Infections affect Multiple Sclerosis
MS Awareness Month March 8-14 2010
For those with Multiple Sclerosis, this is the week to make everyone aware of it. It might be a good idea to let your local papers know about it and ask if they’d write something about it. Let your groups know, spread the word.
On a more personal note and the topic of the post:
I’ve been feeling awful lately. The MS is in full swing and usually when this happens it’s because I have an infection going on, or I am really over doing it and put myself in a bout. But, it’s funny, I can usually tell the difference and this time it felt like an infection.
For those who aren’t aware, this is true for anyone with multiple sclerosis – infections, bacterial or viruses, affect ms. This is just the nature of the beast – if you’re sick, your ms will worsen. That’s why it’s essential for ms patients to have infections treated promptly.
So, I went to my doctor today, pretty sure I had a UTI (urinary tract infection) and sure enough I do. My PCP is kind of afraid of me because of the chemical sensitivity (MCS). She once told me that when she enters the exam room and sees me there she takes a step back. Not too comforting, let me tell you.
Anyway, she put me on Macrobid, a ten day script. It’s the antibiotic that worked in December 08 when I started again with recurring UTIs (the last one was around 25 years ago). I was on and off macrobid for 3 months because the doctors didn’t treat me properly for cystitis. The normal protocol never works with me – my unique body I guess. I even ended up in the emergency room because of the infection. Finally I went to a urologist who actually listened to me and realized I needed a long term treatment and then maintenance.
So, tonight I start the generic to Macrobid. My PCP wants me back in 14 days to see if the little critters are gone. But, if the infection is not, I will be back on the antibiotic again and the bacteria will have had a chance to reinforce during the lapse of Macrobid. I understand doctors are cautious with antibiotics especially with someone with MCS, but playing did it kill it or not isn’t very wise either.
I will also call my urologist and hopefully get an appointment as soon as possible. I know my body and what it usually takes to get rid of the UTI.
I’ve been very diligent in watching my diet to help avoid sinus infections. I avoid sugar and chocolate (two sinus infection instigators for me) and I’ve been trying to avoid processed foods and I stopped drinking my 4 ounces of diet pepsi a couple of times a week. And, I’ve been pretty good at staying away from any form of cow’s milk – that mucus causing enzyme is as bad as eating chocolate for me.
Sorry I’m ranting on here. The tip for the day: KNOW YOUR BODY! And, if you have MS, be sure to drink plenty of water because MS patients are prone to bladder problems and UTIs. And, as I stated above, have any infection treated promptly.
And, don’t be afraid to tell your doctor how you think you should be medically treated.
All my well intentions of posting regularly to this site have been governed by my well-being lately. I’m doing my best to overcome this. I’m listening to my Think Right Health Now cd, along with reading about the power of the mind.
In Excuses Begone!, author Dryer quotes from The Biology of Belief with the phrase: perception controls genes.
I’m working on it!
Until next time,
Karen