My Friday Relapse update : -)

[Lulu54]

We tell everyone over and over- don't overlook other possibilities. And I'm glad my MS Nurse thought the same and did some cultures on Tuesday when I was there.  

The good news this morning is I have a UTI and it appears that is causing a pseudo-relapse and not the real thing.  We will see how I am in a month of so, but in the immediate,  it explains my quick response to the steroids.

She did say she would have ordered the 'roids anyway, to help get my symptoms under control.

Now for the UTI --- I went most of my life without one, and in the past two years I have had several. This seems to be a companion piece to my MS.   When I have one, I unfortunately have not a clue that something is wrong - I don't know if that is a blessing or a curse.  Absolutely NO symptoms.  Including the intermittent self-catherization into the mix last year obviously has not helped, because that is a non-sterile procedure and is constantly introducing different bacteria into my system.

It may be that the urogyno will need to give me standing lab orders to have a culture done regularly  to monitor my UT health.  

A five day course of CIPRO is now on tap....

With all of your concerns about my relapse, I just had to share this news that it ain't so bad, after all.  

But it is always something!

be well, Lulu

[doublevision1]

Lu, sorry to hear about this recent development.  I hope it all settles down soon and you are back to your old self.  Hoping you feel better and better with each new day.

Q, thanks for the straightforward explanation re: pseudo vs actual relapse.  I find it hard sometimes to keep this stuff straight, but you've laid it out very clearly.

[Erin0313]

  Hi again :)

  I just wanted to report that it took me hours BUT I found a very good post in the Health Pages by searching pseudo flairs. Quix has a "rant" as she calls it relapses, remissions and biomarkers.

I have read it several times and think that most of what seems like constantly getting worse are indeed pseudo flairs. Then it explains the ever changing baseline which I think is why I was convinced that I had switched to Secondary Progressive from RRMS.

The great thing is that you and I can print that page and keep reading it until it sinks in enough that we might actually retain the info. I love the health pages now that I found them!!!

I am even thinking of taking it with me to my next appt to ask the doctor if my interpretation is correct. She is really cool with stuff like that because she knows how hard understanding stuff is for me.

Thanks to you & Quix and all the wonderful people that work so hard on this site!

Hugs,
Erin :)

[PastorDan]

Denial is wonderful this time of year. ;>)

Seriously, LL, get well soon.  You do great work here.

[michelleric]

Lu,  hope the Cipro will do the trick.  I am glad you are starting to feel better from the steroids and hope you continue to feel even better and better.

[Erin0313]

Lu,

  Pseudo relapse, infection or whatever it is I am glad that the steroids are helping and that you have more meds on board to get you well.

  I do wish that I could get a grip on understanding the relapse thing. I mean when I get ON I know that it's time to call the neuro but other things I tend to wait and wait and usually end up telling the neuro at my next appt. She usually tells me that these things just happen when you are over tired (always, lol) or if you have an infection old symptoms get really noticeable again for awhile.

I am going to pop over to the health pages and see what I can learn on telling the difference.

Take care - Hope you are back to "normal" soon
Hugs,
Erin :)

[addicted2harleys]

I, like ren, haven't been on here much lately so I also missed your original post.  I am sorry that you have having an increase in symptoms and/or new ones.

I seem to get UTI's much more often now...and I never know they are there until the doc does a UA and tells me I have one.

I do know that this last relapse, or whatever it is that happens to my body, did start due to a UTI.

I hope the steroids and antibiotic do the trick for ya!

Hugs, Addi

[Quixotic1]

I see that elsewhere people do include infections in the list of causes of relapses.

So, this is how I view it.  If the symptoms magically melt away as soon as the UTI is under control, then yes, it would be a pseudo-exacerbation.  But, if the increased immune activity from the infection triggered even existing symptoms that lingered after the UTI was treated then it is a true relapse.

The hallmarks of a Pseudo-relapse would include:

1) Existing symptoms only - no new ones

2) Resolution of symptoms with removal of trigger (heat, fever, fatigue, infection)

3) Short-lived - new or worsening symptoms that last over a few days could hardly be a spuedo erplase.

Quix

[Lulu54]

No, I really mean it - you will have to beat some of this stuff into me before it all sticks.  I know you carry a small stick, so I'm not afraid! LOL

BTW - I read your reply outloud  to DH and he says I am still allowed to put my fingers in my ears, hum loudly, and ignore this MiSerable disease as  long as I want and as long as it will let me  ignore it!   :-)

Enjoy your time here, but remember to keep your foot elevated.  

[Quixotic1]

Oh, Lu, no beating intended.  I have been wielding a heavy hand lately.  It's hard to lighten up and be positive sometimes.  That's why I come to the forum to read from my more positive colleagues.

Quix

[Lulu54]

Q - you still are working it to make me face reality - keep it up, because I am still learning.  You will be beating these lessons into me for years to come!  hugs, L

[Quixotic1]

Hi, Lu, This is a great reminder that we should all be checked for an infection at the first sign of relapse.  My neuro always does a CBC and a UA if my symptoms are increased.

I would not call this a "pseudo" relapse because it is based on a the immune system's increased activity and because it doesn't necessarily make all the symptoms resolve as soon as you treat the infection.  I have read nowhere that relapses caused by infections, immunizations, post-partum are not real relapses.  Espeically if they involve new symptoms.

A pseudo relapse is one in which the symptoms are temporary caused by something like heat or fatigue and resolves quickly on relieving the overheating or fatigue.

It's all just words though.  If the increased symptoms last more than a couple days you are dealing with a relapse, no matter what we call it.  And Lu, all of this started more than a month ago.  Relapse.  The real deal, IMO.

I do hope that it can start to resolve with treating the infection.

Take care.

Quix

[jensequitur]

I think it's a safe bet to assume it was the UTI causing the symptoms.  Keeping my fingers crossed!

[shermay]

LISTEN UP!!!!! G/F

This is not a progression OK?????

It'a just a UTI infection that has sent everything heywire.

Can you hear me????

I am yelling from the South of France  so you should:))))

You have a major weekend coming up with friends and family, so take it easy RIGHT????

The steroids will do their job - trust me - PLEASE??

Hugs,

Debs xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

[Lulu54]

How to tell the difference since it lasted so long?  Heck if I know.  The MS Nurse (not the same one, Dan - she is fairly new since you were there!) said that it is now a waiting game.  We have to allow the steroids to finish their work and the cipro to do its magic.

When I return in Early September they will retest and see where I am on the charts and all the neuro tests.

But I am going to go on the assumption that this is all infection related and not progression - yep, I'm still the Pollyanna.

hugs to all,
Lu

[rendean]

Hi Lu,
I haven't been around much lately so I missed posting on your original post.  Sorry you had to do the steroid thing but am glad it was a pseudo-flare and not a full blown incident.

Take care and take your Cipro :-)

Ren

[Sparkysarah]

Hiya

Well this sounds like better news and even being told that it may not be a full relapse (although if it lasted for over 24 hours then it is anyway???) can make one feel better.

I seem to have the reverse that when my neuro tells me I have been or am in relapse I then seem to experience the symptoms but perhaps this is just when my body gives into it and I give myself permission to rest and stop.

Anyhow have a great weekend and get well soon

Big hugs and lots of love

Sarah

[shermay]

Hi Laura,

Maybe with that voice you could make some extra money ;))

You really do sound like Kirsty Alley:))...(sp)

So pleased to hear that your improving so quickly.  Uti's are a bummer:/ and can cause so many 'false' relapses.

Hugs and love,

Debs xxxxxxxx

[HVAC]

UTIs are the No. 1 source of relapses. Hope you are better soon.

Alex

[moose28]

Glad to hear things are getting better for you and you found the true "reason" :)
Thanks for the update!
Marty

[essdipity]

Well this is good!!

I'm not sure I understand the difference between a real exacerbation cut short by steroids and what is happening with you. The UTI could cause that too, couldn't it?

The important thing, though, is that you're doing better, and quickly. Are your leg symptoms gone? And now you know that you can respond well to steroids, so you can be a bit more confident for the future.

I haven't had a UTI in over a year (I think.) But when I have them it's hard to tell, like you. For you, it wouldn't at all be a bad idea to just go ahead and get that blood work regularly.

Good luck with the Cipro!

ess

[PastorDan]

Gotta love Cipro.

Is this the same nurse -- NP -- whom I saw when I was there?  She was great.  One of the few persons with letters after their name who have really looked and listened with an open mind.

Get well soon, neighbor.

[RedFlame]

Hi Lulu,  In a sad sort of way this is good news.  Thank God that your nurse ordered tests to rule out other reasons for you probable exacerbation!  Hopefully this infection will be shut down before there is any need for self-cathaterization.

Cipro should really knock in out of the ballpark.

I know, if it's not one thing it's something else

(((Hugs)))

Red