Relapse...

By lizzyg

2 min read

I was diagnosed with MS in 2005 when I was 19 years old and I am now 26. It was a major life change. All of my dreams of becoming a heart surgeon were crushed when I developed trembling and numbness in my hands. Now, I am a Medical Assistant and my goal is to become a Registered Nurse. It's rough some days but I have a good supprt team that keeps me going.

My everyday symptoms are fatigue, legally blind in my right eye (optic atrophy), numbness/tingling in my fingertips, headaches... That's all that I can think of right now!

I take Avonex.

I am currently undergoing a relapse. In some ways I am happy and in other ways I am saddened. I am happy because I haven't had a relapse in 2 years but saddened that I am having a flare up. It is a BAD flare up. I have been off work for 2 weeks. I have numbess and tingling in my hands and legs- have to walk with a arm cane in the house and a cane if I have to leave the house. I have pain that goes from my kneecaps to my ankles, partial vision loss in my left eye- very scary when your at the store, your mom calls your name, and you can't tell where she is at, and "foggy brained". Whew!

If that isn't enough I have increased fatigue and a headache that comes and goes. I had a tough time getting my new medication- Acthar Gel to stop the relapse. But I started it today and I have 4 more days of injections. I hope this works! I'm ready to get back to my normal routine.

One thing I recommend to everyone is to not push your symptoms to the side. If you notice something that isn't in your usual MS symptoms then call your doctor! On my last day of work, people thought I was joking when I asked them to push me around in a wheelchair. They laughed it off but I was being serious. It hurted so bad to walk but it is slowly getting better!

I hope the best for everyone with MS and their loved ones- fight the fight!!

-Elizabeth

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Lisa Emrich Moderator & Contributor
Elizabeth, I'm sorry to hear that you are in the middle of a bad relapse. Two years without a relapse is pretty awesome but it doesn't make it any easier when another one arises. I hope that the Acthar Gel is working for you and that you are able to get back to work soon. I also hope that your vision returns to your normal. I remember when I was blind in one eye for several months before I was diagnosed. It was scary and very disorienting. Good luck, Lisa
Laura Kolaczkowski Moderator & Contributor
Elizabeth, realigning goals to fit this disease is so hard yet important to do. I am glad you are still pursuing a career in the medical field - I have a feeling you will be a compassionate carer, no matter what capacity. Feel better, Laura
lizzyg Member
Lisa, thank you for your reply! This is my third day of feeling better!! I'm not using the canes anymore! My vision in my left eye comes and goes. I am going to try to return to work tomorrow. I shall see how that goes! Laura, thank you as well! My goal is to become a RN. I love helping others.
smyork66 Member
Elizabeth I am so sorry that you are going through a relapse, I was just told that I am going through a relapse to. It is very discouraging when you are in relapse. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
1. lizzyg Member
 Stacy, I hope you are doing well! I am glad to say that my relapse is over but the after effects wasn't good. I am now legally blind and trying to adapt to this has been difficult. I hope your relapse has settled! You are in my thoughts and prayers as well.
toshalee Member
Hi Elizabeth, I'm sorry to hear about your struggles. I too, was diagnosed young at 22, and am 29 today. I chose not to use any of the drug therapies, for fear of it effecting my ability to have children. I take the holisitic approach, and medicate through diet, exercise and do my best at meditating to keep stress levels low. It sounds like my case is more mild than yours, but I would still recommend a book to you called "Overcoming Multiple Sclerosis" by Dr. Javenek. It's a great book and might give you some new things to try out, in addition to your medication. I wish all the best! Tosha
1. lizzyg Member
 Tosha thanks for the information! Reading the side effects of MS medication and what it can do to a unborn child is scary. I don't blame for not being on a MS med. It seems as though you are doing good with your current treatment. I have started back exercising and changing my diet!! Thanks for telling me about the book, I will get it!