My hubby likes munching on frozen blueberries, ice water, cooling vests and staying in the AC.

Stay away from MSGs, HVP, reducing inflammation (ie increase Glutathione and decrease sugar). The reason for this is that they have found increase in glutamate during relapse and then it decreases afterward. So not taking more glutamate, MSG & HVP, during this time seems prudent. They actually have a drug in NIH phase 2 or 3 trial that reduces glutamate in MS to reduce damage.

Best wishes to you,
EP

I really like the ideas that EPagain gave to stay cool. Today was the first day out of 7 days of horrible 95 -105 degree days with 80 - 90% humidity. During the heat wave I was also at the NJ Shore for a soccer tournament that my son played in. At the shore the weather wasn't quite as hot, but lots and lots of walking. I called my MS nurse a few days ago to let her know that I started having lots of new pain in my left forearm & fingers as well as my left shin & ankle. She asked me if I wanted a round of steroids. I said no, I'd just tough it out. Well..the heat wave is officially over, but the pain has not left. I have never had this type of dilemma before.

I am right at the same spot u r. I really do not want steroids, but what other choice do I have???? If u find something that truly works against the heat, please share & Pay it Forward.

Epagain what is glutamate and NIH?

My husband has MS. He has been down the steroids road several times and it did improve his symptoms. The only problem is staying in the hospital for three -five days to get the doses of steroids. This last time we actually tried something new. I asked him to stop everything and rest for several days. He had to sleep, take baclofen, acetaminophen and continue his copaxone (MS medication). I did everything else, he could only get up to go to the rest room and take a bath. Do you know this was the shortest relapse he has had.

I have lived in south Texas all of my life so the heat does not bother me. Perhaps I have been lucky.

The heat has bothered me immensely, and I have to agree with lmterry's response....... it makes so much sense to handle things practically, rest, and stay in the AC if we can. The problem I have is with the guilt of taking care of myself before I take care of others. It's an issue I've struggled with a looooong time.

for heat, try the cooling vests. A couple of the MS society organizations give them away to those that qualify from an income level. I believe it is the MSAA (or something like that) and the MS Society that do this. I'm sorry I don't know much more about the free program, but a lot of folks say that cooling vests help them combat the heat. I personally don't have one, and I just stay out of the heat as much as possible. Some days I don't leave my home, and not everybody can do that. I'm just glad those days of kids sports events are over. I know I couldn't do that now days.