Is this an exacerbation, and do I need to call the neurologist AGAIN?

[patty427]

A few weeks back, I had a sensation around my torso, that felt like I was being squeezed by a boa constrictor. Stress levels were high in the house. I was ascending my staircase, and I felt this pain and I could not take a breath. I tripped up the stairs, and I banged into the bannister, and was unable to even speak for a few minutes. My husband came downstairs and took the laundry basket out of my hands. It literally took fifteen minutes before I could actually move. After an acupuncture treatment, the pain seems to have gone away. I have not been sleeping well, and have been put on two xanax per night to help me to sleep. However, now I am noticing more of the Llehmitte's sign in my torso, and tonight, I could not feel my hands on the steering wheel when I was driving my daughter home from the store. It's beginning to freak me out that I cannot feel my hands. I am also a lot more winded than usual, and we were doing a lot of running around this weekend. I just had a Tysabri treatment, a week ago, and now I feel like I never had anything done. I am also being treated for what looks like early Lyme, so the antibiotics are making me crazy as well. My feet and legs have been in spasm for two days. I am afraid to call the neurologist because I know that he is going to want to put me back on steroids, and I cannot handle how they make me feel (the five days of solumedrol is killer, and we are entering tournament season for my daughter). Any advice? He got annoyed with  me for going the alternative medicine route first, and said, "Next time, call me." Ideas? Thanks so much.

[supermum_ms]

I think part of the problem is (possibly) all the extra running around your doing, it also heating up which will be affecting your already established damaged areas, none of which would be helping your situation.

The rule of thumb with relapses is if your remitted sx return and or something new arrives, lasting 24-48 hrs or more then its likely a relapse. Personally i dont even recognise a relapse unless its happening for at least a week or more, because generally in summer the lines on what is or isn't a relapse can get mixed up by getting overheated lol and in the winter months I'm always thinking i'm coming down with a bug instead. lol I dont think 24 hours is long enough to know for sure its a relapse.

The IVSM helps to end the relaspe quicker than if you let it run its course, you dont have to do it if the side affects for you are worse than the MS. Speak to your dr about this and if there are medications that would help you with xxx sx. I would be asking exactly why your on antibiotics and if they are making you feel worse or if it a relapse doing it.

My 2 cents...........JJ

[Sumanadevii]

Good news if you can get your insurance to pay for it...The answer is

Acthar Gel

Goggle it and do some reading.  The cost is outrageous (to the tune of $27,000.00 for five days of treatment.  The shots are delivered to your home.  It is made for people that cannot tolerate IVSM.  I am one day three.  My fatigue is gone.  I was able to lift my foot into the tub and am again walking a bit.  Absolutely NO side effects.  I highly recommend it.