Onset of MS fatigue and pain

[jmp77]

Hi again, another question. Is it common for someone with MS to experience increased fatigue and muscle pain the day after increased physical activity? Or is it more common with MS that the pain/fatigue occur with the activity only? Thanks

[msmomx2]

couple things:
1- Check out the Spoon Theory:  http://www.butyoudontlooksick.com/articles/written-by-christine/the-spoon-theory  - - it really explains the fatigue thing in an easy way for you to think about for your self and to explain to others
2- Be sure you are getting good sleep....I thought I was sleeping .. but found out with a sleep study I was NOT.

Totally agree with every thing else poset above.  Take care of yourself!

[SarahL2491]

yeah, do what Lulu did, rent a wheelchair or motor chair..............you can always ask your doctor for Provigil, which I couldn't live without, despite the cost.  It works on your fatigue in a strange but wonderful way.  I guess it would go on deaf ears to remind you to pace yourself............
but seriously, have someone push you, conserve some of your valuable energy!  And have a good time!  I am jealous!

[Maks322]

Hi,
The fatigue/pain issue really worries me.  The small trips to shop for presents and Christmas foods has really left me exhausted.  The family has decided on a trip to Disneyworld over the Holidays.  I am worried I wont be able to enjoy myself like I would have before.  Does anybody have any recommendations?  I take neurontin for pain but nothing else at all.
Maureen

[supermum_ms]

I'd say both too, but you got to remember that in a healthy person, muscle pain and some levels of fatigue is quite normal after physical activity, depending on what level of fitness you have and what the physical activity was. The difference in a person with MS is that the pain and or fatigue is out of proportion to that activity, so abnormal.

EG. pwMS puts the washing on the line but is now unable to lift the empty wash basket because its become abnormally heavy, after using up all their energy to put the washing out on the line. (sorry poor example but exactly what i just did lol)

Ho Ho Ho........JJ

[maxthecat43]

We're supposed to pace ourselves, and avoid over exertion.  I haven't really figured out how to do that.  I too find that I do better earlier in the day, by mid afternoon, I'm a complete waste.  If I push too far, I'm down for a couple of days.

[HVAC]

It can be both ways for me. I call MS fatigue running out of gas. It is that extreme. If I am holding a pan cooking I will drop it when I get that tired. My husband knows the warning signs and stands behind me to grab the pan. When the energy is gone it is gone. It is like money in the bank when its gone it is gone. There is no credit. I will do a lot over a few days and have to spend a day like today at home resting. On a typical day the pain and fatigue build by the end of the day. I start my day early but by 3PM I am tired and really hurting. I can push it until 6PM if I pace myself but by then the pain is horrendous and I am too tired to sleep. Too many days like that and I just can't move one morning until I rest a day or two.

Alex