As many of you know I had surgery back on 11/22. Soon thereafter I developed a UTI. I've been on abx for that and it's much better.

My question is what can I do for the fatigue? I know it's a direct result of the surgery.....I expected it. But now I'm ready for it to go away.

How long should this last?

Seems like all I do is sleep. I get up.....stay up for about an hour.....and then I'm ready to go back to bed. Today I've slept more than I've been up. I've just been giving into it because there's nothing for me to do even if I am up. If I do too much I pay for it for several days.

I'm thankful not to be in any pain. Just always feel like I've climbed a mountain with weights on my feet. I know the weakness is related to me not eating much but I am eating a little more each day. Any suggestions?

Have you told the surgeon about it yet? that would be my first call...then you might have to ask for some provigil to get you over the hump until the 6 week time has passed...

Hope you feel better soon, dear

Aw, Kelly! I'm sorry you are struggling with the dreaded fatigue. I think getting some nutrients in you will help. Remember how you felt after you had that smoothie that your DS's GF brought over. Nutrition is so important in dealing with fatigue and weakness. I've been there where you are at before. For me, it was a matter of not eating well enough. Once I changed my diet, I did much better. I still had issues, but overall felt better. Did you get the nutritional drinks we talked about?

Additionally, and to add to everything else, you are recovering from both surgery and a kidney infection. It is going to take some time to heal. I think Debbie is right, give your dr. a call and let them know what is going on - talk about the fatigue, not being able to eat well, and the weakness. There may be something going on in your body that you are not aware of.

I will keep you in my prayers!

I just ate some chicken noodle soup. I've been trying to eat a little every few hours.

I think I'll get a smoothie tomorrow. I haven't had one in a few days. DS went to the grocery for me bit I didn't ask him to get any Boost or Ensure. I'll have to remember that next time someone goes for me.

Debbie, I used Provigil years ago - when I had good insurance. Now, there's no way I could afford that stuff unless it's gotten less expensive since I last used it.

I'm trying to stay up till at least 7PM!

Well Kelly, if my girls and I were there we would certainly bring you over some Ensure or Boost as well as a smoothie and the makings to make your own smoothie.

I really am sorry you are feeling so awful! I wish I could do something for you.

Low potassium levels will make you feel weak.

Also low protein, retards healing.

Ensure is now advertising a high protein version... 25 grams/bottle.
might be good for you.

If you are still taking that Zanaflex..muscle relaxer? That can knock you for a major LOOP!

People vary in how fast they respond to trauma. Mostly it is based on cortisol, the immune system, and diet.

I am sorry you are so impaired still. I hope you feel better soon!

Definitely think stocking up on some ensure or other drinks like that will help. Hope things get better soon.

I had a relapse after my surgery back in Dec 2000. It took me about 8 weeks to get through it. Didn't know it was MS but I remember it very clearly because it was the first time I had such an episode. Get better soon dear. Keep resting because apparently your body needs it.

Did you get back on the LDN regularly? I find that that darn stuff helps me to heal faster. That and I'm eating well. There is a lot to say for the proper nutrition.

My accident threw me into an exacerbation of MS and that's how I was DXed by the Neuro at the hospital. I imagine that is what you are suffering as well. The shock of surgery effected your MS and fatigue is a big part of that.

The rest you are getting is important and so is good nutrition. Keep getting up and moving around between naps and eat well.

We had our incidents about the same time and I am healing faster than you, I think due to PT, good hospital and home nutrition and LDN....and the fact that I didn't have a UTI.. That alone can cause terrible fatigue.

Take your time to heal all, let your Sons fuss over you, but keep on keeping on..

Years ago, someone very close to me was recovering from kemo. His appetite was terrible and he was losing weight. I got the chocolate Ensure and would put it in a glass along with a big scoop of ice cream. Stirred it around until it was pretty blended. He loved taking his Ensure. It really was quite good and the icre cream not only gave it a better taste; but more nourishing.