@Merenwen 

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Merenwen

Newly diagnosed, need help with relapses

Hi, I am 26 years old and was diagnosed with RRMS just before heading off on my honeymoon around Christmas 2015. I had been experiencing numbness and tingling in my limbs since 2014, I wasn't going to go to the docs about it but my partner made me. Then after a series of tests (took almost a year all together)I was diagnosed,(the lumbar puncture was the deciding test). Since then I have been doing a lot of reading about what defines a relapse. I am not sure if I am currently experiencing a relapse or not, as there are so many vague symptoms that can be classed as a relapse. The left side of my neck has been stiff and painful for over a week and the pain spreads down my left arms to my index finger and thumb. It is a kind of aching pain. My left hand is also feeling a bit weak. I can't remember doing anything strenuous to hurt my neck but I am not sure if this is a relapse or if I am just worrying about nothing. I experience lhermittes from my neck down my spine constantly, this is not painful, just irritating. Could this be related to my neck pain? If so then should I tell my MS nurse? Any advice would be much appreciated. :)
@Stumbler

@merenwen , it is difficult when you're trying to understand these weird feelings within your body. MS is damage caused to your Central Nervous System (CNS). This can cause weakness and sensory symptoms, e.g. burning, itching, numbness, etc., but it shouldn't directly cause physical pain. However, physical pain can be caused indirectly, by our natural compensation for weakness. This can introduce bad practice which can put unnatural pressure on parts of our body. So, yes, do have a word with your MS Nurse about this. See if they will refer you onto a Neuro-physio to check you out. :wink:

@Merenwen

Hi Stumbler and Sandwich, thanks for the advice. :) I will mention it to my nurse. They have not yet talked to me about disease modification treatment as they wanted to monitor it for a while to see how it progresses before prescribing meds. I am keeping a scrap of paper with a few notes but I like your idea of keeping an actual diary. I might have to start doing that. I did indeed make it to my honeymoon as planned, it was great to get away from it all for a week. :)