Muscles get weaker the more I use them. Anyone relate?

[luvnGod]

I've noticed the more I use my muscles, the weaker I get.  In the mornings I'm stiff and then it seems to get a bit better as I move around.  But then after that short period of being fairly limber, the more I use my muscles I just get weaker.  I could kneel down to talk to a child (I teach) and when I stand up the muscle in my left leg especially, is so weak like it's rubber.  It's almost a painful stiffness/weakness. I could start blow drying my hair and after a minute or two my left arm is so weak I can't hold it up anymore.

Anyone else get like this?  On some days it feels like it takes all of my strength just to walk through the house ( I have a small home) and my left leg will get so weak it will buckle on me.

Thanks ahead of time for your input.  I would love to hear how your muscles affect you.
Blessings
Stacie

[kwarendorf]

Hi Denis- This is a rather old thread and I haven't seen Stacie around in a while. Maybe you'd like to Post A Question and introduce yourself. We're a pretty friendly group :-)

Kyle

[Holyshort]

thanks for your question, i was beginning to think I'm imagining all of this! Every time I mention this weakness, I'm told that I need to exercise more; the more I do, the weaker and sicker I feel!
thanks, Denis

[Perciful]

I really didn't understand what was going on. One day I'm fine the next I was tired just doing light work. The fatigue in legs is worrying me , I'm a fire fighter and might have to put medical papers in soon. Used walking stick today to feed horses. To be honest I'm scared.  I will check site regularly to see how others are doing and coping.

[essdipity]

Hi. A caution here--- Normal evoked potentials do NOT mean you don't have MS. Where do doctors get this stuff? If nerves affecting vision and hearing have not been subjected to demyelination, your tests will be normal. If they have (it's a crapshoot), they won't.

There are specific criteria for diagnosing MS, known as the McDonald criteria, and none of them mention eyes or ears. If you are not being seen by a true MS specialist, you should be. And get more info about the two areas of the brain that are 'odd.' Your doctor is not confidence-inspiring.

ess

[keldal]

Wow, I'm suddenly not feeling so alone!  I have had right sided weakness for 5 mo thinking it was due to the herniated cervical disc that needs to be fused.  Then last month I woke up fully paralyzed in all limbs.  That lasted for 18 days, and little by littles improved to where I could care for myself again.  

Spinal tap & labs are normal but two areas of the brain are odd.  Anyway, I'm having the hearing & vision evoked potential tests this week to definitively diagnosed with MS.  if its normal, the Dr said its not MS.  I asked how can a 40 yr old wake up paralyzed?  If I lay in one position, my limbs will no longer work. I can feel it if you touch them, but I cannot make the muscles move.  My hubby will reposition them, and I can then move some of the muscles.  It's weird!  And yes, the more I use my muscles, the weaker I get.  It's frustrating!  I've been stuck in bed for 7 weeks weeks and fed up!  Thanks for the post!!

[essdipity]

Well, that depends so much on the individual. There are things to try, though. Ampyra helps a lot of people. Anything that relieves symptoms so that the person functions better is bound to produce a more energized feeling, and in the practical world, will let us accomplish more.

Even if the seemingly weak muscles can't be strengthened, sometimes the surrounding muscles can be trained to take over some of the work. Otherwise they too get exhausted and we feel wiped out in general. That's why being as physically fit as possible is so helpful in MS.

Not so easy, and I'm a prime example of that, but I'm working on improving. It's never going to be like it was, but if I can achieve more endurance I can maximize the abilities I do have and gain a more functional life. Some people's illness has progressed beyond this point but I don't think mine has yet.

I see my neuro in a couple of weeks and plan to ask for Amypyra.

ess