Relapse - what to do?

[mwmarczak]

Hey Guys

My wife was diagnosed with MS in 2010. For nearly 3 years it was all ok, but currently she is going through relapse. In the last 5 weeks, her mobility deteriorated quite badly, she nearly lost her sight completely, these are all new symptoms. We met with MS neurologist and she said she would not give steroids right now as the relapse would last up to 6 weeks. We are based in Malaysia there is shortage of experienced MS doctors as MS is not common in this part of the world. My questions are:
- how important is it to give steroids quickly to stop the symptoms from worsening?
- is there anything else we could do to stop the symptoms from worsening?

Big thank you in advance

[supermum_ms]

Hi and welcome to our little MS community,

Steroids can 'shorten' the relapse but they can't do anything to prevent a relapse, or prevent her sx's from worsening. The disease modifying drugs (DMD's) are designed to reduce relapses and slow down disease progression. If your wife's neuro hasn't discussed the DMD options, i'd think it would be worth getting an appt set up to discuss all her options.

Another thing to consider is that Malaysia is, a hot, humid, tropical country and many people with MS experience Uhthoff's Phenomena (heat intolerance), which is a 'temporary' worsening of their MS sx's due to the rise in internal or external temperature. Temporary because once they have cooled down and rested, they go back to their (none relapse) normal. Due to where you live, Uhthoff's may be worth considering as also being an issue effecting her too.    

Cheers........JJ

PS Are you guy's Australian?  

[Lulu54]

Hi!

Steroids can help to cut the inflammation and help with the body returning to 'normal' what ever that might be, a bit quicker than if left to run its natural course.  If her doctor is unfamiliar with the treatment of relapses using highdoses of steroids, can you perhaps see a different doctor?

I imagine there aren't many MS experts in your part of the world.  Please let us know if you have other questions - someone is usually around to help with answers.

best, Laura

[Corriel]

I'm sorry to hear about your wife. I live in Canada and have never had the steroids for my vision and cognitive symptoms.  My attacks typically last about 4-6 weeks and don't seem to worsen after the first 2 weeks. I have chosen not to do steroids unless I absolutely have to. My concern with them is that they can weaken the immune system and hurt your stomach. I have ben told that while they would likely shorten my attacks but that my vision won't be damaged permanently since it always returns. I have not had any major mobility issues though and that would definitely make me reconsider taking them. My regular doctor would admit me for treatment in an instant but my opthalmologist says to avoid them. My  neuro is on the fence, if I want them I can have them. It would be worth getting anither doctor's opinion thiugh since these are new symptoms. Good luck, I will be thinking of you and your wife. Take care.

[cubbiesfan918]

Hi There!
Sorry to hear about your wife. I'm newly Dx; however, I was having a flare when dx and I started IV infusions the next day followed up by oral steroids. My numbness subsided quickly and its my understanding that the steroids are critical in helping symptoms along with reducing permanant dmg. I hope you find resolve quickly.

I did have Optic Neuritis during pregnancy and prior to Dx. I couldn't take steroids then and it did take about 6 wks for my vision to improve. I will keep your wife in my thoughts. Best wishes.