Relapse update (neuro appointment today)

[lovemy6monkeys]

I finally saw my neuro about the relapse I've been in since the beginning of December. He agreed it is a relapse (I kinda knew that LOL) and started me on Solu-Medrol, for 3 days plus prednisone taper. I was expecting that, so I had already "psyched" myself up for needing to do the steroids.

What I did NOT expect was my neuro to say he wants to send me for another MRI to check for enhancing lesions. My last MRI was November of 2010, so I guess I was due for another one anyway. But, I also was NOT expecting my neuro to say that if any new lesions are seen he will consider that they mean my Copaxone is not working and he will want to switch me to a more aggressive treatment option. He said since my biggest lesions are spinal lesions, and those tend to be debilitating, he is going to want to treat me aggressively. :-(

When I go in tomorrow for the second infusion I'm going to have to ask him if I did more harm then I should have by waiting so long to come in for the steroids.

Thanks guys for giving me the last push I needed to go in and start the steroids!
~Jess (who is happy to not have the steroid headache so far, but hates that my mouth tastes like I've been sucking on pennies all day!)

[Lulu54]

Jess, this doctor sounds on top of it.  The course of steroids is not pleasant but will help to quiet your symptoms a bit, or at least that is what they should do.

As for treating you agressively - that is absolutely the best course of action.  You want to be sure whatever therapy you are on is working for you.  everybody's MS is so different than the next person's that all these drugs don't necessarily work the same for each of us.  Isn't it great that we have other options these days?

Good luck with the next step in testing - I'll be waiting to hear your results.

be well,
L

PS try sucking on hard candies to get rid of the metallic taste.

[Sumanadevii]

I am glad you went in to see the neuro, too.  I am pleased he wants to treat your spinal lesions aggressively.  I have spinal lesions, too.  My neuro told me up front she would be aggressive in her treatment.  We tried Rebif and steroids for nearly a year.  I was always just about to relapse before the next steroid treatment.  Toward the end my body could no longer handle the steroids.  I am now on Tysabri...due for my fifth infusion this month.  

I no longer feel at the point of going into a relapse.  Tysabri, I do believe is keeping things under control.  Your neuro is right in going after it with aggression.  Spinal lesions can put you in a wheelchair for life.  Listen to this doctor.  He has your best interest at heart.

As always, my opinion only.

[Sidesteps]

Jess, I am glad that you went in. You have a lot of monkeys to care for as do I! :) ;)  Otherwise, your doctor sounds like he's on top of it.... now, get better!