Fatigue is the most common symptom of multiple sclerosis (MS). YES, it is difficult to pick up a foot and then another just to go another step. 2010-22 Health Union, LLC. Counseling and medication can help your depression and may alleviate your depression-induced fatigue as well. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. Typing this is exhausting. The fighting and resistance makes it worse until they have no choice but to succumb to it.
Thanks so much for sharing!
So agree with this description. The many people that do not have MS tend to say oh me too I didn't sleep well, etcI just want to give them MS for one hour so they can feel what its truly like to have MS fatigue. Heart failure causes signs and symptoms due to the excess accumulation of fluid within the tissues of the body. I do my best not to say anything about it. The world is not the way we'd like it to be and neither are people. Right now my house needs vacuumed and dusted, but I wanted to water outside today so it waits. My wife and i raised 4 children and nearly every day i made myself do what needed to be done. During this past weekend and so far this week, I have found myself only able to try to watch movies. That's certainly alot to accomplish. Even though fatigue happens in most people with MS, its possible other things could be dragging you down. Fatigue affects as many as 80% of people with multiple sclerosis (MS) and can significantly affect a persons quality of life. Ive had two mris in the last 6 weeks due to extreme fatigue, partial paralysis and loss of strength and balance issues. If I do need to go out into the heat, I make certain to have a bottle of cold water with me and occasionally take an aspirin before going outside. Multiple Sclerosis Center, What Can Cause Extreme Fatigue And Muscle Weakness, What Can Cause Shortness Of Breath And Fatigue, Nosebleeds Dizziness Headaches Extreme Fatigue, National Multiple Sclerosis Society of America, Fox News meteorologist with MS claps back after viewer criticizes her legs, Three tips for newly diagnosed multiple sclerosis patients, What Can Cause Muscle Weakness And Fatigue. Dont Miss: What Can Cause Shortness Of Breath And Fatigue. It really is terrible, and once the circle is complete, most people have a hard time breaking free. Its like you said, no amount of sleep seems to make it stop. I have tried to explain to him that if he is having a hard time dealing with that, image how I feel but it doesnt help. I'm not much of a napper but my body just stops completely. Dont Miss: What Can Cause Extreme Fatigue And Muscle Weakness. Every day in MS is a new adventure. Researchers have also established a link between POTS and Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome . This can reduce symptoms and potentially delay other complications. Its hard to pick up my feet so I shuffle them through it. I'm so glad that you were able to find comfort in Calie's article.
Passive cooling garments, such as a vest and wraps for the neck, wrists, or ankles, use ice or gel packs to give people with MS immediate and simple relief from heat and certain MS symptoms. !
Well Calie
Or you may think that your continuous low mood is just the way you are. If I plan something, I either force myself to follow through, which never works out, or cancel. After getting insulted and being told daily, that Im just lazy, that I dont do anything and etc. Is someone going to give up their time and energy to come in and clean and straighten and mow the grass and plant my flowers and feed the birds and squirrels and do the dishes and all else on a daily basis?? At least 50 percent of individuals with MS report significant symptoms associated with depression. You are wondering about the question what does ms fatigue feel like but currently there is no answer, so let kienthuctudonghoa.com summarize and list the top articles with the question. I feel like people are getting sick of feeling helpless and Im trying not to be a burden. Fatigue: You feel like you want to sleep another eight hours right now after you wake up from eight hours of sleep and it seems like nothing can convince you otherwise. I stopped telling people that I'm tired, exhausted or fatigued. I am overwhelmed with trying to clean up my cluttered house (when did that happen??)
But, why?
Im even sick of whining. Its not just that Im too exhausted to go do something, Im too exhausted to do anything. Learn more. And a wife that I feel guilty as hell when it gets so hard to do the things I used to do to help. I get my groceries by ordering them online and picking them up.
I'm sure many can relate to your sentiments and please know we're here for you and there's always a listening and supportive ear for you here. Alcohol or drug use may alter sleep or cause drowsiness.
It helps to know other people understand. Yesterday, I was at a friends house when her husband came home with the groceries. Its an on going vicious circle.
Thank you for your comment. "
,Hi
I hate that you also can relate to this, but Im thankful to have others who truly get it! Best Wishes, Calie
,
I use the word "lassitude,"
Calie, I to have fatigue/tiredness. This 14-item instrument quantifies fatigue intensity in terms of physical and mental domains.
Does MS make you feel sleepy? The fatigue we endure is so difficultand I agree, its comforting knowing we arent alone! Best wishes, Calie
I describe my fatigue - exacerbated by ADD - as having a lead ball in my lap. I want to but the energy just isn't there. Just as no one knows what causes MS, no one knows for sure whats behind MS fatigue.
HARD. Compensating for these disabilities requires greater energy and effort than would otherwise be necessary to perform daily tasks. I'm one more who can relate.
All I can think of to say is, "WOW"not good, not bad, just WOW. So I dont want to argue. This technique is called cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). Fatigue has been described as an "overwhelming sense of tiredness." Up to 80 percent of people with MS experience the disabling effects of fatigue. For some people, the tingling sensations of MS are similar to those a person experiences when a foot or hand "falls asleep." Others report more intense sensations, such as squeezing or burning. What does MS fatigue feel like? You may also experience MS fatigue when you wake up, in some cases every day, even after a good nights sleep. Or, it can be a strange numbing sensation, like my leg is about to crack open. Complications of MS that may also cause fatigue symptoms include: Fatigue can also be a side effect of certain medications, such as those used to treat spasticity, pain, and bladder dysfunction. Due to the fatigue, physical inactivity, and imbalance, the activity level of the person gets reduced leading to loss of muscle mass. When fatigue hits with summer weather Im in an altered state. I almost feel it is unfair to expect others to fully understand fatigue.
The weight of it is pulling me down, and some days its all I can do to keep my head from going under. 8 yrs later I still go once and week and miss it if I don't. In some people it may take a lot longer. .
Again well is your writing.
When they are looking to see what your going to do . and you know its going to be disappointing because you cant even think about moving
Best wishes, Calie
I have MS. I no longer stress if I didn't wash the dishes last night or about making sure everything is dusted/vacuumed/etc in case someone stops by.
Good luck to you all hope you find what helps xxx
My frustration is everyone assuming Ill be to tired and no longer ask or include me in anything, I used to be the fix anything dependable guy, my shop was a constant flow of coworkers vehicles, now I might not even open the shop door for weeks, put things off until I have a good day no longer works, I find slowing things down, taking sitting breaks even if I feel ok really helps, come up with a solid plan on how I am going to do something helps, even errands, getting outside (when its not hot) getting lots of fresh air vs sitting around inside the house, I wish I had a magic idea for you, maybe one day MS will be no more.. Take care
,This describes MS fatigue very well. I wonder if anybody "got it"
,I sure hope so vvxjr9! I could be lying on the couch and just trying to reach for the remote control can seem like a near-impossible task.
Psoriatic arthritis causes joint pain, swelling, and stiffness.
Thank you so much for reading and commenting! Dont Get Overheated.This can cause fatigue. The exact cause of MS-related fatigue is still unknown. The MFIS is a 21 item questionnaire that covers physical, cognitive, and psychosocial health. You may have more symptoms if you have untreated Addison's disease or damaged adrenal glands due to severe stress, such as from a car accident or an infection. Thank you so much for reading and sharing with us. Every time I go through these episodes of severe fatigue I long for the moment it will end, so I can go back to my sort of normal. There are days that I feel like I can't move. I feel it takes forever to complete tasks that before I would do in such a short time.
Last week, I lost three days of work because I could barely do anything other than remain horizontal and close my eyes. Last time I went on a plane, I preboarded.
Neuropathic pain happens from "short circuiting" of the nerves that carry signals from the brain to the body because of damage from MS. Others can help you release extra fluid to keep it from building up in your body. Now i struggle to eat, drink, breath and pee. When I am out and about, no one can see it and I dont go out when I am feeling that way.
I can totally relate! on the fatique scale. This can affect how much money you have. This information is not designed to replace a physicians independent judgment about the appropriateness or risks of a procedure for a given patient.
Best wishes, Calie
The only comment I can add to this wonderful description is that MY fatigue feel more like Im walking in a giant bowl of oatmeal. Acute Neuropathic Pain is sometimes an initial symptom of MS or may be part of an MS relapse.
Lets hop in the car and just gowell buy what we need for the weekend where ever we decide to stopoh wait, I cant. And the fatigue is endlessly frustrating. "We deal with pain all over the body and fatigue so bad it feels like you're in quick-drying cement." Thomas Macdonald 4. It isn't bc I want to. To you, those experiences are just stories. For years I've been trying to explain the way fatigue feels on me. Dont Miss: Can Cancer Cause Extreme Fatigue, Symptoms: Fatigue from an activity that should be easy. Fatigue is a major reason some people with MS choose to stop working or to reduce working hours. I almost always just feel like I don't have the energy to do whatever my wife does (she also has MS). There are no fair diseases but, for me, MS is specially unfair, because destroys our energy, witch it is the fuel of life. My extremities feel as if they are made of lead and my head feels all fuzzy. As time passed it took longer to get things done but i did them in smaller segments. Some days I tell myself to suck it up because it cant be that bad, but the truth is, it isIts a constant battle for sure. Thank you for taking the time to share. I live alone, dont have someone to have small talk with and relax in a social way, so its impossible to not have that down time to not relax my mind. All rights reserved. Learn more. Sure, it could be worse, things can always be worse, but it should be better. Certain medications may affect sleep or cause fatigue. This can reduce inflammation from MS. One thing that totally frustrates me is when well meaning friends or family keep asking me if I want to do something during this time, and they don't let it go. I feel guilty (or even lazy) when I need to rest.
!
selsa,
What does MS feel like when starting?
Just venting. One theory is that fatigue is related to the general activation of the immune system. I was believing them. !
Just fixed
Tired? You wrote this 8 mo. - YouTube Bringing to light exactly what Ms fatigue is and what it feels like. We really rely on sleep to recover each day, explains Epel.
When you throw in the imbalance it's not a good feeling. I have had a stroke which contributes to right sided hand numbness and some other things, but the MS has kicked my butt the hardest. Researchers do not understand what causes CFS/ME, which makes it difficult to diagnose and even harder to treat. Good sleep hygiene would include a comfortable bedroom, no distractions and a cool environment. Before being diagnosed, I've always known that something was wrong. I also feel guilty for staying in bed so often. I could go on.
But I always feel like Im playing catch-up. By doing that, you're helping others that are going through similar situations to know THEY aren't alone either. Scientists currently dont fully understand the exact cause of MS-related fatigue. I have nearly choked on food because i am just too darned tired to chew it. They don't really want to know, it's something too many people are programmed to say because they think it's the "right thing" at the time. Only my head and arms are above it and I need my arms to help pull me along.
Now, I have a hard time to keep up with simply daily activities.
While medications used to treat multiple sclerosis may not help ease fatigue, they may help keep you awake and manage your tiredness. I get Im tired toobut for me its Like when I get into my car after work I cant start driving to go home
Yes, I was playing one on one or two on one (me being the one lol) with my girls until I was about 45 years old. I try to slow down before that happens because I dont want to bring on a relapse, he adds. - Lori (Team Member)
My husband is my greatest support. I too know this fatigue. Its become something I say without even thinking, because its just always looming there in the back of my mind. Even then theres a possibility that the damn illness could decide to rear up and bite me. Absolutely no one gets it. They are all terrific questions! MS Signs: The clinical signs of MS, like the symptoms, are also very variable. There are ways of managing it and your medical team will try to help you. To me fatigue is like being encased in concrete boots and trying to walk forward is just a huge effort. Thats something that I dont think people understand. This overwhelming tiredness could occur any time in the course of MS, and it has not been shown to be related to measures of disability like the EDSS (Extended Disability Status Scale). I long to be the girl I was when I was younger who could do anything for as long as she wanted. I try to do everything in my power to stay ahead of it, but one false move and it takes me down. Maintaining a healthy weight and optimal blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and avoiding type 2 diabetes can all help with MS fatigue, says Dr. Conway. Thats what is so great about this online community. No, probably not. So I decided to finish taking my winter ceramic houses down to the basement. I want to add to Calie's quicksand analogy. Trying to explain to anyone, whether it be a friend, a doctor, anyone at all, the agony and aggravation of living with MS, is a lost cause. I have learned to pace myself in such a way that every few days I have almost normal energy and strength to do something I love, such as a bit of gardening or play with a grandchild. Fatigue can be very frustrating. These symptoms can include feeling down, blue, and sad for extended periods of time. We're here for you, and I truly get this! Obviously, people with MS can be tired for other reasons. Supplements for heart health: Which ones are beneficial and which ones are not? Chemical messengers are called cytokines; these levels are higher in patients with MS and may be higher still in patients with fatigue. I was believing them. I can honestly say that as I think back on my life, I have had it since I was a little kid. I hope you find the answers youre needing at your doctors appointment this week.
A 2012 study found that taking 100 milligrams of aspirin twice per day. Then I hit traffic, AND it started to snow. Symptoms; MS fatigue scale; Complications; Causes; Treatment and management; Outlook; Summary; Fatigue is one of the most common and disabling symptoms of multiple sclerosis. To cope over the years, first I've had to accept that it is disabling, not just laziness or not trying hard enough. Thanks for sharing, Calie. I'm at work right now and I'm logging off since my neck is starting to tingle. Doctors may prescribe off-label medications, such as: Besides medications, doctors may prescribe other measures to manage fatigue, which include: Dont Miss: Is Fatigue A Symptom Of Depression. Now, when I try to go to the mall, I get so exhausted, I start dragging my feet, and then I just want to go home. I get the you dont look sick, and looks of I must be faking it on the few days I dont have symptoms. Feel fatigued may be due to missing vitamins and minerals in your diet, such as being low on vitamin D, iron, magnesium, potassium, vitamin B12 or folic acid.
Other medications that are commonly associated with fatigue include antihistamines for treating allergies and antihypertensives for treating high blood pressure. This feeling may be worse in the afternoons or after activity. Its of substantial strength and it hurts and I have to fight the pressure to keep from sinking. Ask your employer about working part of the week from home. It can be directly related to MS from brain or spinal cord lesions, or more indirectly related due to other MS symptoms such as depression and fatigue, or from wider relationship and social issues stemming from MS. . I can say to my sister I am exhausted today, she will just say, well we all get tired at our age. like its a normal thing. The best thing Ive been able to learn is how to function with the fatigue the best ways that I know how. Still, trying to explain this tired we have is almost an exercise in futility. You cant just simply walk away from it. These medications are not used more often in MS than they are otherwise, but they can add to your already existing fatigue if you take them.
I couldnt deal with in laws for 7 days. They may find it difficult to perform everyday tasks, perform at work, or socialize. Get useful, helpful and relevant health + wellness information. My legs feel at least 500 lbs. Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a condition that damages the nerves and causes a wide range of symptoms. MS fatigue is reported as a symptom in roughly 75-95% of people living with MS. It's associated with a reduced quality of life as it can make it extremely difficult to complete basic daily tasks, like bathing, eating, or socializing.
I mean, its my usual reply for when anyone asks me how Im doing. Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Fatigue management in multiple sclerosis. The same goes for the person with MS and the person who doesn't have MS. You cannot fully understand what you have no personal knowledge of. I had kids very young and did alot of walking when they were babies, to walking and riding bikes, skating, swimming and teaching them how to play basketball and softball and always practicing with them. Sometimes I want to scream, if I wasnt so fatigued. Thanks for sharing! I HATE it. They arent expecting it, so when they come upon it, it quickly tries to swallow them whole. There is no cure for MS fatigue. It's validating to hear others know what I mean! Heat ugh.
You May Like: Post Stroke Fatigue Years Later. Thanlk you again, stay strong, and know you're not alone in this.
, I relate to all the examples of fatigue. When I was a small child, my father always told me, "look at things the way they really are, not the way you'd like them to be." What causes MS, and what do the symptoms look like? Youll likely be encouraged to make some lifestyle changes as well. Just sharing this article because it describes well the fatigue I felt before diagnosis. Written by Jennifer Huizen on July 12, 2021. and it is all in my legs. That it is harder to think straight.
Feeling exhausted is so common that it has its own acronym, TATT, which stands for tired all the time. Chronic fatigue is life-altering and needs specific attention. But things that need to be done (laundry, dishes, etc), I just do the best I can.
I .must admit that I thought I was dealing with my fatigue
ok managing to getting through basic tasks as well making visits too the opticians and the dentist to arrange treatment then I broke my hip and everything went haywire. Occasionally, its close to that sweet spot between being drunk and hungover, except no cocktail happy hour preceded it. This pain happens because of MS-related damage to the nerves. Dysthymia is a type of chronic low-grade depression.
When I get up I do some light stretching exercises. I really appreciate you sharing, as it can be such a help for others, too. I am in the progressive MS phase and the fatigue is unrelenting. I read recently that the research being done with Modifinal with those with MS is showing improvement in cognition. Thank you for reading!
carry out tests to rule out physical causes, such as blood and urine tests. Many of the medications that people take to manage MS fatigue can also cause side effects, such as: There are primary and secondary causes of MS fatigue. The MFIS is also available in a shorter 5-item version. I just do what has to be done, not much more.
My fatigue is present all the time, it never lessens, although it does sometimes worsen. Higher totals indicate more fatigue. Numbness or TinglingA lack of feeling or a pins-and-needles sensation can be the first sign of the nerve damage from MS. those of you who didn't grow up in the cold parts of the world, well, maybe mud anyhoo, i still am dealing with hauling around heavy limbs, but i don't think they are the problem so much. What are the early signs of multiple sclerosis (MS)? People may also have lower appetites so their nutritional status might not be great, they might be sleeping too little or too much, which can affect how your mind is wired, Khabbaza says. I hate this disease and I hate what it's done to my life and I hate having to hear people tell me that "it could be worse." When I first found this site, the first post I saw was the one Devin wrote about fatigue. Anticholinergic medications used to treat urinary incontinence, Building rest times into your schedule, like an afternoon 20-minute power nap, Planning energy-draining activities for the morning when you are less fatigued, Asking your family to take on more of the heavy-duty household chores, Using your scooter or wheelchair to get around throughout the day. Doctors currently focus on treating the symptoms of CFS/ME with medications. Another condition affecting sleep is sleep apnea, which is also common among the general population. Thank you for sharing your experience. What does MS fatigue feel like? Its exhasting, in every sense of the way, and just knowing that someone else "gets it" helps me get through it! Spasticity can affect the gait as well. Thank you for reading and for commenting! I have had to tell my brother i simply cant talk to you anymore as i am struggling to catch a breath. Then, Im feeling lazy. And they dont make the connection.
,I dont have M S, but feel just like you, Ive had 3 small strokes 6 months ago and think I should be back to normal by now.
Stress doesnt help nor does the subtropical climate where we live. Learn more about how MS affects women here. MS causes damage and scarring of nerves in the brain and spinal cord. They include: In addition, disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) may help reduce MS symptom frequency, delay disease progression, and limit new disease activity. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. The invisible concrete boots have been replaced by my comy socks. I sat for 10 minutes in hopes it would pass. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. 1: rarely 2: sometimes 3: often 4: almost always insomnia headaches dry mouth dizziness blurred vision disrupted sleep due to muscle spasms or bladder poblems depression stress low energy levels. So What Does Chronic Fatigue Feel Like Sometimes, chronic fatigue feels like being covered in tar from head to toe. XOXO, Calie
Calie, you are in good company, though it often doesn't feel that way. Just writing and reading is exhausting. MS fatigue is more than just a feeling of being tired. The tiredness is often so intense that it is painful. By slowly cooling down the body, an individual with MS may experience improvement in areas of physical performance, cognitive processing, and motor function.
Getting them in the house and put away takes enough effort. tingling and numbness. Consider Telecommuting.A great way to conserve energy is to reduce the amount of time spent traveling to and from work. I try to fight it, but most days I just go with it, because thats the only way I know how. Some passive garments are dampened and chilled before use. for forty five years. I've not been infomred i have MS but the symptons ar exact! Fatigue is one of the most common, pervasive, and early symptoms of MS. Several lifestyle habits, medications, management strategies, and other therapies may reduce symptom severity and frequency. These are the most common types. When I say Im tired
So, now I want to leave it to youdoes your fatigue tend to swallow you whole for months, like mine does me? Its on these days that every bit of energy I have is used to complete simple everyday tasks, and by the end of the day, I feel spent and dont have much left to give. Best wishes, Calie
Many times I feel defeated when trying to explain my MS issues with anyone. I dont say anything, which I feel can be perceived as unfriendliness. People with MS may also experience episodes of lassitude, a type of fatigue that is characteristic of MS. Lassitude differs from other kinds of fatigue because it tends to: Doctors use the Modified Fatigue Impact Scale (MFIS) to assess a patients fatigue symptoms. Primary MS fatigue is fatigue resulting from this damage.
What Does MS Fatigue REALLY Feel LIke? Then there I am seated on a plane when an elder passenger is struggling with the overhead storage bin. I'm no longer working, so I'm much less stressed out, which I think really helps me overall. People may find that they are dragging one leg or are more unsteady. What does MS tingling feel like? It was only 7 pm, I bid her good night and crashed. According to a 2019 review, one possible reason for fatigue could be MS lesions affecting the parts of the brain that control motivation and motor planning. Calie, I appreciated your vulnerability. Nonetheless, some investigators still regard The Fatigue Scale as a valuable instrument for clinical studies.. Some people may also find cooling vests to be useful. I let them know that I will need a day to recover, but it's worth spending the energy on what I love. I can't move in any direction, and my arms aren't big enough to wrap around it so all I can do is sit and wish somebody would come and take the lead ball off my lap.
I pray and plan to do a principle from the Wright brothers." take on the worst thing first." Priorities and difficulties determine my day. Score: 4.7/5 (29 votes) . I agree with iluvdogs, what is the point of wasting energy to try and explain to people unless they have it they will never understand. It can be so frustrating trying to convey what's going on in our bodies (or minds for that matter!) Conserve your energy.
Medical City Healthcare provides comprehensive emergency services across North Texas. 2. Fatigue can last for different amounts of time depending on whats causing it. Researchers do not understand what causes CFS/ME, which makes it difficult to diagnose and even harder to treat. He has seen the non stop cleaning, full time working, do it all and do it right super mom turn into a very unpredictable mess.
Unprocessed or naturally processed foods are preferred to processed foods. It usually happens in the face, arms, or legs, and on one side of the body. Unfortunately that was a bad idea, because when I went to put them in a box, I knocked one on the floor and it smashed to pieces. People with MS often take several medications. We reside in Utah and yesterday was the worst since all she wanted to do was eat out breakfast then dinner. The following article hopes to help you make more suitable choices and get more useful information Manage SettingsContinue with Recommended Cookies, There are two major types of fatigue in MS. And for more on cases that are not so mild, check out 80 Percent of Hospitalized COVID Patients Are Deficient in This Vitamin. In my opinion, it is the worse MS symptoms.
Thank you for putting this into words. I know he can never truly understand, but he is so good to me! I once led a support group for moms with young kids and we agreed there needs to be a new word for "fatigue," but we never came up with one. If you have MS, chances are really good that you have MS-related fatigue about 80 percent of people with MS do according to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society of America. Fatigue is one of the most common symptoms of MS, affecting around 80% of MS sufferers.
And all of those things are simultaneously fighting against each other, making my mind and body feel like a complete wreck" We Need to Say the Above
While we can't give any medical advice (for your own safety) if you haven't done so already, you might want to try a neurologist. When I was experiencing my first major exacerbation I fought against it and it seemed the more I fought the worse it got to where It bothered others to see me try to walk since it was awkward and slow.