Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Support Group

your CNS is in constant communication every millisecond you live and communicates much faster than that. With MS, messages don't get through, and on any given day the messages can be distorted for whatever reason.

may be different/better after a nap?

sometimes i walk like im drunk and people look at me funny, i tell them i have ms. and they always say oh honey you dont look sick, but then i say thanks but you should see my brain, they always apologize for thinking i was intoxed.
jav

Yes, sometimes we do appear to be drunk when we walk or talk (slurred speech). If you are concerned, you can get an MS ID card from the Rocky Mountain MS center's website and order one for $10

I carry a card I made that says I have MS and take LDN 3.0; main reason is in case I ever get found unconscious. But if anyone challenges my walking, I'd show them them handicap card along with it.

i use a cane for balance and i dont have to explain myself to anyone, they see the cane and know something is wrong

I have a stagger when I walk and lose my balance quite often. I guess a loss of balance is a very common symptom of MS...I have just learned to live with it and not care what others think! Take care!

your nerve messages "shorting out" due to the damaged myelin...so your brain is thinking "pull left pull left" when it really is ok....

Thanks for the replies. It's weird the way sometimes I have that drunk walking thing and the slurred speech.

I've been doing this lately...as I've been under tremendous stress. My tremors are also terrible. Wonder if the two are related??

After many years of walking like I was drunk (nobody said anything, but I started to 'hold on' to walls and whatever was available, I finally gave in to a cane. Its made it easier in many ways, people don't think I'm wasted and are more friendly when I'm with my cane. Of course I HATE having to use it, but it beats running into door frames or simply tripping of my own feet.