Treating Relapses, To Treat or Not To Treat?


Treating Relapses: To Treat or Not To Treat?

Last week we discussed what relapses look like, including those pesky pseudo-exacerbations. This week we will be covering how to treat a relapse. The opinion about such treatment, and more importantly, when treatment is necessary, seems to have changed since I was first diagnosed.

Should you Treat?

Last week I mentioned that at the root of all relapses is inflammation, so therefore the goal of treatment of relapses is to reduce inflammation. But what relapses require treatment? That’s a good question. It seems to come down to quality of life and level of impairment caused by the relapse. If you are experiencing mild* symptoms (sensory changes, mild fatigue), then treatment might not be necessary. But if you are experiencing severe symptoms (optic neuritis that impairs vision, severe weakness that interferes with walking), that interfere with your daily life and ability to go about your daily activities, then treatment might be warranted.
This is an interesting change. When I was first diagnosed, and going through my relapses years ago, it seemed like everything was treated, nothing was left to “take it’s course”, like it is today. If this mentality was around back then, or adopted by my doctor, I may not have treated several of my relapses like I did. 

Available Treatments

Once you’ve determined this is a severe relapse, and you do need treatment, there are several options available.
  • Steroid medications. Solu-Medrol (methylprednisolone) is the old standby. This is a 3 to 5 day course of IV steroids usually given in a hospital or infusion center. This medication is so effective because it works to relieve inflammation and it is able to close the blood brain barrier. There are several other types of corticosteroids used during an MS relapse including dexamethazone, prednisone, betamethasone and prednisolone. I’ve had Solu-Medrol three different times and my reaction to it was always the same, it totally wiped me out. I never got the crazy energy, or Hulk like emotions that some people experience. I got quite the opposite, which some people do feel, although not as common.
  • Acthar Gel. Acthar Gel is a treatment in injectable form that is a purified preparation of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). ACTH stimulates the adrenal cortex gland to secrete cortisol, corticosterone and aldosterone. With Acthar Gel, ACTH is delivered in a extended release formula. It is given once a day for 2 to 3 weeks and is injected into the muscle or under the skin. It is then absorbed slowly into the bloodstream. This works a little differently then steroid medication by helping the body to produce it’s on steroid hormones that reduce inflammation. This is an alternative option for people that have trouble tolerating corticosteroid medication and their side effects.
  • Plasmapheresis. In layman’s terms, plasma exchange. This is a treatment option for people whose relapse and symptoms do not respond to steroid treatment. It is a difficult process that includes several steps. 1. Blood is taken from the person. 2. Plasma is removed from the blood and replaced. 3. Blood is transfused back into the person. This is been a successful treatment for other autoimmune disease is because it removes antibodies from the blood, but is only considered as a last resort for treatment of MS relapse is at this time. It is also not approved by the FDA as a treatment specifically for an MS relapse.
  • Intervaneous Immunoglobulin (IVIG). This is another treatment that is only used in situations where other treatments have failed. This treatment uses human immunoglobulin, an antibody from healthy individuals, as an injection to help boost the immune response. This is also not an FDA approved treatment for MS relapses.

Long Term Effects

The jury seems to be still out on whether or not treating a relapse will 1, improve the relapse symptoms faster and 2, slow overall progression of the disease. In theory, you would think that treating a relapse with inflammation blasting steroids would improve both the length of the relapse and your overall disease progression. But it might not work like that (how unfortunate). So it’s up to us as patients to decide how we want to proceed when a relapse strikes.
How have you handled your relapses? Have you treated all of them, or have you left some to resolve on their own? Let me know!
*A quick note about mild symptoms. I really hate the term mild symptoms. In my opinion, and experience, even the “mild” symptoms they speak of are quick obnoxious and can interfere with quality of life. When my leg is burning or numb, it doesn’t feel mild, even though doctors consider it mild! 
 
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I’M ALISSA!

I help women who have also been diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis make specific and personalized diet, lifestyle & subconscious changes so that they can begin to heal their body, reduce disease symptoms, and return to a life they love.hey there,

follow along on Instagram:

My reality has changed a whole bunch over the years.

I started out with only a few symptoms. But I could get through the day.

Until all of a sudden I couldn’t.

All within a few years I went from “fine” to:
Having horrible symptoms, had 3 relapses and found myself with “aggressive MS”

This was not ok with me.

Eventually, I took my life into my own hands and rethought how I did most things.
I realized I had to make some changes, or else idk what else was gonna happen to me.

So I did.

I changed my diet.
I changed how I worked out.
I changed my job in the name of stress management.

This is just the tip of the iceberg.

If you want this transformation for you too (I know it’s possible) I’m launching my signature course: Holistically Healing MS in a few weeks. 

This is the course you need to get started on this path for yourself.

Only the waitlist is gonna get the pre sale price… 
Comment WAITLIST below and I’ll add you to it!!

My reality has changed a whole bunch over the years.

I started out with only a few symptoms. But I could get through the day.

Until all of a sudden I couldn’t.

All within a few years I went from “fine” to:
Having horrible symptoms, had 3 relapses and found myself with “aggressive MS”

This was not ok with me.

Eventually, I took my life into my own hands and rethought how I did most things.
I realized I had to make some changes, or else idk what else was gonna happen to me.

So I did.

I changed my diet.
I changed how I worked out.
I changed my job in the name of stress management.

This is just the tip of the iceberg.

If you want this transformation for you too (I know it’s possible) I’m launching my signature course: Holistically Healing MS in a few weeks.

This is the course you need to get started on this path for yourself.

Only the waitlist is gonna get the pre sale price…
Comment WAITLIST below and I’ll add you to it!!
...

43 8
This is the reality I lived, I want you to experience it too.

No, this is not a quick fix.
No, these results wont happen overnight.
No, this won’t cure you.

BUT-

Yes, you can have your life back.
Yes, you can feel better than you do right now.
Yes, your current reality doesn’t have to be a forever reality.

My success years ago was all thanks to the diet changes and the work I put in to know exactly how to eat to support MY body and MS at the same time. 

Yes it took a few months, but what it gave me back was my life- and that’s priceless. 

I’m spilling all the beans on what this process looks like and how to do it in my upcoming Masterclass:
5 Secrets To Creating Your Own MS Diet. 

Comment CLASS below and I’ll send you the link to sign up!!

This is the reality I lived, I want you to experience it too.

No, this is not a quick fix.
No, these results wont happen overnight.
No, this won’t cure you.

BUT-

Yes, you can have your life back.
Yes, you can feel better than you do right now.
Yes, your current reality doesn’t have to be a forever reality.

My success years ago was all thanks to the diet changes and the work I put in to know exactly how to eat to support MY body and MS at the same time.

Yes it took a few months, but what it gave me back was my life- and that’s priceless.

I’m spilling all the beans on what this process looks like and how to do it in my upcoming Masterclass:
5 Secrets To Creating Your Own MS Diet.

Comment CLASS below and I’ll send you the link to sign up!!
...

13 5
This is my vision for the masterclass I’m hosting next Monday.

I want this to be an interactive experience where you learn how to best take care of yourself and MS symptoms through the food you’re eating.

Instead of:
- feeling hesitation and confusion around what foods are best for MS
- not making changes because you’re afraid you’ll do it wrong 
- saying no again to going out to eat with friends 

Find the freedom and confidence you’ve been looking for.

Comment CLASS below and I’ll send you the link to sign up!!

This is my vision for the masterclass I’m hosting next Monday.

I want this to be an interactive experience where you learn how to best take care of yourself and MS symptoms through the food you’re eating.

Instead of:
- feeling hesitation and confusion around what foods are best for MS
- not making changes because you’re afraid you’ll do it wrong
- saying no again to going out to eat with friends

Find the freedom and confidence you’ve been looking for.

Comment CLASS below and I’ll send you the link to sign up!!
...

11 3
Do any of those hit home? 
 If yes… comment MASTERCLASS below.. I got you

Do any of those hit home?
If yes… comment MASTERCLASS below.. I got you
...

14 3
I get asked this question about different foods at least once a week.

Are potatoes with olive oil ok?
Are tomatoes ok even though Tom Brady doesn’t eat them?
What about grains?

It’s all gonna get the same answer from me….

Sure there are foods with nutrient profiles that match the needs of MS, ✨BUT✨if you don’t tolerate them or feel good eating them, they’re not for you.

I’m hosting a Masterclass next week all about this.

⭐️5 Steps to Creating Your Own MS Diet⭐️

You’ll walk away with:

✨Confidence you’re moving in the right direction regarding changing your diet. You’ll know where to start, how to troubleshoot when you “fall off the wagon” and how to find what works for you. 

No more feeling like:
- you have to start AGAIN on Monday..
- you can’t go out to eat with your friends..
- you’re at the mercy of the few foods you tolerate..

Come join me to learn the balanced way out of all or nothing food land.

Comment MASTERCLASS below and I’ll send you the link to sign up!!

I get asked this question about different foods at least once a week.

Are potatoes with olive oil ok?
Are tomatoes ok even though Tom Brady doesn’t eat them?
What about grains?

It’s all gonna get the same answer from me….

Sure there are foods with nutrient profiles that match the needs of MS, ✨BUT✨if you don’t tolerate them or feel good eating them, they’re not for you.

I’m hosting a Masterclass next week all about this.

⭐️5 Steps to Creating Your Own MS Diet⭐️

You’ll walk away with:

✨Confidence you’re moving in the right direction regarding changing your diet. You’ll know where to start, how to troubleshoot when you “fall off the wagon” and how to find what works for you.

No more feeling like:
- you have to start AGAIN on Monday..
- you can’t go out to eat with your friends..
- you’re at the mercy of the few foods you tolerate..

Come join me to learn the balanced way out of all or nothing food land.

Comment MASTERCLASS below and I’ll send you the link to sign up!!
...

14 2
My mom will confirm, this was me HARD as a kid.

I used to hate all forms of vegetables, just cause they were vegetables. Whether or not I had tried them was irrelevant, I hated them all the same.

Now, I’m not saying this to blame myself for anything, I’m more saying this as a message of solidarity and that it’s never too late to change.

But I also understand that process is hard!! 
Sometimes getting support can help you move forward.

If you:
- are wanting to change your diet to help MS symptoms but aren’t sure where and how to start
- feel frustrated when you do make changes because you can’t stick to them
- have already been eating super strict and can’t seem to add more foods back to your diet

My Masterclass the 5 Secrets to Creating your Own MS Diet is for you!!

Comment MASTERCLASS below and I’ll send you the link to sign up!!

My mom will confirm, this was me HARD as a kid.

I used to hate all forms of vegetables, just cause they were vegetables. Whether or not I had tried them was irrelevant, I hated them all the same.

Now, I’m not saying this to blame myself for anything, I’m more saying this as a message of solidarity and that it’s never too late to change.

But I also understand that process is hard!!
Sometimes getting support can help you move forward.

If you:
- are wanting to change your diet to help MS symptoms but aren’t sure where and how to start
- feel frustrated when you do make changes because you can’t stick to them
- have already been eating super strict and can’t seem to add more foods back to your diet

My Masterclass the 5 Secrets to Creating your Own MS Diet is for you!!

Comment MASTERCLASS below and I’ll send you the link to sign up!!
...

15 1
It’s been a week for me… maybe you too?

Use this short video for a moment of peace and regulation.

What do you notice in your body and about your emotions when you exhale and drop your shoulders?

Or when you hear bird songs?

Notice what makes you feel more calm, relaxed and at peace. 
Do more of that..

It’s been a week for me… maybe you too?

Use this short video for a moment of peace and regulation.

What do you notice in your body and about your emotions when you exhale and drop your shoulders?

Or when you hear bird songs?

Notice what makes you feel more calm, relaxed and at peace.
Do more of that..
...

12 4
I get it… I was once in paralysis by analysis for years!!

I’m creating a Masterclass/Workshop experience in August to cover this exact topic: what and how to eat for MS. 

BUT!! I need your help to narrow down what we’ll be talking about.

Which of these options sounds most helpful?
Comment the number below!!

Workshop ideas: 

1. Simple Nutrition for MS: what you need to know about eating for healing 

2. Create Your Own MS Diet: How to know what is best for YOU, while also helping MS symptoms

3. Education into Action: How to put the knowledge you have into action steps that make progress

4. Blend of it All: Education, steps to finding your own MS diet and how to get started

Want something else?? Tell me 👇🏼👇🏼

I get it… I was once in paralysis by analysis for years!!

I’m creating a Masterclass/Workshop experience in August to cover this exact topic: what and how to eat for MS.

BUT!! I need your help to narrow down what we’ll be talking about.

Which of these options sounds most helpful?
Comment the number below!!

Workshop ideas:

1. Simple Nutrition for MS: what you need to know about eating for healing

2. Create Your Own MS Diet: How to know what is best for YOU, while also helping MS symptoms

3. Education into Action: How to put the knowledge you have into action steps that make progress

4. Blend of it All: Education, steps to finding your own MS diet and how to get started

Want something else?? Tell me 👇🏼👇🏼
...

7 3
FYI- This process took several YEARS for me . So please stop beating yourself up if you’re not here yet.

Tbh- I needed to go through the scared, intimidated, rebellious no way before I got to the heck yes.

It took me being at rock bottom, symptoms out of control and knowing I needed something else.

So I didn’t really “do anything” to be ready. 
I just was when I was.

If you’re feeling ready to make diet changes to help your MS symptoms, I created an Eating for MS guide just for you! 

Your guide includes:
- The best foods to be eating when you have MS
- Several ways to get started
- Fast and easy meal ideas
- And so much more!!

Comment GUIDE below and I’ll send you the link to download!

FYI- This process took several YEARS for me . So please stop beating yourself up if you’re not here yet.

Tbh- I needed to go through the scared, intimidated, rebellious no way before I got to the heck yes.

It took me being at rock bottom, symptoms out of control and knowing I needed something else.

So I didn’t really “do anything” to be ready.
I just was when I was.

If you’re feeling ready to make diet changes to help your MS symptoms, I created an Eating for MS guide just for you!

Your guide includes:
- The best foods to be eating when you have MS
- Several ways to get started
- Fast and easy meal ideas
- And so much more!!

Comment GUIDE below and I’ll send you the link to download!
...

15 7
I get it- it’s really easy to shame yourself into changing something, especially your diet/the foods you eat. And especially when we feel there are other things we “should be doing” because we know “it’s better for us”.

But that is NOT my wish for you.

Hi 👋🏼 my name is Alissa and we do things differently around here.

My goal is to empower you with the knowledge and tools necessary to make informed decisions about your dietary choices, tailored to your unique MS needs and preferences.

This is why I wrote my Eating for MS Guide the way I did.
I did not give you foods to fear or messages of ONLY EAT THIS FOOD FOREVER OR ELSE.

I’m giving you the tools to be confident in the choices you’re making, because you know it works for YOU. Not because you “should” do it this or that way.

If you’ve been wanting: 
- to eat in a way that supports your body with MS, but are confused about all the different messages online
- to feel empowered about your choices, not shamed
- to do it all in a gentle, slow way, not a crash diet..

My guide is for you!!
Comment GUIDE below and I’ll send you the link to download!!

I get it- it’s really easy to shame yourself into changing something, especially your diet/the foods you eat. And especially when we feel there are other things we “should be doing” because we know “it’s better for us”.

But that is NOT my wish for you.

Hi 👋🏼 my name is Alissa and we do things differently around here.

My goal is to empower you with the knowledge and tools necessary to make informed decisions about your dietary choices, tailored to your unique MS needs and preferences.

This is why I wrote my Eating for MS Guide the way I did.
I did not give you foods to fear or messages of ONLY EAT THIS FOOD FOREVER OR ELSE.

I’m giving you the tools to be confident in the choices you’re making, because you know it works for YOU. Not because you “should” do it this or that way.

If you’ve been wanting:
- to eat in a way that supports your body with MS, but are confused about all the different messages online
- to feel empowered about your choices, not shamed
- to do it all in a gentle, slow way, not a crash diet..

My guide is for you!!
Comment GUIDE below and I’ll send you the link to download!!
...

7 2
Or for when you’re trying to talk yourself out of being sick.. 🙋🏻‍♀️🙋🏻‍♀️😂😂

Even if you feel fine, try saying a few of these out loud. Feel what happens to your body when you do.

Do you feel an expansion or lightness in your chest?
Does breathing get a little easier?
Just notice the shifts in your body.

I’m not saying we can talk ourselves out of it (illness, flares etc) … but… our body and cells respond to our thoughts.

So how we think about ourselves is definitely in the conversation of how we can take care of ourselves overall. 
🧡🧡🧡

Or for when you’re trying to talk yourself out of being sick.. 🙋🏻‍♀️🙋🏻‍♀️😂😂

Even if you feel fine, try saying a few of these out loud. Feel what happens to your body when you do.

Do you feel an expansion or lightness in your chest?
Does breathing get a little easier?
Just notice the shifts in your body.

I’m not saying we can talk ourselves out of it (illness, flares etc) … but… our body and cells respond to our thoughts.

So how we think about ourselves is definitely in the conversation of how we can take care of ourselves overall.
🧡🧡🧡
...

39 4

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