It Really Might be a Bladder Infection, Not an MS Relapse

No matter how much I research MS, write about MS, and talk about MS as well as other health issues, I can still mis-read my own body signals and fail to go with the obvious.  I am not a medical expert, but a fellow patient learning to live with this disease as best I can.

I’m not sure how many times a community member has come online to ask advice about a possible relapse.  I usually tell them about pseudoexacerbations that can be caused by heat sensitivity or infection.  And, I always suggest that they call their neurologist.  I should listen to my own advice.

In my own case, I had initially considered UTI, but disregarded the possibility because  the symptoms were not constant.  I didn’t have a fever and didn’t ‘feel sick.’  I failed to refresh my memory and look up the common symptoms of a bladder infection which include:
    •    Cloudy or bloody urine, which may have a foul or strong odor.
    •    Low fever in some people.
    •    Pain or burning with urination.
    •    Pressure or cramping in the lower abdomen or back.
    •    Strong need to urinate often, even right after the bladder has been emptied.

My urine did not have any odor and I didn’t have a fever.  The pain with urination was temporary and I didn’t have any cramping.  My primary symptom, the strong urge to urinate, could easily be confused for MS-related bladder dysfunction.

So what have I learned from this experience?  Don’t make assumptions about bladder symptoms.  Always get tested, especially when it’s as simple as peeing in a cup.

Be well and I hope you are having a great summer!!

Read this post in its entirety:

Bladder Dysfunction and MS: Always Test for Infection Before Using Steroids

MS Relapse or Pseudoexacerbation?

Urinary Tract Infection and Pseudoexacerbation

I recently experienced a pseudoexacerbation with the onset of a urinary tract infection (UTI). Before hand, I’d felt a spasm-like sensation in the lower abdomen. Didn’t really think much of it at the time because I was not experiencing any pain (burning upon urination) or fever.

But when overwhelming fatigue kicked in, followed by increased weakness and shakiness in my legs, I became a bit distraught. If this were a relapse, then it seemed to be developing into one of the worse yet to affect my legs and limb coordination. In the least, it was developing at an extremely quick pace as compared to previous relapses.

However in contemplating the phone call to my MS nurse, I mentally went through the questions I knew she would ask. A pivotal question which is always asked - “How is your bladder? Any sign of a UTI?”

So, I called my primary doctor’s office and asked if I could stop by to get a quick urine test. I did have to see the doctor but was also able to get started on antibiotics the very same day. This infection took two rounds of antibiotics to eliminate it. Then an additional week or so to regain the strength I had temporarily lost during the pseudoexacerbation.

Rest this post in its entirety:

Multiple Sclerosis Relapse or Pseudoexacerbation? Part One