I recently got diagnosed with another major MS relapse (or attack) depending on your vision of the disease.
This one started very different for me; no pins and needles, no numbness and absolutely no pain.I still had all my strength so it was AMAZING! But then how did I know there was something wrong? Great question.
It all started in my head; and when I say that I chuckle out loud because it's a neurological disease, of course it's in my head. This time though it was headaches, dizziness, blurred vision and knowing my body like I do, I knew it just wasn't right. Then the right side of my face started to show signs of Paralyses. (Not as extreme as my case of Bells Palsy from a few years ago) I could still feel my right side, but it wasn't moving as much as I wanted it too. My speech was impaired, like I had localized freezing in my mouth, and I stumbled over simple words like my name.
When I noticed my writing start to decline and slow that's when I really got worried. My writing turned sloppy, like it hasn't been since early elementary school.
I eventually got myself to the Hospital after some prodding from loved ones and help from my sister.
The Hospital was unprepared for me and my situation. They took me in thinking I had a stroke, then learning my health history relaxed a little. They didn't have a neurologist on staff to look at me, so sent me on my way several hours later after making sure I would visit my own neurologist. (I just so happened to have an appointment the next day)
My neurologist was NOT impressed. He was obviously worried about me. He got me in for an Emergency MRI, and immediately started me on Steroid treatments. He was unimpressed with my mental faculties (apparently I couldn't name parts of a watch, which I think was silly cause my fiance couldn't name them either) but then I noticed other things such as calling a mirror a magnet, or consistently calling one friend the wrong name etc... Oh, and my balance is completely off. I fall over very easily.
The MRI showed 2 new lesions (scars on my brain). So it was very important that we start treatment ASAP.
They started me on liquid steroids at the hospital, then signed me up for home care for 4 more days on an IV drip. Followed by 2 weeks of oral Steroids. I've been staying on my parents' couch while I'm healing up, and the fam's helping me with the pooch. For now I'm not allowed in the Sun so that's awful for the lovely weather we have right now.
The first few days on the drip were fine. Still no pain or numbness, but no increase in mental status. So I was in good spirits, because I wasn't sore. Everything was funnier than it should have been, and I felt good, but by the end of day 3 on the steroid drip the body aches started. Full body, everything seizing, from my fingers and toes, to my back and the inside of my legs and arms, not to mention I'm bloated and so my stomach walls are aching too. I can't sleep or lie down comfortably and by the end of the IV I've already started breaking out.
It's day 2 on the oral steroids and I look like I've been attacked by little tiny bugs. Red marks are all over my body, kinda like mini itchy chicken pox. The aches are worse than ever, but I know the worst part of the recovery process is still to come.
Eventually my skin is going to burn so red hot that anything that touches it is going to feel like a knife blade. (I can't wait for that *eye roll*) But if this helps me get better then it's all worth it!
Powering through with more love and support than I could have ever dreamt of! But not looking forward to the next few days. Hopefully I see some more improvements soon. Today's been the first days that I've been able to write (hopefully I'm writing this well, and haven't imagined that I'm coherent). My speech is a little better today, no idea how my face looks but I don't really care about that. I'd just like to know that my brain is functioning properly. I can relearn how to walk, talk and write, but it's my creativity that I prize!
Thanks for reading! I will update you as my recovery continues.
Lots of Love,
Brandy & Washburn
