Pseudo-Relapse. Rebound MS Symptoms, right on time for the Holidays.

Great timing!

Oh, bother. Perhaps you can recall from my blog about the massive relapse of July 2019-  Symptoms began in my right ear.

Looking back at my track record with MS, it has been normal for me to have a resurgence of symptoms and disease activity 4-5 months after big relapses, like aftershock of my own little earthquakes.

That would be about now, and last night I ended up back in the Emergency Room due to more sensitivity in my ears, as well as bladder problems. Embarrassing, yes, but it is what it is, and unfortunately it's just a part of it.

Guess what?!
The on-call neurologist happened to be one of the neurologists who followed my episode during the summer!

Not only did she remember me, she even asked about my crested gecko, Leroy! This made me feel very trusting of her, as I know she truly listens to patients if she can remember my beloved pet that was briefly mentioned, 5 months ago.

As usual, I was poked and prodded. Did all sorts of neurological testing, had blood drawn, and an IV inserted. Due to fragile veins from vascular Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, my first IV site blew out, and I had to have another IV cannula placed.

Assessments were thorough during this entire E.R. visit. It almost felt a little surreal when the neurology resident came to see me, and had already read my chart!

PRO TIP:

If your skin is also very fragile, and ripping off the tegaderm (clear bandage used on IV sites) tears your skin...

Ask for a "Remove Wipe" and rub this on the  edges of the bandage to lift it off easily. Also use these for cleaning up leftover residue on the skin.

If these are not available, request alcohol wipes.
They both will help you remove bandages gently!

So what did the hospital say?

After 6 hours in the hospital it was determined I may be having a "Pseudo Relapse" brought on by a very mild infection. My nervous system went totally haywire this past week, causing many symptoms to flare up.

This is a very clear reminder of how careful I truly have to be. Even getting a common cold or sinus infection is enough to send my immune system rampaging, and attacking my brain.

The neurologist was then stuck with deciding whether I jump on starting IV steroids to slow potential disease activity, or take antibiotics to deal with the infection, and risk getting worse.

Meds are always quite a conundrum. We had to consider how the steroids would  suppress my immune system further, which could allow infection to flourish, intensifying symptoms even more. On the other hand we had to remember how I went from having initial hearing issues, to being admitted to the hospital and rapidly declining, very quickly. This was after not getting the steroids I needed at the time.
Tough call.

Vancouver General really is an excellent hospital, and I was very impressed with how quickly they were acting. I do not waste time with going to any other hospitals when dealing with neurological symptoms anymore.

---

The plan is a week of antibiotics, while we cross our fingers.
Hoping it's not actually the beginning of something more serious, but I feel like I'm in good hands if anything does go wrong.

---

I'll be laying even more low over the holidays. Tomorrow I head to Victoria to spend time with family, and will post updates if there are any changes. On the brighter side of things, Christmas is always an extra special time for me. December 25th, 2010 I experienced a Christmas miracle!
After 2 months of my entire right arm being paralyzed, I woke up and was able to move it again. So even though I am dealing with a lot of challenges right now, I'm counting my blessings and feeling very grateful.

Thank you to those who have reached out and wished me well, I appreciate you all so much and am sure I'll be okay no matter what happens.

Wishing you a Merry Christmas!
♥

PS. This is always one of my biggest highlights of the holidays.

Christmas lunch with ALL THE CHEESE!!!!
I avoid having too much dairy usually, as it increases inflammation, but it's no holds barred this one day of the year.  No gluten as usual, though. We don't want any more hospital trips this year!