Hi guys

It has been 10 years since I was diagnosed with RRMS. I had an MRI and an appointment with my neuro a couple of days ago.

I have been experiencing some MAJOR fatigue issues recently, to the point where I can't stand up and feel completely smashed. This is happening especially in the afternoon and then into the evening.

When we went through the MRI films, it didn't show any new lesions and all looked pretty stable. Lots and lots of lesions that have been there for a long time though.

After I mentioned my fatigue, the doc basically said there was nothing MS-wise to substantiate it, and suggested that perhaps I needed a multivitamin.

Have any of you experienced fatigue that doesn't come from an 'official' relapse? I felt like a goose telling him about it.

Just wondering

Lyn

Repeat after me: "I need a new neurologist".

A while back, my neuro said to me, "You don't have sufficient lesions to cause the amount of fatigue you describe."

I said, "Um...are you saying that the number of lesions directly correlates to the degree of fatigue?"

And he replied, "Yes, you don't have enough lesions for that degree of fatigue."

When I told my PCP, he said, "That's Bull****".

P.S. Not that I think it definitely IS MS-related, just that I hope your neuro isn't saying that it CAN'T be just because it doesn't show up on the MRI.

I agree......you need a new Neuro.

I just love it when they tell those of us with MS how it's not painful or it doesn't make you tired. Or how something cannot be "MS related". I want to ask them why is it they're so knowledgeable about MS yet cannot seem to help me with any of my symptoms.

Fatigue is a direct result of MS. My fatigue has no rhyme or reason. I can sleep 6-8 hours and wake up feeling like I've run a marathon. It comes out of nowhere and stays as long as it wants to. Like the uninvited house guest that won't leave.

What a stupid thing for a Neuro to say. You go back there and tell him he's full of it and then ask him if he knows a Neuro who may know more about MS.

Lesions are not the cause of MS fatigue, demyelination is.

Lyn,
Sorry about your fatigue issues. A MULTIVITAMIN, wow, what an answer. My fatigue comes and goes too. On 3 or 4 days , off for a few, not nearly as bad as you are having. Not sure about any new lesions as my MRI is coming up in a month or so.
I know it is hard to find a good Neurologist, but perhaps a physical from your PCP, with some tests, might point at something. You will always know, you are going to have bad days and good days, but something else could be pushing you over the edge.
Deb

I don't like your neuro's answer at all. You should have blood work done to be sure it isn't something else that can be taken care of. But your neuro is wrong that it isn't an MS thing. My neuro is the one who actually repeatedly asked me how my fatigue was and as soon as caffeine stopped doing the trick, he was more than happy to write me an Rx. And he's not one to push medication unless absolutely needed.

ppppffffttttt! That's why with PPMS I never get MRIs anymore, if something shows up, well that explains it they say. If nothings shows, it can't be MS related. I hate MRIs - I'm middle-aged, I don't have time to waste! My neuro was on vacation once, the covering regular type neuro told me when I called in great pain "MS doesn't cause pain". @#$% her! Oh yes it does.

If I'm Middle aged, guess I'm going to live to 112!! I do qualify for a senior discount some places. OK, I'm old and don't have time.

Hey Lynn,
Like Deb says - a multivitamin. Or Red Bull!!!!