Length of flare up

[The_Lorelei]

I was just wondering how long a flare up might last for a person.  I believe that I've lived with this for about 16 years because I'd had numerous times through my life where excessive fatigue has lasted for days or weeks but since this pain filled unsteady legs super duper flare up where the doctors are finally taking me seriously it's lasted since about August and is still going strong, in fact it's getting progressively worse.  So about 6+ months.  That seems like a long time to me.  Is that normal to use an odd word?  Normal for MS?  How long do your flare ups typically last?  Or is the first bad flare up usually the longest?  

[The_Lorelei]

Thank you everyone for you info!  I feel like I ask a million questions a day here, sorry bout that. It's just nice to be around people who have a clue as to what I'm talking about.  Well, not really nice per se.  I wish that none of us knew firsthand about this stuff but since we do it's good to have a support group.

Misty, that gives me hope that this first major flare might eventually abate.  Even if it takes a while, I just want to know that there's some light at the end of this tunnel.  I know that I'll never be the same as I was but I at least want to go hiking again.  I need to hug a tree.  : )  

Sdsam, I don't know if it depends on the reason for the vision trouble but when my flare up first began it took the form of eye trouble.  My left eye couldn't move all the way to the left, it wasn't focusing properly, painful in the light, and pressure behind the eye.  The MRI showed that it was due to an inflamed lesion and they put me on the solumedrol IV for a few days.  The vision trouble stopped for me.  But our vision issues could be caused by differing factors and maybe the solumedrol wouldn't work for you.  I'd double check with the doc.  If it's due to an inflammation I don't see why it wouldn't work.

Carol, to be honest I was worrying the same thing.  I'm trying not to think of it just yet.  It's too early to tell.  They haven't even fully labeled it MS yet.  We all know that it is but they hate giving out concrete dx without five million appts.  I'm pretty sure my next MRI will give the new neuro reason to confirm it.  He's pretty much all but said that it IS MS but wants another MRI to check things out.  If things do continue to decline then I'll mention that to the doc but I'm hoping that most of the pain and unsteadiness is being exacerbated by the Rebif which I'll be switching soon.

Thanks again, everyone, for you input!

[grannyhotwheels]

Mine started in September of 2005 and hasn't stopped. lol  I know it's nothing to joke about but has your doctor considered that you may have progressive MS?  I supposedly have PPMS.  Every time I have a little flare up something else becomes more disabled.  I know that doesn't make sense but I'm not sure how else to describe it.  I do have days when I can use my walker but most days it's the chair.  Sometimes I'll spend 4 or 5 days straight where I only get out of bed for a little bit at a time.  Then I may go a month or 2 where I feel better.  I really can't distinguish between a flare day or no flare day.  I'm not sure if others relate to what I'm saying or not but for me personally it has seemed like one big flare since this all started.

I'll be praying,
Carol

[sdsam]

My first demylenating episode resulted in double vision which persisted for nearly three months.  My second episode resulting in double vision hit me on Dec 5, and has been going on for 9 weeks as of yesterday.  A neuro I spoke to at a MS Society seminar yesterday said I may be looking at 6 months before my vision resolved.  He also stated that the IV steroids (solumedrol) don't do much for vision issues.

[mistylee]

I can only comment for me but my first flare was the worst so far and lasted 3 of 4 months but all the symptoms took about 9 months to resolve.  I had one last 2 weeks and the last relapes was August and took untill end of Dec ....so 5 months.


I am undx with possible MS.

Mistylee