Difference between new symptoms and a relapse

[Corriel]

Hi everyone, is there any way to tell when new symptoms are a relapse? I started getting spasticity with a relapse last summer and after a few months it tapered off but then came back a couple of months later and seems to be staying. I do not have my other typical relapse symptoms so I don't think this is a relapse but was wondering if anyone can explain the difference.

Thanks!
Corrie

[Corriel]

Thanks ess! I got so used to the old symptoms coming back that it was easy to tell when I was relapsing. The "new" symptoms came back in the fall and haven't been gone for more than a week or two before coming back now that I check my journal.

Might be my longest relapse too come to think of it so I will be glad to meet with my neuro in a couple of weeks to switch dmd meds. It isn't a bad relapse by any means but the duration and frequency are making me edgy.

I hope things get better for you soon!

Corrie

[essdipity]

Maybe the word 'new' is muddying the water here, because it can be used in various ways.

A relapse may consist of new symptoms, ones you've never had before. If everything thus far has been on the left side, for instance, and you get something distinctly on the right that lasts at least 24-48 hours after a remission period of at least 30 days, that's a relapse with a new symptom.

On the other hand, if after at least 30 days of remission, an old symptom comes roaring back, that's a new relapse consisting of an old symptom.

Both are real relapses. There are permutations of this and other possibilities that make things more complicated, but that's the bare-bones  scenario that nearly everyone in the MS world agrees on.

Except my current neuro. I'm **still** in my longest relapse ever. It seems to have been brought on by other stresses to my body, including severe allergies, and none of the symptoms are precisely new, though some of the intensity is new. That's his rational for calling this a pseudo-relapse. Not to disparage the pseudo variety, which can have it's own set of issues, but I say phooey to this characterization of what's happening with me.

But pseudo-relapses are another discussion.

ess

[Corriel]

Thank you Alex! I have to say the idea of horseback riding intrigues me. I had to give up my aquacize for now because the only classes available here were weekday evenings (except Fri) of course. I found I was up later with unwinding, etc so I was too tired the next day.

I tried riding decades ago and had a bad experience so it is past time to conquer that phobia!

Corrie

[HVAC]

You could get some muscle relaxers for the spasticity. I also got a cheap walker from a thrift store I keep it by my bed for the mornings when my legs do not quite want to stand for me.

I also find therapeutic horseback riding is great exercise for MS. I put a notice on Craiglist and 5 people answered. I started lessons at an affordable price. Now the lady lets me come out and ride when the horse is available. Also other ladies let me ride their horses. Yoga is good too and swimming.

Alex

Alex

[Corriel]

Thanks dv! Not too painful yet but it does seem to be progressing for lack of a better term. I have issues with my legs but so far nothing I can't handle.  My arms are another story though. I have pain through my neck and shoulders with occasional tingling in my hands and fingers. My range of motion is still good but slower.

I saw someone to get some exercises and a massage this week and in 3 weeks I see my neuro so I guess its time to seek meds. :-)

I hope that itching goes away for you soon!
Corrie

[doublevision1]

Hi Corrie - at the time that those symptoms returned the second time, it would've been considered a relapse at, once they'd lasted 24-48 hours. If I'm understanding you correctly, that was a few months ago and they've not remitted. So my guess is you are experiencing residual damage from that second relapse that occurred a while ago. These symptoms can fully or partially resolve over time or be permanent.

Is it very painful? Are you treating it?