@new to ms in need of friends on Shift.ms

new to ms in need of friends

Hi to everyone. I'm Gemma, I was diagnosed with MS last April. It started off with the l'hermittes (not sure if spelt right) like a electric shock running down my spine and getting pins and needles in my hands and feet. Well within 3wks I had gone from having that to not being able to walk, I had lack of concentration too which with all that goin on I had 3young children to see to. I had my MRI scan as I was taken to hospital and there I stayed for 8days. The scan confirmed I had 3 lesions on my brain and 1 on my spine. I had physio for 10wks to rebuild my strength as it seemed to have effected my left side more. I have had good and bad days since. I started taking tecfidera in November but unfortunately 22nd December I relapsed and still recovering. Ms nurse prescribed me really strong steroids which were awful but I've had a side affect of thrush in the mouth. Dr's have given me nystan which doesn't seem to be working, if anyone knows of anything else that may help would be gratefully appreciated otherwise its back to the Drs. Ms nurse have now said due to only being 8months ago since last relapse that I may need another scan and need 2nd line treatment but I have no idea what that is??? I don't dwell on my MS and what my future holds mobility wise, I just take each day as it comes but you do take the small everyday things for granted, well I did, not no more! Would love to chat with people to see how you all deal with things. Hope to chat soon, take care, be happy

Hi @gemma81 , I'm not pleased that you have a reason to join our site, but, given the circumstances, I am glad that you have found us. OK, the December "relapse" could well be the result of the introduction of Tecfidera and your body learning to tolerate it. Did you start on a lower dose before going to the usual dose? So, this relapse, did it involve new symptoms for you or was it existing symptoms that were being exaggerated? A relapse has a specific criteria, as explained here :- http://www.mssociety.org.uk/what-is-ms/types-of-ms/relapsing-remitting-rrms Another MRI scan may prove, or disprove, that you have additional active lesions. High Dosage Steroids are prescribed for 3-5 days to help the body recover from a relapse. This recovery will be ongoing for you over the 6 - 8 weeks following the steroids. Oral thrush can be a common side-effect of Steroids as explained here :- http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Oral-thrush---adults/Pages/Introduction.aspx . Nystan does seem to be a solution to this problem. But, keep talking to your Doctor if this doesn't resolve. Taking each day as it comes is a good attitude and probably helps you keep your feet on the ground. Especially with three young kids. It's best not to worry or stress about your MS. It just doesn't help at all and can actually antagonise your MS and make it worse! So, look after yourself. Have a healthy, balanced diet and try not to over do things - I know, three young kids, who am I kidding! But do try and rest up when you feel the need. Have a look at the "Spoons" theory for how to live with MS :- http://www.butyoudontlooksick.com/articles/written-by-christine/the-spoon-theory/ Anyway, I hope you find your time on the forum to be beneficial. You keep asking and we'll try to keep answering. :wink: