Hello all! I was diagnosed in July of 2012. I have a question about when you have relapses. I see a MS specialist who tells me to always go to the hospital if I think I may be having a relapse. I understand that they can give me steroids to speed up the relapse to the end but other than that why would it matter for me to go to the hospital? It isn't always practical for me to go to the hospital due to responsibilities. I guess I just want to know, how important is it? Isn't it basically… read more
I think it just varies, because I have what they call pseudo relapses, which isn't an actual relapse. Then I have had relapses where I couldn't get out of the bath tub and had to call the paramedics to come get me( talk about humbling yourself). Once again I think it just varies on severe the relapse is.
I understand LeLee. I do have a wonderful neurologist, but he is 2+ hours from my home. I am still waiting on my Medicare to kick in since I have to draw social security for 24 months before I qualify for it. My life's savings were essentially used during the year out of work before social security was approved, and since then because my insurance company cancelled on me. No one around here will give you insurance with MS as a diagnosis. My doctors have worked with me in every way possible, especially Dr Hunter. I try to only see a doctor every 3 months for labs and assessment unless I have a bad episode. I stay on my Betaseron, and pray God will take care of me, and He has. I will continue making the long trip to see my neuro because I trust him and his office staff. They all act like they care for us. There is another MS specialist about 45 mins from here, but I was very sick for months while waiting to get in with either one, and mine called first. I am so happy that he did. Good luck with your search.
Betty, that Is what I do as well, and when its time for my appointment I write down the symtoms the date they started and how long they lasted and print them out. Although I am in the process of finding a new neurologist, which is next to impossible, especially without a referral, which I have been waiting on since April along with some 02 for night use, because my 02 sats drop in the low 80s while I am sleeping. The neurologist I currently see is the only neurologist in my county. He blames his staff and his staff blames him. I believe his dosnt want to lose my money. It seems its all about money these days. But come Tuesday I am making a visit to the office and we are going to have a meeting with him and his staff, they are not aware, but I am laying it on the table. My condition is worsening and I need someone that is proactive for me. My PCP has done more for me than my neurologist has and that is sad, very sad.
There are a few people I think, who have life threatening breathing issues and or seizures. You need a hospital for any of that. My doctor told me if it is not blindness or severe fall or something serious, wait a couple of days to see if it is temporary. It also helps me to keep a journal to write down symptoms to discuss with my Doc when I go in.
I guess it depends on the severity of the relapse. You don't want to wait if the symptoms are really bad! If you have questions you could always call your doctor and describe your symptoms. Then ask if they want you to go to the hospital or not.