> I find that the symptoms go away completely and then come back for 1 or
> 2 months with differing severity each time. When the symptoms do flare
> I find that exercise (like the Stairmaster) makes them worse. I also
> find that the symptoms get worse as the day progresses and as I get
> tired or stressed. Every time these symptoms flare (especially the
> L'hermittes) I get worried that I've herniated another disc. I know
> that the reality is probably that I have spinal cord damage that has
> left me with a chronic problem. I know it could also mean that I do
> have MS or TM or something and I have made an appointment with a new
> neurologist (but it's not until March 17).
>
> I'd like to know two things: ONE do any of you have the same problem
> with your symptoms (i.e. varying severity, worse with
> exercise, you get L'hermitte's, symptoms worse with stress and
> tiredness)?
Yes, I do have problems with symptoms flaring up to a worse degree from time
to time.The symptoms, for me, never go away completely, but are at a certain
level all the time. Yet from time to time they worsen -- never beyond what
they were at onset, but enough to make me wonder if they are about to do that.
Things do sometimes, but not always, flare up during or after a stressful
time, illness, lack of sleep. Exercise actually seems to improve things for
me, though I must confess I don't exercise often enough to tell for sure. But
sometimes symptoms worsen just out of the blue and I don't know why.
I don't get L'hermitte's sign, though many on the list do. (For someone else
who asked, L'hermitte's sign is feeling pain or an electric-type jolt when the
head is bent forward).
Let us know what the new neuro says. Hope you can find some definite answers.
Barbara H.