@lightningduck 

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lightningduck

Relapse Reaction?

I've only had one real 'relapse' as such in that I noticed it. It was my first real noticeable relapse and the symptoms of such were what sent me to the hospital in uncertainty of what was happening, and led to my DX. So that means I don't have a lot of experience When you have a relapse, how do you act? Do you go to the hospital? Call your neuro? Suck it up and tough it out? Get drunk and hope it goes away? I asks this because I'm feeling glimmers in my left hand that remind me of how the last relapse started so if this is shaking up to be one, I'd like to know in advance how to respond Thanks
@mrss2008

My advice would be see your gp, if you can, and go from there. That's what I have done each time! Had flu last week which hads lead to a mild relapse, and really I should have been to see the gp last week and not left it so long. I sometimes feel that I shouldn't "bother" the gp, but it's better to have a quick visit and they can helper send you to the neuro. Depends on severity I suppose. I've realised I tend to get dizzy a few days before the relapse happens - I get some double vision a few days later. Hope this helps & Best of luck! Xx

@cameron

It depends on the service your hospital provides. At mine, you firstly ring the nurse-led phone service, describe your symptoms and get advice. You'd certainly be asked if you have had any infection or virus, either of which can cause relapse-like symptoms which are not a relapse at all. Once that's been ruled out, you'd probably be asked to keep a symptom diary and contact them again in 48 hourse or at any time if things suddenly worsened. At the point at which it becomes clear that symptoms are persisting and/or worsening, you'd be offered an appt at their weekly relapse clinic. There, you are seen first by a nurse, who gets you to fill in a questionnaire about your mood and particularly how the new symptoms are affecting your daily life (sleep quality, appetite, social life, relationships etc.), then you're seen by the neuro. He does the usual neuro tests then makes the diagnosis. Depending on the severity of symptoms, you'd be offered either intravenous or oral steroids and possibly referral to other clinics e.g. urology or physiotherapy to treat specific symptoms. You might also be recommended to ask your GP for anti-depressants (obviously this is dependent on what the psychological questionnaire reveals about hour current mood). Once on treatment, you keep the nurses updated with how you're feeling and they can refer any ongoing concerns back to either the relapse clinic or your own neurologist. You would also be given clear advice on working/not working, exercise and daily living while you are getting through the relapse.b