@bonnielassie 

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bonnielassie

Another relapse? Advice please ;-(

Hi everyone. I don't post very much on here although I do look in from time to time - but I need some of your advice and I will try to be brief! I was dx in 2003 after having a pretty bad relapse which resulted in having steroids. I then went 10 years without anything (or nothing huge that was noticeable) then ended up having something called sixth nerve palsy in Oct 2013 which caused blurred vision and took a few months to go (was not given any meds). Anyway, after having a decompression operation on my shoulder at the beg of Nov 2014, I have had another relapse. About 1-2 weeks after my op I started having very tight muscles in my legs (all over but worse in thighs). Now, this got worse over the following few weeks and since then has been the same with no sign of improving. (I can bend my legs although knees are becoming very stiff and sore and can walk small distances although it's uncomfortable.) I am just not sure what to do and I don't feel I'm getting that much support from my ms nurse. Yes, muscle relaxants have been talked about but I was hoping things would improve and they wouldn't be needed. But I'm finding things quite tough physically and mentally. I know some of you are facing a more difficult time so I apologise if it sounds 'small fry'. Any ideas what I should do - should I go on the muscle relaxants in the meantime and when would steroids be prescribed? I am not on any DMD's so it's a bit hard getting my head round taking meds for my MS which has been fine in the past. Also, has anyone had a relapse after having a general anaesthetic and surgery? Thanks for your help.
@Stumbler

Hi @bonnielassie , and don't worry about how often you post. This forum exists to provide support, when it is needed. Members pop in and out as they feel fit, to ask a question or to support another member. There's no guidelines or specific requirements, it's what feels right for you. Now, about your "small fry". Well, it's happening to you so it isn't small fry! OK, going back to November 2014, was this an agreed relapse, agreed by your neurologist? Could it have been caused by your operation? I would say yes. Any upcoming operation will be preying on you, causing stress. Stress is a major protagonist of MS, so it might not have been the operation itself, but the lead up to the operation. You do need to persevere with your MS Nurse because you need to know what the plans are if this relapse is still ongoing. It could be that the problems with your legs are just the residual effects of the relapse, but you still need to have a plan going forward. Muscle relaxants can be considered to address stiffness, though usually painful spasms. However, the use of muscle relaxants can create other problems, especially if you have any weakness in your lower limbs. But, rather than just prescribe a a medical solution, which may or may not work, it is always preferable to locate the underlying problem and address this. I'm talking Neuro-physiotherapy, a specialist physiotherapist, who can assess what is and isn't working and how it's working. They can leave you with some specific exercises that may address the problem. You would need to try and get a referral via your MS Nurse Steroids are usually prescribed when a relapse is active and causing a major problem, e.g. sight, mobility, etc. Their purpose is to expedite the recovery from a relapse. As for DMDs, these are a form of insurance, as they are designed to reduce the frequency and severity of relapses. There are now more DMTs available and should really be considered for anyone with active MS that looks like it will progress. Finally, your concerns about the support you're receiving. This is a two-way relationship, where we have to be up-front and let the MS Nurse know what is going on, before they can work with you to assist your future. They're normally very good and a source of support. If you feel that this support mechanism is falling short, I'd pop in and discuss it with your GP, as your Primary Care Provider. He may want to consider alternatives with another referral. So, did you move to Edinburgh as you were planning?

@bonnielassie

Hi Stumbler. Thanks for your reply - you made lots of good points there. My MS nurse wasn't sure if it was a relapse, I think as I didn't have too many symptoms, although I feel what I do/did have is pretty substantial. I haven't seen my neuro (I think I'm being put down to see him but this won't be until March). I didn't have anything prior to surgery and this sort of came out of the blue and haven't had this at all before. The thought of this being residual scares me silly! The thing is I wasn't particularly stressed going into surgery, was actually glad something was getting done to my shoulder. And certainly wasn't concerned about my Ms with surgery, only worried about my shoulder recovery. Perhaps should have been, eh?! Think I will speak to her to see what she suggests. No, haven't moved to Edinburgh yet. My boyfriend is having to have work done to his house so waiting for that to be done, and shoulder to get stronger and hopefully legs to recover. Thanks for your support, Stumbler.