Fatigue & MS

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F_MSI do not know about y’all, but I definitely find myself feeling a lot more fatigue daily! Of course I do get up extremely early for work and I also tend to get up way too early on the weekends as well, but I just can not seem to help it! About noon each day I find I am struggling to keep my eyes open and stay focused on my work, but it does tend to lessen if I take a break and rest. Of course on the weekends I can take a nap if I need to, but unfortunately I think my boss would frown on that if I took a nap at my desk! I guess it is a good thing that I am not working a full day right now and it seems like 6 hours is long enough for me currently. I am sure over time, I will increase my hours again!

Fatigue is one of the most common MS symptoms and occurs in 80% of MS fighters. There have been studies suggesting that changes in the brain caused by MS may require patients to use five times more effort to complete simple tasks than those without MS. MS FatigueFatigue can significantly interfere with the ability to function both at work and home and is one of the primary causes of early departure from the work place.

There are numerous things that can cause sleep disturbances. Bladder dysfunction may result in nighttime awakening, which of course affects our sleep. Nocturnal muscle spasms also can contribute to sleep deprivation. Muscle Spasms are so incredibly infuriating  and in my experience nothing seems to help them! There is another type of fatigue known as lassitude which is unique to those living with MS. Isn’t that nice that researchers are coming up with additional special treatments for us?! Lassitude is a state of physical or mental weariness; lack of energy. Researchers are beginning to outline the characteristics of lassitude or “MS Fatigue” to make it different from fatigue that is experienced by those without MS.

  • Typically occurs on a daily basis
  • May occur in the early morning, despite having a restful night’s sleepFatigue & MS
  • Normally worsens as day progresses
  • Aggravated more by heat and humidity
  • Comes on easily and suddenly
  • Generally more intense that normal fatigue
  • Tends to interfere with daily responsibilities

 

What are some ways to manage fatigue?

  • Occupational Therapy can assist to simplify tasks at home and at work
  • Physical Therapy can help learn energy-saving ways of walking and performing daily tasks. Physical therapy can also help develop a regular exercise program
  • Psychological Interventions include stress management, relaxation training and even support groups
  • Heat Management to develop strategies to avoid overheating and to cool down. With summer right around the corner, this is extremely important as all heat does is destroy any energy we may have!

MS Fatigue 2So let me ask y’all a question about fatigue. If you experience this, does it happen daily or sporadically and what do you do about it? Of course I love to write and read, but sometimes I find it hard to stay focused when reading because I get this sudden feeling of horrible fatigue. I am too stubborn though to know it is probably time to close the book and just rest!!

Y’all probably already know I normally do not do two posts a day, but the first one was for the fun challenge and this one is because I had already started it and wanted to be able to read your comments about fatigue. I always appreciate you taking the time to visit my site and I really enjoy reading your thoughts on specific topics. Also, I always respond to all comments as quickly as I can! I hope you had a great day and I hope your evening is nice and relaxing! Sending y’all lots of love and comfort!

Love 2

Always, Alyssa

 

19 thoughts on “Fatigue & MS”

  2. Great blog today! I usually wake up between 7-8 and most days by 1 pm I’m ready for a nap. My doctor just perscribed me Amantidine (I think that’s how you spell it) and it seems to be helping a little. It’s always good to read your blogs and absorb as much info as I can so that I can try to get back to a somewhat normal life!

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    • Thank you so much and I am glad to read that you enjoy my blogs! It makes me smile to know that I can help a little! MS is definitely no fun and we all need to be able to lean on each other at times! I hope you are feeling well and please never forget that I am always here for you!!!

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  6. Sorry to hear the fatigue has been playing up lately. Do you take supplements?. B12, Zinc and iron are good for fatigue. Mine rears its ugly head as and when!. I’ve not been working for a few months, and it’s been stead. I only used to work three hours a day, so all credit to you!. Fatigue and insomnia is a pain in the butt, so I take magnesium tablet before bed and it does help me sleep. Magnesium relaxes muscles. Here’s wishing you a lovely weekend, and guess we need to take each day as it comes. :)x

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    • Thank you so much! Honestly the only supplements I take are Vitamin D and calcium. I did not know that B12, Zinc and iron would help with fatigue. I also never knew that Magnesium would help with sleep. Do these supplements help with fatigue and insomnia? Thank you so much for your advice, I really appreciate this information! I hope you have a fantastic weekend as well!!!

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