The relapse I had in the spring of 2006 was my second debilitating experience. The double vision episode the year before was my first journey into the belly of the beast that is MS. In June of 2006, after changing medical treatment and finding a caring, aggressive neurologist, I had my first steroid therapy. During this time I was experiencing bad vertigo, “buzzing” that made my whole head feel like it was vibrating, swallowing difficulties, the MS “hug” or severe tightening around my upper torso, exhaustion, and left leg weakness that made me walk like a duck. I had a bladder infection— common for MSers with bladder problems— and towards the end of the attack, facial numbness. I was a wreck.
The first steroid experience was a bit unsettling. I didn’t know what to expect. My nerves were shot to begin with, since I didn’t know how long the attack would last. The steroids made me so sleepless and miserable. I would lie awake and hope for sleep. I tried Ambien CR and Lunesta, but they lost their effectiveness after a night or two. Finally, my neurologist prescribed Klonopin, a multi-use medication. This was fantastic. It knocked me out and kept me asleep. I wish I had known about it when I first started the steroids.
I finally emerged from the 2006 attack in July. I started talking to a social worker who helped me sort out all of my emotions. This helped (and still helps) me tremendously. Many of my symptoms went into remission and I was able to cut my medication list down to two things. I took Betaseron injections for the multiple sclerosis and I believe they really helped me. From that 2006 attack until my recent 2008 attack, I had been in pretty good shape physically. I was careful not to overdo it, until the spring of 2008.
I began to work outside of the home, again at a local library. I was so happy to be out, but I did work that was way too physically demanding, and the temperature of the library was usually quite warm. This job lasted for about 4 months, until I couldn’t deny that I was having another relapse. Again I was forced to stop working. I have to say that this relapse was a little less frightening than the last time, probably because the Betaseron had “watered down” the attack. Most of my previous symptoms came back, especially the weak limbs and the exhaustion. But they were less intense. I also was armed with coping techniques that I didn’t have in 2006. All in all, the MS attack of 2008 was a little less disturbing.
I am now, again, emerging from the attack, and this time some of my symptoms have not gone away. I believe I am more tired and tingly than before, and my left leg still feels, at times, like a lead pipe. I suppose I have to renegotiate my path and tread forward, but I am better equipped today than I was 2 years ago.
