Hello, I was diagnosed with RRMS in 2018 after optic neuritis. The MS hasn’t bothered me at all and I lived in denial about it until recently. I had had a second MRI scan and more MS was seen. So I’ve been put on DMDs. I am definitely noticing more symptoms now ( perhaps because I understand it more) , the worst symptom is fatigue. I am a massive Walker and I’m really struggling on long walks now. Even after a few minutes i become out of breath very easily, hot and lightheaded with a strong need to just sit down, but I keep going. Once home I feel absolutely exhausted and can’t do anything for a good few minutes. Does anyone else suffer from this? And do you have any tips for managing this kind of fatigue. Once I’ve sat down for a bit I’m fine but it’s beginning to take the enjoyment out on my walking, which I have always absolutely loved. Thank you.
Hi @heatherchadwick55 . I too used to be a walker and hill climber (Lake District and Scottish Munros) but MS has got my right leg and put an end to any thoughts of walking for 10-15 minutes on the flat at the most. You mention getting hot . MS does affect our heat regulation- many of us suffer and get fatigued in the heat. Could it be that your difficulties stem from getting too warm from the exercise of walking?
Last year I bought myself a ‘neck fan’. Clever little thing that you wear around your neck and blows air up and across your neck and head. Got mine from John Lewis but plenty of other places them. About £20 if I remember correctly, it operates on small built in rechargeable batteries and is light enough to forget you are wearing it if it wasn’t for a slight hum and the air passing over your head.
More generally I’m sad to say that ‘fatigue’ from exercise is just part of MS. I miss walking and things like running along an empty beach but hey ho.
A few years ago in an attempt to sort of revisit walking in gentle hills I bought myself an electric mountain tricycle but can’t say that I have used it to any great extent
I am sorry and yes it’s tough. I was a walker too, and I do miss going on proper walks, if you know what I mean. Over time, and as my MS has stayed pretty long-term stable with treatment, I have learned t really enjoy and appreciate the shorter walks that I am now still capable of. But in my own case I did need to go through the pain of facing up to my loss head-on, before I was able to make any progress towards being OK with how things are now, and that was not a pleasant process. Lots of anger, lots of tears. As time goes on, I’ll have to do it again, but for now things are OK, and that’s about as good as it gets with MS.
I’m sorry that you have these tough feelings and losses to deal with. Life can be so unfair.
Hi there. Fatigue is the biggest symptom for me. I have always been quite active and still try to do some physical activities: walking my dogs, running or cycling. I’ve had to accept slowing down and taking breaks if needed. Adapting to what I can still do rather than not doing things that I love is my goal with handling my MS. Keep doing what you love doing 
Take care. PJ
Hello, thank you so much everyone for your replies. I still manage to do quite long walks but do struggle sometimes and I am noticing those struggles more frequently. I am actually starting the Southwest coastal path next month and tackling about 6 miles a day over four or five days so that will be a real test. Lucky for me, I will be able to take my time. To supplement my fitness I started strength training and hopefully that is helping.
It is funny how I now realise that over the last couple of years my limited energy levels have been down to MS and not just me or my age. I haven’t told anyone about my diagnosis apart from the friend I am walking with on the south al path. I think part of that is if I do then I feel like I’m giving into it and it’s still manageable.
Like you say, it’s about changing what you can do and not crying for what you can’t do anymore. And just accepting it.
Hi,
I’m also a keen walker and have been doing the SW coast path. In fact I started it before MS was on the horizon and have just kept going.
The main website gives quite accurate information on how strenuous the different sections are.
My diagnosis was 2023 and so far I’ve been ok… Some sections are strenuous and the SWCP website gives accurate info on this. Beware Hartland Point to Bude (definitely one to split). On the plus side, if you want to rest, there are lots of nice places to sit and admire views out to sea.
Your idea of doing short sections is great. Even before MS, I’ve always found it helps to build in rest days on walking holidays, it gives you flexibility if MS/the weather/blisters are against you. I also use luggage transfer services, ditch the weight.
Short sections may be harder to plan in some areas with limited accommodation/bus services. You might then find it easier to use one of the holiday companies that plan for you - you can tell them how much you want to walk per day, what rest days etc. and let them work it out.
Hi Leonora,
Thanks for the message. Today has been the first day that I’ve felt like I might just be ok doing it, I’ve been feeling very tired and unmotivated all week. Long may this positive feeling last.
We are starting at Minehead and walking for 4 days and aiming to reach just beyond Lynton.
I did a walk today of just 3 miles and felt at the end hot, lightheaded and spaced out but didn’t stop and I know this key to manage the walk
How far have you got ?
Great and inspiring that you’re achieving it.
Before my diagnosis, I always wondered why I felt the way I did after doing long walks when everybody else seemed to be fine. It’s quite reassuring in a way to know what it is now.
Heather
A mile on the SW coastal path is like three miles on a ‘normal’ path, or so it seemed to me even before MS did for me. Certainly on the north side, which is the bit I’m more familiar with. Those steps! 
Marvellous views while you take a breather, though.
Yes, the “ups and downs” where rivers enter the sea can be tiring and I found it tough even without MS. On the plus side, it’s not boggy like the Pennine Way and the navigation is easy! That first section out of Minehead was particularly beautiful.
I started in Minehead and I’ve reached Salcombe. But I did up to around Bude pre-diagnosis and I don’t think I really have MS fatigue in the way others describe - yet. I had to skip two sections, one due to foot problems, another due to estuary-crossing timings. Incidentally, there are odd short sections that are actually wheelchair accessible paths, including a beautiful stretch along the cliffs outside Salcombe.
Anyway, I also find it inspiring to know that others are giving it a go.
I have been reading the responses with interest, and something that keeps coming to the top of my mind is the importance of getting on top of RRMS before it does you too much damage. It really matters to get on a DMD that’s strong enough to fend off the sort of relapses that mean goodbye to walking the SW coastal path in any that a normal civilian would recognise.
The ship has sailed for me, alas, because the big relapses that preceded my getting on one of the highly effective DMDs limited my walking range permanently and there’s no getting that toothpaste back in the tube. It’s why I’m always to keen to urge people to not wait until something bad and permanent happens and to be proactive about protecting themselves. MS doesn’t play fair and it doesn’t give second chances.
Hi Alison
I was diagnosed in 2018, but had optic neuritis in 2016, which was not picked up as a symptom of MS until my MRI two years later. I then lived comfortably till 2024 (with no symptoms unbeknown to me) until a second scan. Looking back I realise that I did have symptoms and relapses. I’ve been on medication for three weeks now (Dimethyl fumarate), partially reluctantly but I now know it’s a very positive move.
After reading your message last night, I had thoughts of giving up my job and walking the south coastal path in one go before I can’t, not just due to MS but my age, I am 61.
I am sorry that you are I’m unable to complete the route, I am really am. Thank you for your encouragement to do things before you can’t.