I know this is a rookie question ( but hey I am a rookie) does it only mean ‘feeling’ tired and exhausted? So I know that I wouldn’t even attempt to have a bath after a long day (because I’m more likely to struggle to get in and out and risk a fall) does that count as fatigue? And if I walk back from the bus stop - especially when it’s hot I get wobbly and need to sit down when I get in. And I’m much more likely to drop/spill something if I try to prepare a meal later in the day (or without stopping for short rests) or does it just mean feeling exhausted and needing a lie down? I do sleep from 8pm to 6am every night but I’ve always been like that. I don’t think it is MS related.
Hi Gail…yes there is a difference…tiredness normally goes away after a rest or sleep…it doesnt with fatigue
Boudsx
2 Likes
Could be that whilst fatigue could be a factor, perhaps thermal overload is the more dominant issue? Hot bath, hot weather, hot kitchen during food prep. Particularly a hot head, where the hypothalamus resides - the body’s thermostat. I’ve recently bought a gel insert for a pillow - it’s cool to the touch and dissipates heat from the head. Works for me.
Fatigue is a stage beyond tiredness, when the body just wants to shut down. Drives my wife mad! I can get comfy on our recliner settee and before I know it, am sparko! Can’t help it, but it’s an extreme response to relaxation.
1 Like
Yes I definitely thought of the heat factor as well. Thanks
This is the view of the Professor of Neurology at Barts.
1 Like
That is really interesting and informative- I will have to find more of his stuff to read
1 Like
For me I thought I knew what tired and exhausted was and then I had a baby and realised that my previous version of tired/exhausted wasn’t so bad. 
Then I had some MS fatigue and that was a whole other level I couldn’t have imagined. Like I had to wade through treacle to walk. It’s kinda hard to explain.
2 Likes
fantastic thread. wish we had more discussion of MS fatigue.
i find the doctors ignore it.
but i wonder if ms primary fatigue (due to ms cell impact, not secondary effects) has characteristics that could be easily identified;
- intermittent during the day (comes then stops),
- does not happen on busy days.
How to describe MS Fatigue - For me its like a combination of jet lag/several days of double shifts.
It’s like an extreme lethargy for me. I feel utterly listless. My wife will be talking to me and within a minute I’ll be off to the land of Nod.
It also exacerbates cog fog to the nth degree.