Is this normal?

[ab1020]

Hi:
I was just diagnosed with ms (10 days ago), after a flare up that involved numb feet/legs, and walking/balance difficulties. I was hospitalized and given 5 days off 1000mg prednisone. Thus helped alot, improved walking greatly etc. Here is a little background before I ask my question. This past Wednesday I was doing great. Walking almost perfectly etc. Thursday I was a little worse, friday a little worse, and Saturday I was awful. Really having alot of walking problems etc. The following day (yesterday), I was much better, but still not nearly as good as I had been on Wednesday. Today I am a little worse than yesterday, but not terrible.

Now, here's my question. Is this normal? Do things get better, then maybe worse, better etc? It's it okay for a little worsening while on the road to improvement? I don't want to call my doctor with every single concern, but I also don't want to not mention something that may be important. I Ann so new to this, I am scared, and confused. I figured people here would know, and understand my concerns. Your help is really appreciated.

Thanks so much!

[mjan]

First of all, Welcome to MS World and glad you found us. Sorry for your diagnosis and what you are going through. I can understand how scary and uncertain you may be feeling.

I wonder if you are on a Oral prednisone taper? (steriods)

But I would call your doctor's office and leave a message with his triage RN. That is their job to figure out what needs to be addressed and how.

I had PT following my first IV Solumedrol inpatient stay for a month to get my walking back. I remember feeling worse than better at first and that it is not that uncommon. But still...no one told me that!

So please call them so you can be reassured.
And come here anytime to ask, vent or give us updates on how you are doing, okay?

HUGS~ {{{{ ab1020 }}}}

Jan

[tortis]

Hi, Because this is all so new to you I think if I was you I would call your neurologist just to get some peace of mind if nothing else. I would also ask them when you should call as I have found most doctors are not the same. I hope you start feeling better soon. PEACE
Tortis

[CaroleL]

Hello and Welcome ab1020!

Its normal to be scared and confused so don't feel bad. Finding out you have MS is a total shocker and we understand. You've come to the right place.

MS causes so many symptoms, and yes, they come and go. I have months when I feel really bad, then it calms down and things are a "new" normal. Some symptoms go away and I never know for how long.

This is all new to you so I'm sure your doctor will understand your concern about symptoms.

Don't be shy to post any questions or concerns, were all here to help and support each other. If you read through the forums, you'll become more familiar with MS and how people learn to live with its many aspects.

Wishing you well!

[ab1020]

Hi:
Thanks so much for all your replies. I'm sorry to have met you under these circumstances

I called and spoke to the rn at the doctor's office. She didn't seem very concerned, but assured me she would speak to the doctor, and call me back tomorrow.

Hopefully all is well with me, and with all of you.

Thanks again!

[Mable]

I gotta tell you, when I was diagnosed, I called my doctor's office almost every day, before opening, and left long messages. I was sure my salivary glands had become paralyzed (true, I had stopped eating and drinking for a week). Every little thing required I call the neurologist's office. I was such a wreck!

My doctor labeled me a "high educational need" case and set aside an hour to just talk MS with me. He then put me in the hospital for steroids and had every kind of specialist come check me out. I had swallow tests, x-rays, and (as you might guess) a visit from the psychiatrist. The steroids made me start eating again and stopped my exacerbation.

I eventually calmed down, sort of. I love my neurologist.

My point is that it's okay to make this episode of your life all about you. It's certainly the most difficult thing I ever faced. Use all the support that's out there for you. Don't worry if you're bugging people. If they don't like it, they should have taken up different professions.