Asking a "medical" question here...

[michelleric]

Instead of calling Neuro, just putting it out here 1st.  I will call tomorrow if same or worse, but I have no idea what can be done.

I was on solu medrol last week for relapse.  Still on the prednisone taper, almost done.  Very weak, numb tongue, uveitis. Etc.

Symptoms much better, but... This afternoon my left foot/calf and now parts of left thigh are tingly and many areas numb.  I can't feel it well, and am using a walker tonight so I don't fall over.

What the heck is this?  MS stuff?  If it was part of the relapse, wouldn't all these nasty steroids have "fixed" this? Could it just be a leg problem?  

Just really frustrated.
Thx,
Michelle

[kwarendorf]

Hi Christina -

You may not realize it, but you posted your question in a multiple sclerosis forum. I think you will get a better response if you post it in the Womens Health forum. The link below will get you there.

http://www.medhelp.org/forums/Womens-Health/show/81

Kyle

[christina2313]

I have a question there is white slimy stuff that comes out of my vigina till u have my period it's kind of smelly and I'm only 13 never had any sex so can somebody please tell me if this is normal or not and how do u stop it from doing that???

[rendean]

Wow, just re-read my post. thought I had anyway. Please forgive the many typos. Hard to type with bilateral hand splints.

Ren

[rendean]

HI Michelle,
I'm glad to hear you are feeling better. I always have increased leg pai after steroids, as does Julie. It eventually fades.

I am glad you are using your walker so no more nasty falls. If it makes you feel better I use my walker insde as well. It is also a "toy" to the boys (one is 54 the other 20) in my house with timed races etc. Whatever. I can't change it , just learn to accept it.

When does the "big cheese" start coming for the kids?

You're always i my thoughts but especially when I pass a Wnedy's,lol.
take care my friend,
ren

[michelleric]

Thanks all.  My leg feels slightly stronger, better...not really sure what the appropriate word would be.  Tripping all day though, I think I must be having greater foot drop on the left side now.

I wear (wore) AFO, on right side.  I D/C wearing it about 6 months ago.  I felt like it was affecting my left leg/knee.  So I stopped.  I am not a very compliant patient, most of the time.  I have seen 2 knee docs who said I eventually will need knee replacements.  Excellent.

I am thinking am MRI "might" show a spine thing going on.  Not going to call Neuro unless something changes drastically.  Meaning, I can't walk more than a couple steps...I guess.

Just really would like to ignore all of this.  I am generally pretty good at it, unless it is the facial/ear/scalp pain talking.

Yes, I am using the walker in the house, yes I hate it, but at least it gives my younger kids some fun this summer?  They have been riding it, trying to pop a wheels.  The only thing they are popping is my mind!  Ready for the big yellow bus...

Michellle

[jensequitur]

Hey, let me just go out on a limb here... (rimshot)

One of my very first symptoms was falling to the floor after getting up, because my right leg wouldn't work.  Since then, I've had ongoing problems with it.  Clonus in some parts, spasticity in others.  It's numb in places, and I get this tingly creepy-crawly feeling in the lower half.  When I'm not walking well, my knee will fold unexpectedly - a result of muscle weakness in the hip flexor and the (???) muscle behind the knee.

In 2010 I fought for and got a 3T MRI of my spine, which showed several spinal lesions.  (One of the reasons I'm a big advocate of high-resolution MRIs.)

So to get a leg up on your condition (another rimshot!) I would go and talk to the neuro.  My armchair opinion is that there's a lesion in your spine.  

Like everything else, some days it's better, and some days it's worse.  I think it's getting progressively worse overall, but I can still walk, so that's a plus.

[saucygrl]

Sorry you're going through this Michelle!  My left leg did the same thing after my last flare.  It took a couple of weeks after the solu medrol for it to get better.  Like Jen said, mine is also affected by the weather and gluten.  I try to avoid it at all costs.  Acupuncture really helps the tingling sensation and muscle weakness for me.

Good luck and I hope you feel better soon!
Chris

[sllowe]

Hi Chelle,

Have nothing to add medically :( But, sure do hope this doesn't last.
-shell

[jenphilly]

Michelle,

Just catching up on yesterdays posts...  have you spoken to your neuro?

The thought that came into my mind was heat / weather related...  what you describe is normal MS crap that presents or acts up when weather is involved...    

Another thought, and I know I'm always pushing the diet triggers, but what you describe is exactly the reaction I have to gluten within 24 hours of an accidental glutening...    Not saying its the source, but again, I throw it out to everyone, I've been so amazed how much eliminating gluten and lactose has helped with the pain in the butt (or leg as it may be) symptoms of MS...

Post and let us know how you are feeling and if you've spoken to your doctor!

Jen

[michelleric]

Thx  L and Mary,

My mind is too mushy to write much now.  I will see u bright and early thou;)

Appreciate your thoughts and opinions.  Hasta mañana friends. XO

[twopack]

I can think of a couple of possibilities Michelle.

It could be part of rebound type symptoms that others have mentioned they sometimes have when the steroids are finished.  Remember, the 'roids don't cure the flare.  They just help it clear a bit faster.

On the other hand I can never quite get Julie's post steroid tribulations out of my head.  Sometimes we need a longer taper after the mega dosing is done.  I always have to wonder when someone's adrenals will forget to kick back in.  That can take your legs out from under you.

Do you still have a bum knee?  I can't remember which side the AFO is on and which knee you had trouble with - or if it's both :(   Before I had that last knee replacement I had a lot of sciatic type pain run down my leg, wrap around my outer knee and travel all the way to my foot.  It's a possibility.

Bravo!  Bravo!!  Bravo!!!
This is for the walker use.  I know you hate the thing but I hate the idea of you on the floor with yet another problem.  Such wisdom you are showing my friend :)

Please do the right thing again tomorrow and call the neuro to report this.  I know your doc treats you well when you keep her informed.  Don't forget to let us know what you find out please.

[Lulu54]

I hear your frustration - the tingly numbness may be the residual you have from after the steroids.  I am so sorry you are feeling poorly but VERY happy that you  are protecting yourself by using the walker.

And yes, it sounds like MS stuff to me. I know that is not what you want to hear.

gentle hugs and here's to feeling better,
L