I'll start by saying that I don't have a miracle to offer. I do have some tips and ideas of things to try at home, however. Although I don't think any of my little "fixes" will banish your fatigue, I think they give you a pretty good shot at making it through the day - even the times that are usually the roughest - in a little bit better shape, fatigue-wise.
Take a look at the full article here: Julie's MS Fatigue-Fighting Tips.
Now, what about you? Share your fatigue-busters with us here. What have you tried? What has helped? Has anything made it worse? Tell your story in the comments section below.
I bless the Lord for his continous blessings. Last night I was in tears due to the tremendous fatigue I was feeling. Driving home I had to pull over, because I felt I was going to pass out. I was in the car with my ten year old daughter. I decided to go online and research a bit more about MS related fatigue (lassitude). The web site (MS National Soc) recommended two meds Symmetrel and Provigil. Two my surprise my neurologist called this morning to inform me of problems with the insurance in covering my Ritalin. I
mentioned the meds mentioned above and we
Are going to try them. My advice on fatigue is to take it one day at a time. If your body is telling you to lay down, do so. Better days will come. Also watch your diet. Try to stay away from fatty foods and empty carbs. There
really isnt much we can do, but to keep a positive attitude and be grateful for our
blessings.
are going to try them.
Melissa I will ask my neurologist about those two meds as I am finding I am maxed out on the ritalin. I also have learned listen to your body and when it says take a nap if you can do it and do not feel guilty about having to take one. I still have issuses about feeling guilty because I have to take a nap. I also find if I start the day with even 10 minutes of exercise my fatigue is less for that day. Hope this helps.
I first want to say I am happy for have something to read that isn’t all medical and stuff. I have only been dealing with ms since march and still have plenty to learn. I am always tired. Even after I have just gotten up. Its annoying really. I don’t work so like darcy said I take a nap when possible. it helps sometimes but often makes me more tired. I am not on any meds yet thank goodness. Me and the doctor are just observing for now. Well thanks for this forum to read.
Thank you, July! Food is a big fatique trigger for me too. The only consistent trick that works for me is no grains (including gluten free). Eating fruits & vegetables + a few nuts (lots of nuts r bringing fatigue immefeately) is really helpful. The protein is for evenings. Good coffee helps too. Kids talking back & arguing is another energy sucker. Sometimes leaving the situation helps & other times it doesn’t. No tricks for that one yet
I still work (ironically) in a neuro hospital where we are understaffed and overworked. My senses are constantly bombarded and I leave work feeling physically and mentally depleted. Fortunately, I am still employed. Unfortunately, my social life is now nonexistent because I don’t have the energy; but if I stay to myself, I do not have any explaining to do. My life centers around “recovering” for the next day’s onslaught. I know the day will not endure forever; and all I have to do is get through it, and head straight for my bed. I am ever so grateful when I get through a day.
It is really hard for me to tell if my fatigue is MS related or if it is life related. I work full time but I work at night and the hours are 3 x 13 hour nights and then I am off for 4 days. So when I am off of work, I sleep a lot. It is really hard to tell if I am sleeping from pure exhaustion from long shift, or shift work, or MS fatigue, or if I am suffering from depression (which I also have). My family is not very supportive of my sleeping a lot and I feel guilty for sleepy. I’m just so tired all of the time. It is a catch 22…..so no at this point I don’t have any ideas/tricks/tips to pass on. So I am looking for some to grab on to myself. Thanks all:)