Checking in myself

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Okay, so we know I have a UTI, even if it's just slight.  I may or may not be having a flare with it.  But if it's a UTI only, slight or not, it's the first time I've ever had to use my cane during a UTI.  Thursday night, I started having major balance problems, along with spasticity and feeling like I was hit with a truck, as well as normal MS flare symptoms.  Yesterday, the feeling like I was hit by a truck wasn't as bad, but got worse the longer I was up.  By the time we went to bed, I was using the cane again.  Today, it's going to be 95 degrees, and we have a family get together over at my in-law's house.  They don't have enough seating for all of us, so I imagine we'll be spending part of the time outside (cooling vest and bandana ready to go).  I'm taking the cane as a just in case measure - rather I'm using the cane today as a just in case measure, especially once I get hot.  I have no clue what time we are going to get out of there, but I know hubby has already told my in-laws that I'm sick and can't handle much.  The bright spot is hubby's aunt might be there, and hubby's brother and his third wife will be there, and I just adore his wife.  Of course my nephew will be there, possibly with his girlfriend, but as he's 17, almost 18, I can't cuddle him anymore.    My Fiorecet, my flexeril, and my klonopin are in my purse in case I need them.  I was hurting so bad when I got up this morning I had to grit my teeth and take a hot shower (after only about 6 hours of sleep).  It helped my back, but my other symptoms got worse because of it.

This is what's getting me down today, I guess.  This has been a year of firsts, or a somewhat remarkable year for my MS.  The first flare in 14 months in January; a new flare in May - and a UTI right in the middle of it; I've never had to use the cane because of the heat before, yet this year I did; and this is the first time I've had to use the cane because of either a UTI or a flare.

I know the Tysabri won't deal with existing symptoms - but god I'm hoping that it will settle my system down enough so that some damage can heal on its own.  Since I started this antibiotic, some things have gotten better.....but most of the MS symptoms have stayed the same.  Last time I had a UTI after 24 hours on the antibiotic its influence on my symptoms was gone.

TinaSorry, not feeling really great today, just venting.