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147426 tn?1317265632

To those with MS

I don't usually do this, because I read most of the posts and can usually answer my questions.  But, I need to know if any of you with definite MS feel the way I often do.

I feel carppy.  Therre is no other way to say it.  I feel crummy, almost all of the time.  My head roars, I feel weak, so fatigued that a trip to the store has me in bed.  Along with it I'm irritable and impatient.  I'm running to the BR with bladder cramps and everything down under feels strained and raw and achey (no UTI).  It's  not nausea, or sweating, or anything that I can relate to a specific illness, like I don't feel like the flu, or a cold or alleriges, or GERD.  In fact, eating is one of my few pleasures.  I have felt this way for the last few months.

My brain is working okay.

Other than the urinary, I have little pain, except for what breaks through with the TN - lots of little jaw pains recently and I see the dentist Monday, but no teeth are tender, gums are good.  My gait has slowed and I'm tripping alot and it just makes me mad.  Well, I am having really bad eye pain in both eyes intermittently for the last couple months and I am staying in a humidified room and using moisturizeing drops all the time and it is better today.

So, I hate going to the doctor and saying "I feel crummy" and not having anything to tell him specifically about why.

Do any of you just feel lousy?

Is it just a bad attitude?

Quix
39 Responses
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333672 tn?1273792789
Quix: This is very late, but I do go through periods of feeling vaguely under the weather where I’m tired and dragging and vaguely achey and generally lousy for no obvious reason without being all out sick. I was never really sure if these episodes were caused by the MS or not. Once I did try to get to the bottom of it by going to the walk-in clinic at work, but they said I didn’t have a UTI or a sinus infection or anything else that they could identify so I gave up on that.

I do notice that I sometimes get really psychologically and emotionally tired of dealing with the MS. I know what you mean when you say “Somehow, I felt like with the MS I should feel pretty normal except for the symptoms” because I’ve thought that, too. And yet it doesn’t quite work out that way.

Michelle: It does seem to be true that it’s harder to stand than to walk. That’s my experience as well. Here’s a good thread on this: http://www.medhelp.org/posts/Multiple-Sclerosis/Walking-vs-standing/show/921193

It's hard to read about all the suffering on this thread. I hope there's a miracle and everybody feels better.

sho
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1056851 tn?1318720978
I too feel like you and i am off to the neuro cause insurance wants an update....well here's your update i feel like crap...lol

Always tired, bruised from clumsiness, disorganized, emotional, no libido, stressed, pain, numbness,and much much more. This week i start getting all but 6 of my bottom teeth taken out...not to mention the whole top is coming out too!

So what do i tell the guy..hey call that lady at the insurance and tell her to get off my back?

i want to rest but they try to make you feel guilty for being sick IMO...
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710547 tn?1295446030
I just got out of the hospital tonight.  I escaped early due to not tolerating a procedure I needed to prep for a colonoscopy.  They're looking for a bleed - two fecal blood positive.  Plus my hemoglobin was 8.2, so had 2 units of blood and an infusion of iron.  Also found a new nodule in my upper right lobe (lung) as well as atelectasis bilaterally in bases.  I'd been told it was only the right, but both?  Oh boy.  So many issues.  Walking around the hall once dropped my O2 sat to 88, so that's not good.  My spleen lesion is same size, but bile duct is still dilated and a possible mass at pancreatic head is there - causing ?  My osteoporosis is so bad I'm very worried.  I've lost 20% in my spine in 1 year.  BAD.  And 9% in right hip.  BAD  I'm very concerned about fracture.  I've already lost almost an inch and have such severe pain in my back and hips I can't take it some times.  My problem is that I have so many problems that the doctors are overwhelmed and don't know what to do.  I would love to have someone to help with the MS.  I really don't have anyone except a neurologist who has given up.

I'm glad you're feeling a bit better, cause I need a lift.  I spoke to a psychiatrist about some help.  I've been on effexxor and he wants me to try a SSRI only again - so I'm changing to prozac.  Never tried it so what do I have to lose.  I do feel better having my hemoglobin up some.  Man - I felt like an emotional wet noodle!

Take care and God  bless, Jan
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645390 tn?1338555377
Sorry I am late on your post. Well, you sound better, or possible relieved that the dentist appt is over. I am sure that was a heavy weight on you. Seems like the outcome was better than expected. (Although not the extraction next month :( )

Yes, "most" days I feel crummy.  I actually can't recall a perfectly "normal" day in at least 1 1/2 years. Some days I have a bit more energy, until I start walking around, then the leg hurts and it is over. This makes me pretty angry.

I have a bit of a depression cycle, or perhaps maybe more than a bit ?!  When my mood is better, I am better.

I need to focus on what I have and not what I lost, or don't have any longer.  I went to a cub scout tour of a military base, and 1st time I thought, I can not do this. A walker would have been perfect for me that day. It was awfully hard to get through it. I am really having lots of trouble just standing, walking is easier for me. I dont even though if that makes sense. (standing in lines..etc.)

Anyway, dear Q, I think we are all in this together. So glad to be in a place where people "get it", and I don't feel that I am complaining. Just living this life with this awful disease.

Love ya,
Michelle
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338416 tn?1420045702
Ah... sounds like a real pain!
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147426 tn?1317265632
Jen - No, an old molar just starting erupting further into my mouth, after its opposing molar was extracted some time ago.

Q
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338416 tn?1420045702
Wait a second...  are you saying that you have more teeth coming in?  I've heard of people who just keep growing more teeth...
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Avatar universal
I'm so glad that things seem a bit better. This dental issue has been weighing on your mind for a good while now, and probably has added to the depression factor. Just one more #$#$% way your body is betraying you.

But now that's on its way to being resolved. I'm hoping the urogyn will come up with something that works for you too. Lulu has had great results from Sanctura, and with the huge :-(  $250 the feds will give you on the donut hole issue you might be able to afford that.

Let us know how you do on more Effexor. So many here need antidepressants, and the meds are such an individual thing that finding the right med and dosage is tough.

I just wanted to encourage you to keep telling the forum how you're doing, both the good and the bad. You have helped all of us more than you can ever know.

ess

PS  Ice cream, esp a Hot Fudge Sundae?   Mahhhvelous!
Helpful - 0
147426 tn?1317265632
You all are so sweet and remind me why the only thing I really want to do with a day is spend it here!  Thank you for your kind words, sharing your feelings, and letting me know that I was not just a loser who got a bad attitude and gave up.

Somehow, I felt like with the MS I should feel pretty normal except for the symptoms.  I really mean that.  Kinda silly.

Clearly part of my overall crumminess is depression, so my PCP and I doubled my Effexor.  I don't think that being off the DMD is part of it except the anger that I was forced off of it, and any other, by the cost.  My neuro doesn't think any of the DMDs are going to help me, as he feels that the bulk of my disease is in direct axonal death.  I have very little evidence of inflammation:  Steroids never had an effect, I have very few T2 lesions, and I only had one O-Band, yet I have a lot of disability (EDSS about 5.5)  He's waiting for an oral med.  We'll discuss this in May.

So, I am much happier this afternoon.  I saw the dentist - nice, kind, friendly guy.  After three years without a cleaning (I know, 'mybad) I very little tartar and only two tiny areas of mild gingivitis.  The "extruding molar" is doing just that.  It's a healthy molar which is "super-erupting."  I guess that's only fitting for someone living near Mt. St. Helens.  Two years ago I freakishly fractured the virgin molar below it, and it had to be extracted.  Then this molar had nothing to contact and began erupting right out of my gum - so now I have to have another healthy tooth extracted.  I guess, it can't be just pushed back in.

Given that I am congenitally missing 14 permanent teeth anyway, and now will have lost 2 more, I only have 16 teeth (of my own) left in my mouth.  Bummer.  Now I get to look forward to the extraction next month.  yippee.  

In a fit of defiant perversity, I stopped by the ice cream shoope on the way back home and had a chocolate chip mint hot fudge sundae.  So there!  Now I am giddily smiling in a sugar high and expecting a crash in 2 or 3 hours.  So, getting rid of the dental dread (plus enough sugar to hype a small soccer team) has improved my mood immensely.

Thanks for the words that kept me afloat.  Next stop my urogyne and begging for meds for the bladder spasms.  Return the census, pay JCPenney, and fill out my MS survey for the Pacific Northwest Registery.

Are all of you signed up for NARCOMS???  Let's be heard.  Every one please do this!

Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!

Quizzle Sticks
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338416 tn?1420045702
I'm in remission right now, so it's been a while since I felt that bad.

Even in remission, I had four days of bowel-twisting cramps and diarrhea.  Sorry for the TMI, but it was so weird - it was like I had a flu bug or something.  But I was perfectly healthy, and even had plenty of energy when I wasn't running to the bathroom.  My abdomen felt painful and tender, too.

What to tell the doc?  I would just tell him you feel terrible - fatigued, cranky, and more symptomatic than usual.  This would elicit a "That's MS!" comment from my neuro, but I think yours is a little more hands-on.
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634733 tn?1316625992
Well if sadness and euphoria can be MS sx then why can't feeling as you do. I think the fact that so many of us feel as you do shows that MS is so totally complex it doesn't really matter whether the MS is actually causing it in a biological sense or if the MS sx are the source (if you see what I mean) the fact remains that we feel dreadful a lot of the time and that needs to be addressed - and soon.......

OK - lecture over - now go take care of yourself and get some help.

(((hugs)))
Pat x
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Avatar universal
I just want to say I am sorry that you are feeling so bad.

I think sometimes we look to you (and the other "flowers") to be there to answer our questions and forget that you are also dealing with this.

I hope that the crappyness soon goes and you feel much better.

Mand
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Avatar universal
... and the rest of you... Your strength and perserverence inspires me. To feel as bad as you do and still find the energy to come here and reach out - to give love and support and answers to the frightened newbies (and long-timers). That alone SHOULD be enough to allow you to be lifted above your suffering, if the world were a fair playing field.  I wish you a speedy recovery and a lightened load. Take care of yourself.
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704043 tn?1298056844
  yeh  every day  its hard to try to  feel  better--  when every  day  is a  challenge.    there  isnt  a  day   that  we  arent  reminded   or  scared  of   whats    going   to  happen  newxt???
   i have  even  resented   people   that  try  2  help   urgg   shouldnt  feel  that    but  its  there!!!     wish    you  the  best!!  tick
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620048 tn?1358018235
Seems as if its a majority vote...I too totally relate to feeling just plain lousy a lot of the time...I am always trying to move on and away from it though.  

I haven't been on here as much as I was, after  I get thru reading I am too tired to type it seems or I put it off til I feel better.

I have had some good and bad days.  I have had cateract surgery on both eyes now, the right eye was a cup of tea and the left eye just gave us trouble.   I had to go back to the OR once more but its doing well now.  My eye Dr has been there almost every day to see me.  What a great Dr he is.

I lost my headaches with the right eye surgery and now I am having pain with the left but it should get better.

I have made some plans and I want to be able to enjoy myself, they are on the 29th and 30th, i am planning on some fun !!

Oh, Quix, i hope you have some better days coming up.  And all of us really.  I have to stay positive, its all I have and it works well.

Love all of you,

meg
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335728 tn?1331414412
Seems like pretty much everyone here is feeling about the same as you. I like Guitar_grrrrl's attitude though!!   She does what she can, when she can regardless of the repercussions but of course we can't all do that either.
You are so helpful to everyone Quix and it just doesn't seem justfied that you of all people are feeling so crappy!
You know that I haven't been around too much lately but I am doing my best to exercise daily and it really seems to be helping with the little icky feelings that I can't seem to explain.  I have the added problem of asthma and chronic bronchitis that slows me down some but I do what I can to get er done!  I recently underwent a MIBI test and echocardiogram due to a glitch on my last EKG and get my results back on Tuesday.  Then I had blood tests and an ultrasound on my thyroid due to pain in my neck as well as other symptoms that seem to point toward Hashimoto's (I hope not) but perhaps the results of these tests will tell me why I feel crappy most days (especially since most of my docs çan't accept my MS diagnosis).  You know how long I have been having a problem of getting up in the morning after 10 hours of sleep and having to go directly back to bed cause I can't keep my eyes open...well, it's still here 4 days out of 7 and the Amantadine isn't helping.  I have to agree with whoever said..."bottom line, MS S*CKS!!!
I certainly hope that you start to feel better soon and maybe once the weather gets sunnier and it gets easier to get out regularly for some fresh air and natural Vitamin D!  I hope your symptoms give you a break soon and I DO NOT believe it is a bad attitude, rather perhaps it's because you are not doing enough for yourself because you are too busy doing so much for others???  Maybe a change in your schedule and the time you spend on the computer needs to be thought about???  Just a suggestion but I really hope you start to feel better soon!!

Lots of Hugs,
Rena
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1253197 tn?1331209110
Hi I am new to the forum today and have read many of your posts and have felt drawn to your wamth, honesty and giving to other people. Sometimes it is good to receive and look how many friends you have made, so in spite of feeling horrible, I am sure that you will feel some well deserved support in return for all that you have offered to others. Live in the moment and find something to make you smile :)
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738075 tn?1330575844
Hoo, boy, Quix.  I feel for you!  The roar (mine's pretty dull, thank goodness!), the exhaustion, the weakness, etc.,etc.,

I'm an avowed Fun Hog.  I do the fun stuff, anyway, knowing full well I'll pay for it the next two days or weeks.  But the fun is worth it, even if it's something as mundane as drawing up the next couple of day's menus and shopping for the ingredients.  Yes, this to me is fun, and yes, I'm a goofball, too.  I'll come home from the store, put the stuff away, and collapse in bed for the afternoon, utterly exhausted.

I don't participate in the same dangerous sports I used to (anybody want to buy a surfboard?), but there's this sick desire to push the fun envelope and hope I don't cause myself another relapse.

I'm so grateful I can still work 3 days a week.  I get to help other people come to diagnosis in the Cardiology world, so they can take their own plan of action.  It gets me out of my own head and personal medical problems.  I get the feeling your work here and on other forums is fulfilling, too.  You're still using your brilliant mind!

Yes, I feel cruddy, weak, spastic, stiff, buzzy, shocky, leaky, and depressed because I'm not performing my music any more for awhile, all on a daily basis.  I'm trying to make lemonade from the lemons the Universe is throwing me.  Some days, I don't have the energy to do even that.
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1252074 tn?1271541709
Q,

You were one of the first to post to my MS Question yesterday, while I do not have an actual dx of MS (yet?) I too experience many of  these exact same symptoms.

I have come up with ways to tell my GP, like I have this feeling of extreme exhaustion just wash over me without warning, I can be just sitting in a chair watching TV and this occurs and I have to go and lie down and then I sleep for hours even if I have only been up for a couple of hours, how do I tell him what that feels like, simple.  Doc this feeling of exhaustion feels like I've just run a 32 mile marathon without getting up out of my chair and no rest breaks.

Feeling crappy? Hard to explain that one I know, I try to pull together some of those crappy feelings into some semblance of order, like do I ache all over, do I feel weak, unsteady today, more jittery than usual, is my heart racing today, etc.   Then I come up with something to kind of paint a picture of what I feel like, also sometimes I just start up the web cam on my laptop and take a photo of myself feeling "crappy" and compare it to a photo of myself on a "good day" and share those pics with him.

Sometimes you know pictures speak louder than words.  I don't know if this helps, but I do realize what you are going through, even though I personally haven't truly been diagnosed with this MonSter I really believe that it is what has been going on with me since August of 2007, that's when this MonSter started it attack on my person. (Not sure I can really say that without (I can't think of the word, but it means that I have been diagnosed with it) I know now, confirmation!) confirmation, see I told you I had mental problems!  :)

Keep your head up, don't give up, I and many others here need your guideance and support and I know I'll be here to support you.

Prayers and Novenas

Suzie
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199882 tn?1310184542
Wow, you just described me!  I pretty much feel crappy all the time too. Somedays less crappy than others but still crappy.  Thursday night I went out with my daughter and we did a little shopping and then on to a movie.  Well I bet you can guess where I was for the next 2 days. That's right, in bed.

I think that's one of the things I hate the most is knowing that if you try to enjoy yourself a little your gonna pay for it a lot.  It's damned if you do and damned if you don't. Needless to say I choose to stay in most of the time for this very reason.

Quix, you have inspired me in so many ways. You always seem to have something positive to tell us when we are down and out and you very seldom complain to us even though we know that you suffer a lot. I just wish there was something I could say or do to help you like you have always helped me.

One thing I do want you to know and that is, I value our friendship very deeply. You have went above and beyond for me in many different ways, and now I will try and do the same for you by lifting you up to my GOD and praying for you every day.  I will also pray for your doctors so that they may understand what your telling them and also know how to help you. I wish I could do more but you do know I'm just a phone call away or a post away.  I love you dearly and we all need you to be a part of our lives. Hang in there my friend I know the LORD is going to bless you.

I'll be praying,
Carol
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1149087 tn?1415316549
You don't know me, but you have, in the past, answered to desperate posts of mine in a very warm-hearted and truly helpful way.

I just wanted to say I'm sorry you feel like this so often- and probably right now, too, and I definitely don't think it's a bad attitude- of all people, you are the least I could possibly imagine they would just whinge around, even by just having read your posts and a lot of the great stuff you've written here, I get the powerful impression of a VERY strong person- maybe that's what makes it even harder when you feel like that.

I really hope you will have more good days soon- my thoughts are with you!

Rike
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710547 tn?1295446030
Hi,
I couldn't understand any better if we were twins, I don't think.  If you recall my situation, it is different than most, but, to answer your basic qualifying question - I have definite MS.  I believe I survive by not thinking about much as far as symptoms - little ones anyway.  It is very hard to know which disease is causing which symptom, so I don't try to see specialists - though Medicaid won't let me see many outside the hospital anyway.

I've noticed lately, though, that I have felt more and more "BAD".  Fatigue has hit like a freight train - reminds me of when I first became ill.  I always described it as periodic times when my fatigue was so overwhelming - I couldn't rise above it.  All my joints hurt - my body was inflamed everywhere, with joints swollen.  Eyes hurt and so dry and blurry.  And my GI and Lung problems all seem to flare up.  There is a mood change as well.  I always prided myself in being able to stay mostly filled with joy - looking at the humor in life and enjoying my kids and my Lord, and delighting in learning new things.  But more and more, depression and irritability are creeping in with nothing offering relief.

I know my doctor is thinking I won't live that much longer, which means I don't get pep talks from him.  He's sympathetic, but although he's always been the optimist, I don't see it in his eyes anymore.  I don't mean to bring you down - I know you have a lot of life to live and are still able to be active.  BUT, I hear you saying you're getting less and less able to keep your activity up.  I want you to know I understand that transition (hopefully temporary for you) and change and how difficult it is.

Denial - even though not really real denial - in other words - we both are aware of the truth of what's going on!  Allowing yourself to not focus on the seriousness or permanence of the illness sometimes is what keeps us going.  No one with the dx of MS knows for sure the path their disease will take.  I do know a bit more because of all the other diseases and problems, but still don't know for sure.  Miracles happen, and I don't know exactly how things will play out.

I do want to say to you, though, and to myself - I think its OK to mourn and take a moment to be angry with your circumstance.  Life isn't what you wanted nor is it always easy to accept.  When we try to always wear a smile - it isn't being truthful to ourselves and the grief backs up and becomes poison.  Let it out and THEN move on and think how you can use the latest crappy thing to help others or yourself.

I don't know if I can say anything right now to be helpful but I am very down right now.  I have a son who is suffering terribly, horrific financial problems, nothing works in my home - nor cars.  My body breaks down more and more each day and I can't bear my children seeing their sole support dying before their very eyes.  I can't even make food or clean up my surroundings.  I don't even want to bathe or see anyone - except for church, which I still try to make it to almost every week.  I felt myself thinking iffy thoughts about it too lately.

OK - point is.  GET your FEELINGS out.  Tell us - or someone.  Be vulnerable and honest about your fear and disappointment.  You'll be more help to yourself and others as well if you don't pretend to always be strong.  I've always been the strong one.  People expect it from me, which makes it hard sometimes.  I'm working on being more honest with myself and everyone else.  Hey - I can't do it all (or even much or any of it).  I have a strong faith in Christ and so I try daily to give my concerns to Him - and then try to not take them back!!! lol

I apologize for rambling and hope you know I'm just trying to make you realize you're not alone and that it's a good thing to express your down times.  I'm thinking of you, and want you to know it.  Blessings, Jan
Helpful - 0
1198091 tn?1267414763
Oh and Ufrustrayed2, I can pretty much say your days and nights sound pretty much like mine, even down to the toilet paper thing, hehehe lol!!!
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1198091 tn?1267414763
Hi Quix!!! I hope you are feeling better!!  I know you want to be the one here to support everyone and carry there beasts for them all while dealing with your own syptoms!!! Just hang in there!!! you are human and you are allowed to have your time too!!! I too have been feeling crappy everyday for too many months to count!!! I come here for soooo much, it's support, validation and wisdom!!! We all owe you sooo much!!! Give and take and I'll scratch your back and you scratch mine!!! We're all in this together!!! So always ask the forum family when you need help !!! Thank you Quixf all for all you do and to everyone here!!! I hope you feel better real soon!!    
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