Can 'flare ups' only last a few hours?
Hello!
I'm currently in a period of collecting a list of symptoms. Thankfully haven't had very many episodes this year yet, other than a numb fingertip, and numbness of the balls of my feet that lasted a month or so. I won't be upset if me having barely any symptoms this year means my suspicions of MS are wrong, but I won't know until I do I guess.
To the point of my question, I had a brief event the other night that woke me up with a burning right leg, and numb fingers on the right hand - and I don't know whether to add it to my symptoms list because it was only a few hours.
It could've easily been a pinched nerve, I had no neck or hip pain but that doesn't have to mean anything, I had my body pillow between my legs and the right was on the bottom so that may have done it. I do also have a bad habit of sleeping on my arm, but the whole arm usually goes numb.
Anyway, if anyone knows the answer to whether flare ups can last a short time (a few hours) let me know and I'll add it to my list.
Thank you!
Kuddos to you for documenting your symptoms! MS symptoms can vary greatly in duration and intensity. Some flare-ups last days, weeks, or even months, while some symptoms can appear and resolve more quickly, sometimes within a few hours. However, short-lived symptoms can also be caused by other factors like pinched nerves, poor sleeping positions, or even stress as you mentioned. When it comes to documenting I can understand how you don't want to overthink every ache and pain you feel, however, there is no harm in recording everything you feel, no matter how big or small, short or long. It will make the communication with your doctor much better because they will be able to examine your pain patterns and confirm if what you're feeling stems from MS. It’s always best to lean on the side of caution while staying calm and not jumping to conclusions (easy, right?). All in all, there is no harm in over documenting in my opinion. I hope this feedback helps and I'm keeping my fingers crossed that the flares continue to stay at bay for you this year! All the best, Latoya (Team Member) Thank you for the advice!
You're right, I shouldn't overthink too much, I'll just stress myself out.
In this case, if it was notable enough for me to want to ask about it, it probably makes sense to record it, so I'll do that. (*^▽^*)Listen, as an overthinker myself, I get it! And searching on Google only takes me further down the rabbit hole (haha). Continue recording what you can and be thorough with your doctor when you discuss what you've experienced. All the best, Latoya (Team Member)
