Update on the Knee/breathing issue.

[michelleric]

Well, after long bouts of coughing and  not breathing well and knee pain (the 2 are not related, just having a couple things at once.)

The breathing issue is very bad asthma.  Thank goodness no pneumonia, but I do have bronchitis which brought on the nasty asthma.  So, new antibiotic, inhaler, nebulizer med, and STEROIDS.  I am thinking about passing on the steroids, as it for make the Tysabri infusion another month out.  We will see, although I couldn't have the Tysabri being sick either.  I "might" call the neuro.

As far as the knee, he is pretty sure the pain is from the bone spurs, which is caused by Arthritis, which progressed in my "good" leg, due to my gait from my "bad" leg.  (That is how I refer to my legs, not the doc).

So "if" I wanted, he would refer me to an orthopedic surgeon to see about "shaving" the spurs off. So I got the name and they made an appt with the surgeon on Thursday.  I am going to go see what he says.  The pain is not good, and interfering with my life and my mobility.  I cant let this get worse, and have anything else in my way of walking.

So, that is the prolonged story at the moment.

Thanks again to ALL of you and your comments/response/thoughts.  I appreciate each and every one of you.
Michelle

[COBOB]

Is your doctor talking oral steroids or inhaled steroids?  If they are inhaled, they have a much more localized method of action.  They reduce inflammation, but they also can stop allergic respiratory triggers withing the bronchi of the lungs.   I think inhaled steroids would make sense.

In all truth, if I was having an allergic reaction, I'd take the oral steroids.  I can see times when MS is an issue, but asthma, allergic reactions, MI, CVA, etc can kill us.  MS most likely will not.

Bob

[twopack]

I wrote, hit a wrong key, screamed Noooooo as my post disappeared.  Now I'm late.  I've got to go.  Will try to recreate later.

My bottom line was (IMO) TAKE THE STEROIDS and give yourself the best chance to get better.  AKA:  follow doctor's orders (at least this time).

Mary

[Lulu54]

Ren, I have a horrible cold that has settled in, so I will take a bowl of that soup, too.  :-)

Michelle, it is wonderful to hear that you have seen the appropriate doctors and it sure sounds like they are advising the right course of action.  

A thought - with all the "issues" that you have right now, do you have one doctor who can coordinate all this care?  I'm thinking it might be a good idea to be sure that one person is following everything for you.  I know that sounds simplistic and in reality may be hard to get a doc to do that, but your medical needs are now head-to-toe, literally, and that's a lot to keep track of.  Perhaps at CC they have one of these special docs who can take charge and good notes?

hugs, L

[rendean]

Dear Michelle,

As  twopack said yesterday, breathing should be your top priority. I would do the steroids just to make sure the asthma and all the issues were  cleared up . But , then again , it's your body and your choice to make. You need to be clear of all other issues before starting Tysabri .

I'm very happy for you it isn't pneumonia! Very fast appointment with ortho. I do hope the issue is bone spurs!!! That would be so simple.

You are still in  my thoughts and prayers as is Gabe. How is he doing?

Please keep us updated on  your breathing and ortho issues. If I were close I'd make your Matzo ball chicken soup for you :-) !

Ren

[HVAC]

Hang in there Michelle. My PCP used to say to me when I had an asthma attack just relax. LOL

Alex