yep, it's a relapse :(

[doublevision1]

I'm now numb from my neck to my thigh on my left side.  Left hand paresthesias worse than usual.  Fingertips of right hand numb.  left leg kind of heavy feeling.  Saw my GP today and talked to my MS nurse who spoke to my neuro.   all agreed I would start 5 days of IVSM.  I went straight to the hospital for the first dose and got in immediately - no line ups. wow!   the nurse made a bit of a mess inserting my IV, it got a little bloody.  then she accidentally shot a whole syringe of saline in my face.  I just had to laugh, mistakes happen.
The IV is still in my hand and hurts like a b1tch, the paresthesias worse, but I wanted to keep my dominant hand unencumbered.  

I'm tring not to stress about this, it's been 2.5 years since my last attack (O.N.) and no visual symptoms this time thank god.  No reason yet to think the Copaxone is failing me, considering before I started taking it I'd had 3 relapses in a year.  I haven't had a MRI in two years so I may ask for one given this turn of events.

The worst thing about my day was saying farewell to my wonderful GP of 6 years.  She's moving to southern Alberta and I am so sad to see her go, she's been wonderful to me, the best anyone could ask for in a doc: smart, funny, accommodating, reliable, approachable, compassionate, and very patient-focused.  I asked her what she knew about the new guy I found and she said he's very good; young, trained in Canada (originally from Libya), and respected by the local docs.  That was reassuring.  As you all know, good docs can be hard to find.

[essdipity]

Hey deebs, I'm so sorry you're in a relapse. Thought so from what you've posted recently, but you seemed to have things under control. You still do, really.

I think a new MRI set is a good idea. Natch we can't correlate symptoms with lesions, yet still it would be interesting to know whether things are more active in the lesion department. I do hope the steroids will nip this thing in the bud, and that you'll soon be back at your baseline.

Also sorry you're losing your GP. Here's hoping the new one will be just as good.

Hugs,
ess

[Lulu54]

DV - this  stinks.  You have been my guiding light here - I have looked at all you have done and how quiet your MS has been since I've come on board here,  and always thought that's the path I hope to  travel, too.  So now, we need to get you back to feeling well again.  

It is encouraging to know the medical system can work when you are in an emergent situation.  I hope the meds knock this back quickly for you.

Here's hoping the new doctor can ease into filling the void left by your doctor's move. That has to be so difficult -

lots of hugs,

Lulu

[MissLauraI]

DV- So sorry to hear that! I wish I could offer something more than my well wishes for a quick recovery and complete eradication of your new sx. Take really good care of yourself OK?

[jujuminx]

Bummer girl.  I am sorry about the relapse.  Sounds like you have keeping your great attitude, which is all one can do when faced with something one has no control over.

Hang in there. So good to hear your new dr comes with a great recommendation.

Julie

[doublevision1]

Thanks Guys, for your kind words and encouragement. There's no other place I can go for this particular kind of support.  Everyone around me is great to me: friends, family, colleagues, and especially hubby.  But none of them has MS - thankfully - so they just can't relate.  In fact some times it's a little too much sympathy/pity and fuss made over me.  Not that I don't appreciate the spirit of their intent and their genuine concern, it but some reactions are way over the top; I'm not dying, people!  You guys instinctively know how to deliver just the right mix of empathy, concern, practical advice, and humour.  And I appreciate that, and all of you, more than you could know.

[anon07072023]

It sounds like they acted pretty quickly and got you started on the IVSM fast. That's always good when they're all working on your behalf - even giving you free shots of saline in your face - can't really ask for much more than that.  :-)

I'm also interested if they can see any new lesions.

Sorry you're losing your GP.  I hope your new doctor turns out to be a good doctor.

-Kelly

[sllowe]

Hi DB,

Sure hope the IV shortens the relapse. Durn, losing your good doc - thats the pits. Hope the new is as good as his reputation. I'd got for the MRIs too - important to know if there is more accumulation of lesions, especially for therapy purposes.

Keep us posted on how your feeling - would ya!
Mucho Hugs,
-Shell

[Sparkysarah]

Hi DV

I am soooooo sorry that you are in relapse and 7 weeks down the line of my own relapse I cannot tell you how fed up of feeling like this I am. My family's sympathy dried up a long time ago as they just want the normal Mum back.

So I hope that as I did not go the steroid route, for you it shortens the journey and helps get  you back to where you were sooner rather than later. It is too late for me to question whether I made the right decision but I learnt something about my MS on this relapse and now know to watch for the sings of a UTI. I have ordered some urine dip sticks to keep an eye on things myself.

There is not much point saying rest up..your body will be your best guide and I am sure you will take your rest when you need it. Hope that the IV steroids do their stuff and it must be  horrible having the canula stuck in you for several days. I do not envy you.

Take care and lots of love and hugs

Sarah x

[Sidesteps]

I am so sorry you are in a relapse. Everyone else has pretty well touched on things. I just wanted to let you know I'm thinking of you.

(hugs)

[rendean]

Hey DV,

What a rotten way to start the holiday weekend, losing your GP and a relapse all in the same day.  At least you can blame any emotional outbursts on the steroids when it's actually due to losing such a great doc.

It is very encouraging that you went two and a half years between relapses!! I agree with you and the others, I think an MRI might be in order just to check on things. My neuro does yearly MRIs and if a change in my neuro exam occurs.

Keeping you in my thoughts,
Ren

[cheesymum]

Here's hoping the steroids do the trick for you!  ***** to lose your GP, tho.  I love mine.  

Be well.

[doublevision1]

Hi all, thanks for your comments and well wishes, they are much appreciated.  

After my first infusion on Thurs, I came home, got cozy on the couch and settled in to watch the Will & Kate extravaganza, armed with comfort food (Reese's peanut butter ice cream bars - ummmm, hello, why am I just finding out about these now?!) and tried to unwind but couldn't.  Lesson learned: don't start steroids late in the day if you can help it!  I got ZERO sleep that night, I tried to lie down but no go, so I got up, read, watched TV, Facebooked, all the things that don't help to sleep but I was wide awake and bored out of mind. I had even taken a Zopiclone before bed and it did nothing for me.

so yesterday morning I decided since I was up anyway, I might as well head to the hospital earlier than planned for Day 2 infusion.  My husband drove given my lack of sleep; I'd been awake 24 hours at that point with little sleep the night before.  It was pretty seamless, got set up quickly, the friendly ER doc stopped by to see how I was doing, was very nice, asked a few questions about my MS symptoms past and present.  He was blown away when I told him I'd had full blown diplopia for an entire year.  

He asked about my GP, I told him her last day was yesterday, he didn't know it was so soon.  He told me they went through med school together and known each other for years.  When I said how great she was to me, he said she's the best in town, no one is even comes close in his opinion.  I said I guess all the good ones aren't taking new patients?   To which he made a face and said, no, most of them aren't even very good.  I joked we might just have to see her in her new practice in Red Deer, like 6 hour drive from here, even further away than my neuro, the ER doc said you'd be surprised how many people see GPs and even further away in Calgary.

Then I joked well then maybe he needs to leave the ER and I can be his first patient in family practice, he smiled and was like, uhh no, that's never going to happen. I was going to ask him about the new guy as he was called away.  If I see him again I will ask, though a little afraid of what he will say!  Though given his and my high regard for my GP, I trust her judgement.  I'm sure she wouldn't have given the new GP her endorsement if she though I wouldn't be happy with him.

Have just finished my third infusion, again was in and out of the ER in record time.  Those guys are good, and it was really busy there this morning.  Anyway, I’m happy to say I’m feeling so much better.  The hug is relenting, I didn’t realize how bad it was, I think I was just getting so used to it, but that squeezing pressure is easing off, still there but definitely better.  Still numb on L side esp my torso, but tolerable.  Energy level is better.  The best part is that my L hand feels better than it is has in months.  I don’t know if it’s the steroids and/or if because I’m resting it morev (can’t do dishes with a needle sticking out of my hand; only able to do one handed typing because L hand is wrapped to keep IV needle intact).  I’ve had this L paresthesias for 3 years,  and had the IVSM fore that attack which never improved the hand symptom, so I doubt it will make a lasting difference this time.  But your take the good days as they come and appreciate then more because you don’t know what tomorrow’s gonna bring.  Today’s a good day, I feel better, I’m going out to get my god-awful hair done, embarrassed to say it hasn't been washed in several days, then over to friends for surf and turf dinner and more Canada Day long weekend fun!  Hope you’re all enjoying your Canada Day or 4th of July weekend, or just enjoying your Saturday!