Afternoon! I am fortunate in that my RRMS is fairly benign with fatigue being the main issue. Haven’t had an episode for some months but been knocked over by it since saturday. Struggling to get through the day at work as ususal when its like this. The question is always the same for me when I’m in this state - should I cease my exercise regime until I feel better, carry on as much as I can or what? I have no idea what gets me out of this state fasteset but would love to know as really fed up with it and the fact I have no idea how lone it will last…a day, a week, a month…forever? Any top tips would be much appreciated. Meant to be going for swim session tonight and can’t work out of (a) I can make it there and (b) whether it would exacerbate or alleviate things…
Lastly haven’t seen a neurologist for a decade so out of the loop but are there any dmd’s for this type of periodic fatigue?
Thanks!
Hi 
I also have RRMS and have been struggling with fatigue at the moment. From my experience, getting up and about actually seems to help with my fatigue. I often do an easy work out at the gym which seems to give me a bit of energy. Some evenings I can barely face getting off the sofa but I personally find exercise helps. I suppose that it isn’t the same for everyone but from my experience I like to try and get up and about. I would love to help with your question regarding dmd’s however having only been diagnosed for about a year I have very little knowledge on the subject. I hope this helps Amy
Hello Pickle!
There’s lots of evidence that exercise is very beneficial for the symptoms of fatigue that affect people with MS. There’s still a link on this website!
Yes, it’s tough; very much so, at times. But that said, I’m absolutely convinced that the combination of a very good vegetarian diet and a tough exercise regime has kept me so well since 1995. I suffered my first ‘major’ relapse in June 2013. It wall Hell on Earth- no question! Unfortunately, I physically couldn’t run (or do much else, for that matter). The relapse severely affected my muscles and was particularly bad from June- August.
Thankfully, by September, I had bobbed up back to the surface and headed for the gym straight away. That was tough too. Not only was I experiencing pronounced fatigue, but the Secondary Dystonia symptoms (muscle spasms/ spasticity) were still quite bad.
Long story short; sport is a massive part of my life. Always has been. I’m now back in training and looking forward to my next Half Marathon in March. I maybe pushing it somewhat, but I’m hoping for a PB.
The fatigue is tough too. Sometimes, its hard work forcing myself out of the door to head off on a run. But, that said, once I’m out, I feel ‘normal’. And, by the time I get home, I’m always feeling invigorated.
There is no room for complacency with this illness. I’m working hard to keep the MS beast away from my door!
Keep exercising as best you can; even when you’re feeling fatigued and would rather curl up on the sofa- USE IT OR LOSE IT !!!
Best of luck
Tracyann xx
Hi Pickle
I agree with the others - short bursts of exercise are very good for fatigue. I went to yoga last night for the first time since Christmas and I’m hoping to feel the benefit as I have been very fatigued since my op in early January. I caught a rotten cold last week which prevented me from going so I really did feel like I worked hard at yoga last night. I didn’t dare lie down for relaxation as I was yawning so much I was scared I would fall asleep!
Regarding medication for fatigue, DMDs aren’t designed to help with this but they can reduce the number and severity of relapses which may be causing worsening fatigue. For chronic fatigue you may be prescribed amantadine which many MSers find beneficial. I tried it for several months and, at first, it did help to keep me alert for the whole day but then I felt a bit ‘spaced out’ and wasn’t really spacially aware when driving so gave it up as I would rather be tired than bump my car when parking! It’s definitely worth a try though. The other drug that you may be able to try is modafinil which some neuros prescribe - I believe it is harder to get this one though as it isn’t really meant for MS.
Hope this helps.
Tracey xx
Hi Pickle,
I agree with the others - if you can get off the sofa and struggle into a swimming costume then you should go. Keep it all low impact though, just keep the body moving. However having said that, do listen to your body. I know the difference between fatigue and just being a lazy cow. If you feel like you have no energy and can’t get off the sofa then don’t push yourself.
You know your body best and what works for you. But I would try to keep a bit of exercise in there - kind of like just ticking over.
Good luck hun
JBK x
paradoxically I find my exercising ‘performance’ is better on the days when I feel tired whereas the days I feel well I don’t do as well.
Hi Pickle I can totally relate to your dilema as in a similar situation. Really want to go to the gym but so damned tired. Going to leave it until tomorrow. Just so p…ed off so tired can’t keep up with normal jobs such as ironing etc I am on modafanil - not sure whether it helps. After dithering for absolutely yonks now seriously considering LDN. Hoping for a feel good energising factor. Plus any other benefits with other symptoms e.g bladder and bowel. Hope you feel better soon Min xx
Thanks you every one for your responses - have decided to carry on training programme as usual and see what happens…usually retire to the sofa/bed when not at work when this fatigue thing hits so this time trying the other extreme!
Will let you know how quickly it passes!
I have been feeling totally whacked pretty much all the time the last few weeks. Haven’t cycled (exercise bike lol) for a good few months & running half marathons is a thing of the past for me. I was just so sick of being so fatigued and no energy to do anything never mind exercise. So three days ago I decided to push myself and I did… Wait for it… 60 WHOLE SECONDS of rigorous cycling! Whoa legs were trembling afterwards but I can tell you I slept like a baby that night. Did two minutes yesterday and again got a good nights sleep. Two minutes 15 secs today. Prior to this was lying awake until 3-4 in the morning. Last year when I was doing around 25 minutes on the bike alternate days I felt so energetic and full of beans, could keep going until midnight just like the old days. So yes IMO exercise certainly helps combat the fatigue and sleepless nights. Trying out yoga on Saturday, no idea what to expect but beats being bored out of my brains. Don’t forget to keep us posted of how you get on x