Hi guys quick question for you - as you know from my post the other day I’ve got the flu and a chest infection which has brought on symptoms. So question I have is that the symptoms are most likely due to inflammation on my brain - is it likely that when the flu and chest infection start going that my brain will go back to normal or is it wise for me to get steroids to help with the inflammation? I know lots of people aren’t keen on steroids and I would normally agree however last time I decided not to take steroids when i was in hospital and went home two days later. 10 days later was rushed back into hospital by ambulance with all sorts of complications and was put on the steroid drip immediately. So is it likely that things will settle down or advisable to get steroids?
Hi Karina,
Infections tend to flare up ms symptoms unfortunately.
If the symptoms are down to the infection then its a case of just taking it easy till you feel better.
On the other hand - do you think the infection is causing you to relapse?
It’s really hard to know the difference. If the symptoms are a flare up of old symptoms then it could be the infection. If you have new symptoms you havent had before it could be a relapse.
I hope this makes sense. If you are concerned then ring your ms nurse if you have one. Thats what they are there for. She will be able to advise you - even if its just to put your mind at ease.
Teresa.x
Hi Karina,
Further to what Teresa has already said, I think if your infections had triggered a genuine relapse, it would be some four to five weeks later: the effect is not instantaneous.
So no, I think it’s probably just the infections, for the moment.
Besides, I don’t think you will be allowed to take steroids if you already have an infection. They tend to suppress the immune system, which could give the infection a chance to gain the upper hand.
So I think, in any event, you will have to wait for the infections to get better, and see what symptoms (if any) you’re still left with.
Tina
Thanks to you both for your advice - I thought that it was a mini relapse due to the current flu and chest infection. The symptoms aren’t new - flare up of the old relapse so hopefully when the flu and chest infection get better so will the symptoms. Well I’m doing everything right plenty of rest, keeping warm and trying to keep my fluid levels up. Antibiotics are making me quite sick though so hard to eat anything. Hopefully in a few days I will feel more normal!
Hi karina Get someone to get you some Indian tonic water with quinine in and sip very slowly. It’s very good for nausea and used to be given to pregnant women to help with morning sickness. It’s also very helpful at alleviating spasticity. I’m a big fan and always have a bottle in the fridge. Catherine Xx
Hey Karina
sorry to hear you’ve got a chest infection.
Going off my own experience everytime I’ve fallen ill I’ve had a reflare of my old symptoms (differing in severity of course), I can almost pin point when I’m going to fall ill as a week before fatigue hits me then I fall ill and then my old symptoms tend to reappear.
The only exception has been when I had whooping cough for 2-3months. It started off like this but then my arms started feeling very heavy a month later and I couldn’t hold them up to brush my hair or dry it for a long period of time I’d have to keep having breaks. I also had my worst spasm round my side. My neuro seemed to put that down as a reflare though I feel a little dubious about that. I have to stay i did recover eventually and have had 2-3 months where I have felt completely normal - that was until my most recent bout of flu and my symptoms are again simmering in the background.
My advice would be to let your neuro know so at least he is aware of the situation you could just send his secretary a brief email, but in the meantime to take it easy and really rest up to avoid it going into a full blown relapse. If the neuro is worried and thinks it is a genuine relapse he’ll call you in anyhow and if he’s happy to sit and wait you’ve got your reassurance. Sometimes the rreflares can feel as bad a as a genuine relapse I have to say.
Get well soon.
Reemz
X
Hi All, This is a subject that I find so confusing is it a relapse, is it a flare up? I know that if it is a new symptom and lasts more than 24 hours it is regarded a relapse, but if it come and goes what is that classed as?
I suppose as one gets used to this ghastly MS we will begin to recognise symptoms and relapses but as a newbie I am finding it so hard! Every little twinge I get makes me over - react.
Karina - hope you begin to feel much better soon and are fighting fit for Xmas
Maxie
Thanks everyone for your advice and well wishes x
Hi Karina.
It all sounds miserable 
I wouldn’t like to advise on your question about whether or not to take steroids - too important to get it right!!! I think the best course is to talk to your neuro.
In my experience, once infections clear up, so too do my MS symptoms, but infections can cause real relapses too so it’s important to get them treated asap.
I hope you feel better very soon!
Karen x
Also had a virus infection 2 weeks ago and old symptoms flared up for a couple of days, now I am worried that I will get a full blown relapse within the next couple of weeks ! is there anyway of telling whether this is going to happen? Left a message with my neuros secretary but she hasnt phoned back so presumably she doesnt think it important to see me.
This is such a waiting game !
There’s no way of telling, but it’s actually pretty unlikely. There’s a risk that it will happen, but it’s far from a certainty.
One of the hardest things about having MS is learning not to worry about what’s around the corner - sure, plan for the major things just in case, but otherwise, deal with it if and when it happens - because more often than not, it doesn’t!
Kx