No Dx...but are anti-inflammatories ever used to treat MS symptoms?

[JenLee]

I do not have a dx yet. Originally the theory was osteoarthritis or some other problem with my spine. I was put initially on Gabapentin but had a very bad reaction to the medication so the Dr. switched me to an anti-inflammatory (Meloxicam). Gabapentin helped quite a bit, Meloxicam not so much. The Orthopedic surgeon I was referred to said that I have a slight bulging disk but that it in no way accounts for my symptoms and has recommended that I go to a neurologist to be evaluated for MS. (My father has MS.) Anyway...I do not know if I should stay on the Meloxicam.

So my question is...are some symptoms of MS ever treated with an anti-inflammatory?

My symptoms are various forms of pain, burning, numbness, tingling, pins & needles, itchiness & hypersensitive skin. (plus memory issues).

I'm not asking for advice on whether or not to take the Meloxicam...just...is it ever used to treat symptoms of MS? I can't get in to see my PCP for a month, probably, and am just trying to figure out what to do in the meantime.

Thanks for your help.

[JerryD]

It seems that you already know about MS and its craziness. Does your father see an MS specialist? You should ask this question of the neuro. The answer to your question, IMO, is take the advice of your doctor. I believe that IVSM, solumedrol, is used quite a bit, because of its inflammation reduction properties. But your doctor must weigh the risks to the benefits.
IMO, I wouldn't just rely on pharmaceuticals to reduce inflammation. I also pay attention to my diet and so forth. You are smart to try to control the inflammation in your body. Do whatever you can to reduce it and its causes in your life. good luck

[JenLee]

Sx worse without anti-inflammatory

Ty, JerryD (?), for your response. My father, who has MS, has completely different symptoms, so he hasn't been able to provide too many insights other than suggest that I see a neurologist...which I've been trying to do for 4 months.

I've been off the Meloxicam (anti-inflammatory) for 4 days and the symptoms are noticeably worse (pain, etc.) today. I stopped taking it partially due to concerns about the side effects (destroys the lining of your stomach, apparently) and also wanted to see whether or not it was actually helping or not. I'm hopefully going to be referred to a neurologist in the next week or so and wanted to have the effectiveness (or not) of the anti-inflammatory as another "data point".

I appears that the Meloxicam was helping more than I'd realized. I think I'll start taking it again as the pain is getting out of hand. Today I feel like I have shards of glass embedded in my muscles and with every movement there is the feeling many, many sharp cuts in the muscle tissues. Either that or the fire ants that used to bite my skin have moved into the muscles. Ugh. Very annoying.

[SNOOPY]

Hi JenLee,

I use Meloxicam for osteoarthritis.

Meloxicam has not been helpful for any symptoms related to my MS.