My heart went out to you when I read this. I know how desperately you want this and I see that you have several good suggestions. One of the realities for many of us with MS is that now we must ask for help. The fatigue robs us of soooo much!
I use Provigil (modenafil) for my fatigue. As my NS Neuro made the diagnosis he said, "Most of my MS patients like this drug the most." It was almost like night and day for me when I began it. At least I can accomplish a few things during my day.
Provigil is a brain stimulant without being so much a systemic stimulant. It helps enormously wqith alertness along with physical fatigue. Some people with high blood pressure cannot take it, most people handle it very well. There is little potential for abuse, unlike some of the ADD drugs which are also used for MS fatigue. IHowever, it is obscenely expensive. My supply of 30 tablets was about $300. t is US approved for the treatment of narcolepsy and shift-work fatigue. It is commonly used off-label for the fatigue of MS. Since it is not formally approved for MS, some insurers finagle out of paying for it.
Other meds used are those listed by Lulu, plus Adderal and Ritalin. She mentioned Amantidine which several people here take. This is a med that is also used for Parkinson's Disease and as an antiviral med (like against influenza), but has great anti-fatigue properties, but can have troublesome side effects in some.
Please be aware that overexerting can have lasting effects for days. Duh...you've likely learned that already. How often do you need to make the drive for karate? Would it be possible to rest up for a day or so ahead of time. It's hard, but we have to involve our families in budgeting our energy. As wives and mothers women tend to take on too much anyway. Trying to maintain that kind of superwomen role can ultimately defeat us.
I hope some of this helps. Does your husband understand all this?
There are some things that you can read and have your family read that might help with them understanding what you go through.
This is a brochure from the National MS Society:
http://www.nationalmssociety.org/search-results/index.aspx?pageindex=0&pagesize=20&keywords=But+you+look+so+good&x=30&y=9
Here is a poignant essay from a MedHelp Member with MS:
http://www.medhelp.org/health_pages/Multiple%20Sclerosis/What-I-want-my-family-and--friends-to-know/show/357?cid=36
Quix