MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS
CASE STUDY
MRS. B
START DATE: 2/8/00
50 year old female, diagnosed in 1996 with Seconday Progress MS.
Symptoms involve left leg - weakness, tightness, unable to put heel fully
to floor when standing. Difficulty getting up after prolonged sitting.
Left leg falls asleep, a lot of stumbling. Does not use walker or cane but
must be very careful on slippery or uneven surfaces, holds on with both
hands when on steps. Cannot carry a box up stairs or will fall
Cold weather causes symptoms. Balance is not good but does not
require cane. Cannot walk for exercise anymore (speed walking) - too
tired. She mentions several episodes where she had trouble changing
depth of focus - for example inside her car then looking up at a traffic
light. Has some numbness in the left arm and hand.
5/15/00:
- Flexibility is improved, able to get heel to floor, left leg more mobile
- Sleeping better
- Has started using Procarin
7/31/00: Visual problem (changing depth) not as pronounced as before
Numbness left arm and hand is better. 6 weeks ago had myofascial therapy
session and really thought that numbness was going to disappear. It was
"markedly better for several days, then got worse again but not as bad as
before. Balance - not good, but not using cane.
"I was doing exceedingly well" until went to conference - "behaved like
some who did not have MS". Stayed up late, ate ice cream, irregular
schedule, skipped nap. Was able to walk, but really tired. Generally when
returns she is able to rest up, but has had house guests she is still droopy.
"But I am doing well, a lot more energy. Doing a lot, holding 3 part time
jobs." "A whole lot more energy, truly feel a lot better, waling a whole lot
better." Also went to Arts festival and trip to Boston and walked for two
consecutive days, with no problems except being tired. "I was able to keep
doing - could not have done it 1 year ago. I was not thinking about every
step. Can walk faster than before, I have picked up pace considerably
without symptoms."
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