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Discussion Topic

More "MS for Dummies" -- Fatigue

Posted on 07/13/08, 06:04 pm

Interesting excerpt from MS for Dummies:

PRIMARY MS FATIGUE

"In addition to all the other things that can make you feel tired or sleepy, you can add to the list another type of fatigue, commonly referred to as LASSITUDE, that's unique to people with MS. Lassitude is thought to result from poor nerve conduction caused by damage to the myelin around the nerve fibers in the central nervous system (CNS). Because of the demyelination, your body has to work harder just to transmit messages between your brain and other parts ofyour body. Unlike normal fatigue, MS lassitude:

- tends to come on suddenly
- generally occurs on a daily basis
- can occur at any time of day, even in the morning after a restful night's sleep
- generally increases as the day progresses
- can worsen temporarily with heat and humidity
- is much more likely to interfere with everyday activities"

It's strange, but I did not think I suffered from fatigue, but yet, in looking at this list above, I can say that I DO suffer with this "lassitude" type of fatigue.

I am a bit confused...is it like this for everyone or is your fatigue different?

Showing 1 - 10 of 14 Replies

Reply #1 07/13/08 7:22pm

LeannaB

Marge, yes it sounds like this author is correct.

The fatigue arises from what I described to you earlier from looking for good, working nerve pathways in which to send messages to the body. I think the example I used was driving to look for an address, and ending up driving down a bunch of dead-end roads, and having to turn around and re-track your steps to get back to the main thoroughfare, and hten looking for another street that does not have damaged meylin.

Lasstude is what I call "the wave." For me, when I experience stress of any sort, or I eat a large meal, "the big gigantic tidal wave" comes and engulfs me and my entire body.

When this happens, I have to get to a bed in a hurry and lie down. I have no other choice.

I have often been riding my power chair, and "the wave" came, and all I wanted to do was get off my power chair and lie down at the side of the road to sleep. Of course, I didn't - but that is the feeling. My fatigue is also tinged with the narcolepsy, so mine might not be the same as others.

The article is quite correct. Most of us, including myself, have general, overall fatigue, and then we have lassitude.

By the way, if any friend or spouse wants to know what MS fatigue is like, one technique a nursing friend with MS susgests is to put ankle weight bands and wrist weight bands on them, and have them walk and work for a day. Another friend describes it as walking in quick sand against a strong wind.

Thanks very much for taking the time to post this.
Leanna
Reply #2 07/13/08 7:27pm

LeannaB

I forgot to add that researchers recently did conclude that stess is bad for MS'ers, which we have already known, but which medical doctors refused to agree on. When my company leaves, remind me and I will see if I can trace down the article in one fo my file drawers here in my research files and office. But, the point is that the stress often does create this lassitude the author in your book spoke of. People who work, and experience stress often face these periods of lassitude.
Reply #3 07/13/08 8:50pm

dolita

Thank you. I always wondered why, kinda silly I never thought about lookin it up. I have the worst time with it.HUGZ!
Reply #4 07/14/08 3:29pm

mimarg5557

For 17 years I stayed home and took care of the house, making meals, cleaning...and caring for my 3 girls when they got home from school. I went to work as a teacher...immediately...fatigue and lassitude set in and I had exacerbations...I didn't realize that the "work" was contributing. I only knew I liked the job and working and getting out of the house. When I left teaching I went to work as an accountant. Again, basically very happy with the work I was doing, but I had a half hour commute one way...so one hour a day I was on the road. I exacerbated several times in the years I worked until I realized that the "work" was too much work. I think I stopped pushing my working OUTSIDE of the home and the stress diminished and my exacerbations lessened. It was an experiment. It was worthwhile and also very important for me to learn. Just because I LIKED working didn't mean I should be working. My life now is much more stable...less stress and I rest as I need it.

One doctor years ago told me not to ever consider going to work...I wish I had listened. I think many symptoms I have today could have been delayed a few years if I had stayed home. He reasoned that taking care of my family was more than enough stress for my needs. He was right.
My right hand remains numb from two summers ago...My bladder is neurogenic, and leaky...
My legs can become numb and my balance diminishes if I am on my feet for longer than 10 minutes.
I need a cane to walk for distances longer than 100 ft.
I feel like I am ALWAYS tired. Just generally don't want to do anything at all. It is easier to just not try sometimes. I don't realize that if I lay down a few minutes every couple of hours I would feel a great deal better.

What can I do? I'm working at attitude, and gratitude.
Reply #5 07/14/08 9:16pm

ddeadred

I'm lucky, I suppose... I had this lassitude today, but really have it to the terrible degree of today... I napped but have never regained my energy...
Reply #6 07/15/08 5:38am

speckleeyed

oh yes... i think this "wave" is what is causing me to have a hard time dealing with my hour drive home from work...

and as for stress being proven to be bad for MSer's, that's awesome because i'll probably be in court soon... the EEOC and i have filed a claim against my employer... well the previous location, i transferred when i moved... for discrimination and harassment... i've been sooooo much better since i moved away and so much happier with my new job
Reply #7 07/16/08 12:58pm

karenBBSR

MY RESEARCH PROMOTES PACING URSELF WITH ACTIVITIES, RESTING B4 U FEEL THE "WAVE." OF COURSE, I NO I DON'T DO THIS ALL THE TIME CUZ I LIKE TO B BUSY AND I FEEL UNWORTHY IF I DON'T GET SOMETHING ACCOMPLISHED. I'M WORKING ON THIS. FOR ME THE HUMDRUM OF EVERDAY CHORES/LIFE SCHEDULE CAN BORE ME SO FAST...WHEN I'M BORED I JUST WANNA NAP.
Reply #8 07/16/08 4:06pm

LilMargie

Yes, I think Karen's right about pacing yourself. I seem to get a lot more accomplished if I have my TO-DO list and then take plenty of sit-down breaks in between. Trying not to fight it seems to help.
Reply #9 07/16/08 9:57pm

jav

I DO THE 6 THINGS THAT I WRITE DOWN THE NIGHT BEFORE, ON MY TO DO LIST...NOT BIG THINGS
BUT I DO TIRE VERY QUICKLY, AND I QUIT AND TAKE A REST, USUALLY IN 30 MIN IM OK...USING THE BRAIN IS GOOD THOUGH...RIGHT.....THE WIZARD GAVE ME ONE!
Reply #10 07/17/08 3:54pm

Morgaine71

I must agree with everyone here. Everything that I would have said has been. I quit work for that reason and quite a few others. I know today I could never get another job even if I wanted it. I do try to get things accomplished but it doesn't always happen. I am working at making my own business from home. Which is crocheting things to sell. I am trying to get stock made to sell at a craft fair and on ebay.....and I have a few orders...so I am staying busy that way. If I get tired I lay down and take a nap. I literally laid down acroos the bed and woke up 4 hours later...meaning only to lay there for a few minutes LOL>
hugs
Kim