When do you go to the hospital?

[SpottedCat]

Ironically, the title reminds me of the question expecting mother’s ask and I did just have a baby. - but what I want to ask since any MS treatment has been delayed several times (by insurance, logistics, and a particular medical group that has the monopoly over the local system) at what point would you just go to the emergency room?

I haven’t been in the hospital except for scheduled treatment since my DX in 2016. At what point would you think it was worth it to go beg for steroids? My one hand is going numb and started cramping up sometimes. Migraines have started. I don’t want to get as immobile and incompetent as I was a few years ago with my last newborn. I have 2 kids now- I need to be awake and functional

[pennstater]

Hi SpottedCat.

Congrats on your baby! I am sure you have your hands full. It isn't all that uncommon to have a relapse after having a baby. From your post, I take it you don't have a Neurologist and aren't on any DMT to prevent relapses? Sorry to hear you have had a difficult time since diagnosis.

I am not sure how much relief you would get at an ER. Treating guidelines for sensory symptoms have changed over time and steroids may not be prescribed for these types of symptoms. They may just let it resolve on its own. Many neurologists reserve steroids for severe relapses, ones that affect vision and mobility (weakness, paralysis) as examples. You could try, but just be prepared you may be disappointed.

This link explains it a little more:
https://www.nationalmssociety.org/Tr...aging-Relapses

Sometimes fatigue can worsen our symptoms too and I am sure with a young child and a newborn, you must be exhausted!

Can you see whomever you saw when you had a relapse following your firstborn's birth? Maybe knowing your history, it may help treatment plan wise.

Whatever to choose to do, I hope you get relief soon. Please let us know how you are doing.

[SpottedCat]

I have a ms Specialist Neurologist but they are 2 hours away from my city. They tried to get me some meds right after delivery of baby but the hospital despite saying “yes” a month, weeks, and even just two days before both procrastinated and ultimately refused to administer the drugs.

my last baby brought on a severe symptoms like you describe. I really don’t want to end up that way again

[palmtree]

I think you should go to ER if you feel you can’t function without steroids. I’ve been in ER countless times since I got diagnosed. They always rule out MS flares but they have given be steroids when I’m not doing so well.

We are entitled to emergency care just as much as anyone. I hope the hospital near you has knowledgeable doctors. That makes such a difference.

[agate]

I would avoid going to the ER or to urgent care if at all possible. The waits can be really long, and just waiting around can be tiring and uncomfortable. With some MS problems, it helps to have a bathroom accessible and nearby. Not always the way it is in hospitals. And you might find that the ER doesn't happen to have the type of medical provider you need at the time--and you'll just get sent home and told to come back on another day.

This happened to me with a wrist fracture. I went to one ER, waited an hour where I was very cold and shivering, finally left and took a taxi to another hospital's ER, where they put my arm in a sling and told me to come back the next day because there was no orthopedist around to set the fracture.

You just have to wait and wait, and wait some more in ERs. Four hours may be the minimum these days. If you can tough it out on your own at home and maybe consult Dr. Internet, whatever problem you're having just might go away on its own or get more bearable.

I had good luck after a fall recently when I called some dial-a-doctor number and got good advice.