Heather: about spacing relapses

Hi Heather: I had posted this on another thread, then thought better to move it to a separate one so it didn't get lost.

Sorry to be really dense, bear with me please.

When typing up my timeline for the neuro to read (he didn't want to), he told me to tell him what was happening. I was flustered without my paper (and he wouldn't let my husband hand me my own copy to refer to either!!) so I just blurted out that things had been happening over the years, but now they were getting closer together and more persistent. Such as: and then I regained my composure and explained some of my issues.

Does this sound like MS ~ with the remissions and then **closer** reoccurrences?

You had stated this:

"In my course of MS, my relapses last about 8 weeks, some have been a little less, some have been a little more.  Especially early on in my disease activity.  Now I have one 2-3 times a year.  Maybe."

So if I figure correctly, that means you had 6-7 relapses per year, are now settled down to 2-3 per year.

I do understand that MS is highly variable. But bear with me as I dig hopelessly (hopefully??) for clues.

My things are more often. Yours are less often. You have MS. I am undiagnosed. My pcp wrote on the referral form "Early MS?" But I've had issues for > than 10 years, if those things at age 12 would count.

Hey, I used the > key, whatta day!

I know, you're going to tell me to breathe! :-)

I go to see an MS neuro next Wednesday. I know you understand the excitement/dread.

Thanks for all that you do Heather, I truly appreciate it.

Suzanne

[Heather3418]

No, no, no....you misunderstood.  I am SO glad that you asked me to verify.  I DID NOT have 6-7 relapses per year.  I had many months inbetween my first bouts with relapses.  They were more severe also.  I was on a walker in the beginning of my first attackwhich was filled with so many problems. My FIRST attack was actually my worst.  It's not always the same story for every person.

BUT...that said, it would not be considered unusual, for a person to have 6-7 or more relapses per year, (with a least a month between relapses) especially if they were not on any of the disease modfying drugs.  EVERYONE'S course of this disease is just a LITTLE bit different.  Some people report only ONE relapse per year or maybe 2 and are on NONE of the DMD's.  

Keep in mind, some people may have only ONE attack and it clears up and goes away, which is called a "clinically isolated incident."  There are ALSO people that NEVER come out of their first attack and this is the really BAD form of MS.  But thankfully rare.

I hope that I have helped clear that up alittle.  Would be so glad if some other members would chime in with THEIR experiences.  Especially the ones that have been diagnosed for awhile, so others can get a general idea of what is usually the course for most. The newly diagnosed could also give us some valuable information about their course of relapses and remissions.

Big Hugs Sweet Girl,
Heather

[CtResident]

Oh my, what a mistake I made. I was taking 52 weeks/year and dividing by an 8 week relapse to = 6/7 in a year.

Don't I feel ridiculous. Of course you would have had remissions in that calculation too!

Well, off to make fish, goodness knows I need some BRAIN food!

Thanks Heather!

Hugs back,
Suzanne

[Heather3418]

I certainly wasn't saying you were ridiculous.  I totally understand why you would have thought I had that many relapses per year.  I would have too, based on the info I gave you.

But anyway, fish is good for the brain so eat some for me too.

You are such a sweetheart.  I am so glad to be able to call you my friend.

Big "Friend" Hugs....

Heather