Mobility

[LATW]

I have been in PT for a couple of months now and I continue to have problems with weakness in my legs and especially my ankles.  I can not tolerate a lot of real strengthening exercises because they cause spasms and a lot of jerking.

The PT had me try to move my foot side to side without looking.  I could not do it. I thought my foot was moving but all I was doing was jerking. She had me lean up on my elbows so I could see my foot and I able to move it in and out a bit but I still had a lot of jerking.

My left foot is better than my right.  She said I have lost something in my right leg but I can not remember what it was.  

I was not happy about having to do weekly PT but that is the one thing that has moved me past denial!  I can only stand for about 20 seconds unassisted and then I start to fall backwards to the left.  The PT said it is because I have no muscle strength in the front parts of my legs to stop myself.  

I know not every one with MS ends up in a wheel chair but I am concerned.  We had a little chat about me driving.  She knows I have to use both feet to break.  She is concerned about the winter and bad roads.  I don't drive most of the time .

She said I have very little strength in my ankles and right leg but I have tone...because of spasms.  That is helping keep my on my feet.  But she said when she measures the strength in my lower body she is surprised I can walk as well as I can.

My doctor told me to close my eyes and walk.  I could not do it because I didn't know where my feet were supposed to go!  But when my husband and the doctor held my hand it was easier.  ANYWAY...enough complaining.  

I am just wondering if anyone with a dx of MS can relate to this.  My big question is am I headed for a wheel chair?  

Since I started taking Avonex I have noticed a decrease in numbness in my hands, face, and midsection! That is good news but my mobility continues to be a progressing problem.

LA

[monotreme]

My friend has MS and uses hand controls to drive.  I believe she either went to the dealer or a private garage.  She basically had to re-learn how to drive and then had to take a test with DMV.    She drives locally, but not on interstates.  She isn't comfortable with that idea yet.

Elaine

[LATW]

Thank you Sho

[shoshin]

I just happened to bookmark an article about this recently. It's called "The Driving Question: Do the Symptoms of MS Interfere with Your Driving?" and it's at:

http://www.msassociation.org/publications/fall06/driving.question.asp

Also, around here there is a car dealership that advertises that it specializes in all sorts of mobility devices so you might ask around and see if there's a place like that near you.

I don't know what to say about all the other stuff except that I understand why you're worried. I worry, too. I hope you have a shift in winds and your strength starts getting better.

sho

[LATW]

My husband mentioned hand controls.  How would we find out about them?
LA

[essdipity]

Hi again. I'm fortunate not to have the problems you describe, but wanted to point out that if driving becomes a real hazard due to lack of strength in your legs, there's always the possibility of having your car modified to use hand controls.

I know that isn't a fun prospect, but at least it would give you mobility, which is so important psychologically.

ess