I'm still getting at least 1 or 2 a month, some mild and some heavy (like this weekend) Doesn't seem to cause any mini-flares or anything so I'm just curious whether it's normal to get colds/general feeling of being unwell?

[zoefromsussex]

I don't seem to catch any of the bug's/viral things which are usually par for the course as a mum of two but I do get the frequent feeling of being unwell which usually resolves itself within hours. This time I genuinely do just have a standard cold and it's definitely made certain things resurface (buzzing ear & numbness/tingling) but nothing major. I've only noticed the frequent unwell feeling since the MS reared it's head but who know's if it's coincidence...

[opie74]

I am sick too!  I tend to catch everything going around some years, and others, i tend to avoid it all.  I think that once the immune system gets down from fighting something, the dmd's probably don't let it build back up enough before teh next round of junk comes along.

[SarahL2491]

thanks guys, I have written my neuro, since he's 465 miles away, and advised him of my visit to urgent care and asking him what he wants me to do next.

will keep all posted!

[Valkyrie568]

I, too, hope you feel better soon!

[Valkyrie568]

I wondered if it was because an immune system that wasn't completely dormant at the initial stage of a cold would be able to hit the virus hard before it had a chance to really get established in your system. I have an appt. with my Neurologist tomorrow and I'm going to ask about it, too.

You are fortunate that you rarely get sick, sllowe. I normally seem to catch most of the viruses that go around so I have a good reference for what the beginning of a cold feels like and it is distinctly different from allergies, especially the productive cough part. But I haven't caught anything since my major episode in Oct/Nov either, except my 4-hour cold! And I was kind sort of glad to be catching a cold, thinking that would be "not MS-like". I am still holding out hope for something easier to treat like Lyme's Disease but I am now up to 3 doctors that say they think it is MS, but still playing the waiting game.

I wouldn't wish this thing on anyone, but it really was nice to hear someone has experienced a similar thing! It at least helps to make you feel less like a hypochondriac!

Valerie

[sllowe]

Sarah - that nasty cold can definitely land you in an attack, and illness can also ramp up your existing (non attack) related daily symptoms :( Sure is a lot of crap going around that's layed up people I know for over a week. If you still feel sick after the Z-pac, call that doc incase you need a different antibiotic for infection.

Feel better soon!

[SarahL2491]

well, regardless of what it is, it isn't fun.  Am going to update my neuro to see if he wants to add steroids to my day of infusion just in case.  Am on day 3 of zithromax and not feeling much better plus foot is dragging more and that drunk walk is back!

[zoefromsussex]

What you described there is EXACTLY the same as I experience regularly! I'm glad it's not just me! I was diagnosed this month but these cold/flu-ey spells started right about the same time as my first episode in Oct so I'm guessing it must be MS related rather than some sort of real virus or infection. I've asked my doctor and the neuro and neither can shed any light other than it may be fatigue or because I've not had full recovery from either episode. It's very annoying!

[sllowe]

Hi there,

I don't get sick very much. I never have, but, disease modifiers can make people more vulnerable. Oftentimes, labs are run to make sure there is no affect on WBC that could lead to that vulnerability.

A good physical to the MD is in order in general. Remember MS is not a virus, or bacteria infection, so as a general rule, I'd say it's moreso not related unless disease modifiers are lowering the immune system. Glad to hear the colds are not causing any increase of attacks. This can and does happen to MSers because the immune system is high and fighting off the virus, or infection. That's why attacks are seen after, or during illness and also why many of us to to remind MSers to be proactive with flu shots, etc. Avoid what we can, best we can.

Valkrie, what you describe can definitely be cold or allergy related and I'm glad the medicine took away your symptoms.

[Valkyrie568]

I am really interested in hearing the answers to this, also!.

I am not yet Dx, but I had a very strange experience with a cold a few weeks ago. One by one, our household came down with a cold. I woke up one morning with a productive cough, sore throat, stuffy nose, swollen glands, etc. feeling just like you do at the beginning of a really bad cold. I took one dose of cold medicine....and it completely went away as if I had never had it. I've never had a 4 hour cold before!

I have been wondering if this is yet another sign pointing at MS. Has anyone else experienced this sort of thing?

[zoefromsussex]

Could your cold be some kind of Tysabri side effect? I've read that some dmd's cause flu-like symptom's. I'm not taking a dmd yet because I'm still b/feeding my son. I'm planning to start Copaxone later this year but am increasingly concerned that I haven't got MS, especially because I'm getting frequent cold's? It would interesting to hear what others have experienced

[SarahL2491]

well I would be interested in this one.
I have NOT had a cold since 1981 (about the time my MS started)
and after one Tysabri treatment, now have what appears to be a NASTY cold.
Egads...........I so enjoyed not having them.  Doesn't seem fair.
Have been down for 3 days now with it.  At least I think that's what it is.
Z-pak has done nothing for it.