Extreme Fatigue and being a single mum/mom?

[JemmAus]

I cannot believe how exhausted I feel. I am sure you all relate.

Yesterday I felt sort of ok, so I took my son into the city (which is just down the road) and bought him a couple fo things. I started off ok, but after walking (hobbling) about 200 metres I got slower and slower and slower.......it ended up taking us 90 minutes to walk 400 metres and visit 2 shops.

We came home and I lay on the couch most of the afternoon, and I only got up to cook dinner and do those other motherly things. I was in bed by 8pm (but wanted to be in bed by 6)

Now I am so so so tired. I slept well last night. 10 hours.

But I can hardly move this morning.....I kinow this is "normal" MS...but BLIMEY!

Question: are there any others out there who are single mothers with help on available occassionally? The very thought of getting him to school tomorrow reduces me to tears. How the h**l will we cope as this progresses (and it seems to be progressing quite rapidly lately for some reason).

My sister has offerd to look after my son (she has 3 teens of her own) when I am exhausted - do I take her up on it? But if she does that, then I am home alone. Is it safe  to be home alone when you feel like this?

I don't know what to do!!!!!!!! *waaaaaaaaah*

Oh and just before I wrote this, I was putting the dishes away and my right arm (I am right handed) couldn't hold up two dinner plates - I almost smashed them. That is new........ I am hoping it's not MS-related...

[Inny2009]

Ugh! I feel your pain just reading your post! I know i feel like H*LL but i am lucky enough to be surrounded by people most of the time so I always have someone who can help me if need be. I would take the help if it is offered to you!

Get some rest and perhaps bring this up with your nuero and see if there is anything new you can do to help you with these progressing symptoms.

Your in my thoughts,
Inny

[Lulu54]

Please keep in mind that this disease is always changing and the fatigue you feel today may be gone tomorrow.  For today, consider all offers of help and take them.  

You should not be a problem at home, alone.  Just don't do anything extreme.  If it is a concern keep your cell/mobile phone on you at all times.  If you do find yourself in a position that you need help you can then ring someone.

Also consider talking to your doctor about medicine for the fatigue - here the favorite drug seems to be Provigil or Nuvigil.  I don't know what name they would have in AU.

hang in there,  Lulu

[Sumanadevii]

Fatigue and weakness are so nasty!!  So cruel for a mother alone to cope!!  I wish I could hug you and give you strength!  

Yes, take the help!  Regroup and step back.  My children don't like me being home alone when hubby travels.  I have found myself on the floor too many times.  I have learned to go with it?  I just go into a nice day dream or get comfortable enough to just sleep.  I know an hour, two or more I will wake to strength and get myself back up.  

I am no doctor?  But losing my dominate hand is what drove me to find a new neurologist.  I was put on steroids for five days at the hospital early this month.  I know that some of the swelling has gone down enough that I can scrub again!  Maybe over time I will regain all again!

I am new to the board.  Stories like yours?  It shows such courage.  Thank you for sharing.