spasticity meds?

[andreagwolford]

How about treating it the other way? A neuro would definitely recommend a drug and some home care. I'd say focus more on home care, as in, If your symptoms are mild, simply exercising, stretching or massaging your legs, or taking a hot bath may bring relief. Lifestyle changes also may help, especially following a balanced diet and avoiding caffeine, alcohol and cigarette smoking. Iron treatment may be helpful, even when there is no evidence of iron deficiency. Many experts also recommend mentally challenging activities, such as crossword puzzles or video games, to reduce symptoms (perhaps by distraction). Let me know if it helps you out. I seriously don't like going on meds that have tons of side effects and no real hope of treating MS properly.

[Parsi]

Andrea,
I would caution anyone with MS about taking hot baths, especially if they are alone. Heat can bring on weakness. And are you aware that all stretching is not equal? If you do it incorrectly you can make the situation worse?
Those of us who have had MS for a long time know this, but a newbie may not.

[Gabriella7]

Weakness

Yes, Hot baths are out....even warm ones for some of us. The last time I got in my jetted tub was about 6 years ago and even though the water was heavenly....I got so weak I thought I was not going to be able to get out.

Gabriella

[houghchrst]

Study: Inhaled cannabis reduces symptoms in patients with treatment resistant MS

here's an article regarding spasticity and marijuana with a mention of Sativex.

Only registered and activated users can see links., Click Here To Register...

[andreagwolford]

respond

Andrea,
I would caution anyone with MS about taking hot baths, especially if they are alone. Heat can bring on weakness. And are you aware that all stretching is not equal? If you do it incorrectly you can make the situation worse?
Those of us who have had MS for a long time know this, but a newbie may not.

Oh, please excuse me if i'm mistaken but it's just that i keep re-searching about MS all the time because i run a blog especially for MSers and i keep it updated for people to get aware of all the latest news and discoveries. I got to know this from somewhere so i thought of sharing it here as well. Thank you for correcting me. I'll be careful now :)

Well-wisher,
Andrea.G.Wolford

[Cat Dancer]

Thanks to all of you for your suggestions. I've written down all the possible meds, and will discuss them with my doctor. Still haven't gotten the referral I need -- that's on the top of my agenda for the new year. That, and investigating assisted living options, and how that might affect my husband and our income. He is quite capable of staying in our home. I'd hate for him to lose this place on my account...but I'm not able to manage very well anymore....

[agate]

Happy New Year, Cat!

It's too bad you're seeing a need to look at assisted living places. Quite a few people I know are going through this process, and I've been really pleasantly surprised at how nice such a place can be.

Maybe you can make some adjustments in your current situation so you won't have to move though--a hired helper, maybe?

You've been missed here but I'm sure everyone who was here when you were more active--and that is probably most people here now--would agree that you've gone that extra mile for this board.

Hope you'll let your old friends here know how things are going for you though!

[Parsi]

Cat, I'm sad that you are thinking about assisted living. But I see the attraction to the pros versus having another person "under foot" at home even though that person is there to help. It's a tough decision.

[Paola]

I've never heard of what you're taking. But for a long boring reason I won't subject you to, I can no longer take much baclofen. So, I am left with diazepam (Valium) and that does do the trick. I hope you are getting relief.

[Sunshine]

Hope your doc helps. Sometimes they find a non MS cause for problems, e.g. For years I assumed my MS caused my RLS. Then, 5 months ago I started synthroid fir failing thyroid. Within ten days, the RLS disappeared completely! Who knew? Ps nice to see you again Cat. PPS be sure they check your B 12 and MMA levels.

[Virginia]

Cat. hope you get the referral sooner rather than later. It seems to have been a long time. Also, hope that if you are interested you might look into having someone come into your home to help out rather than go to an assisted living just yet. I seem to remember that you are not that old and it might be a long time to have to stay in one. If it can be helped, I hope you try other options first. I was under the impression that you had a totally handicapped accessible house.
However, it has been so long that I might well be mistaken.

Good Luck!

[dagaz]

Hey Meow, Meow... how are you... it's been a long time. Sorry your having more issues... I try to avoid thinking or talking about my MS as it seems to be worse any time I do. I have a prescription for a Walkaide for drop foot. It was developed here in Alberta and seems to help a host of leg issues.. look it up. All it looks like is a monitor on your calf... Bionic.... ;