When do you know it's a relapse?

[Ginosmommy]

I just started my injections on Friday and I have to say it is definitely easier than expected. I hate needles and thought I would have real issues giving it to myself but I did the one while the nurse was there and one on Sunday all by myself with no issues. I guess you have to do what you have to do to survive!

This past week I have had something peculiar, well it is to me, happen in my left forearm and right calf - seems like the muscles are constantly working themselves. I have read most of the health pages and it doesn't seem to fit into anything I have read (not like I couldn't be wrong!) It really isn't like a vibration, more like my arm feels like it is shaking even though it is not. If I hold my arm up, there is shaking in the hand I don't notice it but others do and if I am holding a piece of paper it is noticeable. I also have noticed while sitting at my desk at work that I tend to jerk every so often. I guess I am just becoming more aware of my body lately.

So does anyone know what that may be? Does it fall into the "it's just an MS thing" or something more serious? I am so confused about what is just regular occurances (such as fatigue is just a regular occurance) and what is noteworthy to the doctor. This thing in my arm and leg is just annoying but does not prohibit me from doing anything nor is it causing pain. I know the whole 24hour rule but not sure what it really pertains to.

Before I had the steroid infusions I know I was much more clumsy, dropping things, slurring my words, and losing my balance and all of that has just about stayed gone since. I do often forget things and the names of things (like someone else had mentioned I remember the definition just not the word.) So in everyone's honest opinion, what does a relapse mean to you?

MeLissa

[shoshin]

Jen: I get those pinpricks or zaps, too, and then my leg kicks out (very occasionally an arm). Any idea what causes the pinprick sensation? I've always kind of wondered about that (not that I know what causes the kicking, either).

sho

[Quixotic1]

Jen, I have the same thing happen whenever anything stimulates my right leg, the one that is slightly spastic.  The leg will kick out at the knee, just as if someone had tapped my patellar (knee) tendon.  this also happens when I rub lotion on the right foot.  Anytime it is tickled, my spastic leg shoots out by straightening.  If I am just getting into the shower and cold water hits the top of that foot it will jerk and release a couple times in very quick succession - like clonus.

I agree that it sounds like a myoclonic jerk, but it also feels like a reaction of the spasticity.  I'm not sure if these are two different things.

Q

[jensequitur]

> I also have noticed while sitting at my desk at work that I tend to jerk every so often.

Myoclonic jerks are involuntary movements of the affected limb.  I'll get a paresthesia - pinprick pain in my hip or leg - and it'll cause my leg to jerk.  I notice them while I'm working, because I'm at rest and not using my legs.

[Quixotic1]

I read your question more thoroughly.  You are describing a fine tremor.  If this is new, (or if you don't know) you should report it to your neuro's office.

Q

[Quixotic1]

Relapses have a definite definition.  But, we all have to learn for our own disease what is a true relapse and what is part of the normal ups and downs of our symptoms.  For example overdoing activity or getting overheated will cause our symptoms to be way worse for some time (a day or so) afterward.  Also we all notice that our cognitive problems are worse sometimes and better sometimes.

Here is one set of definitions about what relapses and remissions are and how you look at them.

Basically anything new is report-worthy to the doc.  Also, any current or old symptom that is suddenly much worse than it ever was - or is there but changing - should be reported.  Also, different neuros want to hear about different things.  I gave you what my neuro wants.  You need to ask your neuro for his guidelines.  But, anything new and major needs to be reported.  (I wouldn't report a new tiny area of paresthesia, for example)

http://www.medhelp.org/health_pages/Multiple-Sclerosis/Relapses--Pseudo-Relapses-and-Remissions/show/372?cid=36

Also, when the effect of the steroids wears off, (3 weeks or so) there may be a return of some symptoms' severity).  The steroids are not a cure, just temporary reducers of the inflammation.  Sometimes the inflammation just dies on down and the relief is long-lasting, but sometimes it ramps back up.

I hope this helps.

Quix