I'm new here. I am trying to stay so positive. But today at work I just got so exhausted... I am home now, but feel like I am crumbling... physically and metally. Too lie down doesn't even help. I guess I overdid. But I don't know how to keep from it. I don't know how to go through every day feeling this way. Does anyone out there feel this way. Does it ever go away? Is there hope?

Hi Friend2U

How long have you been dx?

Fatigue is my worst symptom. I found the attached description the best I've run across:

http://www.lamarfreed.net/fatiguems.html

Cherie

I'm constantly struggling to try to find when to push it and when I shouldn't. I know where you are coming from. By the end of the workweek the past month, I've been wondering how long I can keep working. I started provigil this week - hoping it helps. No energy, but I don't feel wiped out, so it seems to be doing something.

Have you tried any of the fatigues meds?

Dear Friend,

I am sorry you are struggling.

There are anti-fatigue meds, as stated B4. They work differently for each person.

I take Amantadine with gr8 results. But last week, my naturopathic doc stared me on a cleansing diet. I haven't felt this great in years and no Aman!

Diet and exercise really help!

Best wishes

Hi, Friend2u, i think we can all understand where you are coming from, i followed the link that one of the others provided and i agree that it is the best description of fatigue that i have come across. Fatigue is such an innocuous term, it sounds like nothing much but of all the symptoms i have, this isthe toughest one to deal with. as for the anti fatigue medications, i hve asked 2 neuros and my Gp about them and have been told that they are not used here in australia (mainly because there is no proof they are effective- thats the comment from the medicos i aksed) but i know many of you guys use them and get some relief from them. All they have suggested to me is to see an OT to get advice about energy conserving strategies to use, i did this and it seems they can't suggest anything i am not already doing. Hope things get better for you

Dear Kind People,

Cherie, Thank you for the article. It seemed to describe a lot of what I feel. I was diagnosed just about a month ago. It explains things that have been going on for many years. Everything seems to have just come to a head.

Kathy and Anne, I have not tried any meds. This is all so new. I seem to be in the middle of a big waiting game. The doc want to get me started on Betaseron, because he said it is not in the early stages and seems closer to secondary progressive. Right now I'm waiting to hear from insurance.

There are just so many issues (symptoms) and I can't take steroids because of reactivating hystoplasmosis that occurred in my eye when I was young. So right now I'm taking nothing other than Tylenol and Aleve. Doesn't really do the trick.

It's just so frustrating. I am use to going beyond the call of duty at work. And gradually it has gotten harder and now almost impossible. I sound like I am really whining, which is so out of character for me. It's funny what a person will tell people they don't really know as opposed to the ones who are closest to them. I think I am still sorta in denial. But it doesn't look like this is going away.

Anyway, thank you all 3 who answered SO MUCH! It helps just knowing there are people out there who understand. God Bless You!

Kebsa,
Thank you for your kindness. I appreciate the ideas and experiences that others have already been through. I do know that I have read so many times that ms is different for everyone... which is odd since it seems, yes we have differences, but we have a huge common bond. I wish you the best.

Friend, i must admit that you do sound a bit beat up right now, just remember this is not something you can power through if you try hard enough, i tried that approach and all it did was left me so exhausted i could barely function at all.
You may be able to notice to things trigger your symptoms including your fatigue, if you can that at least gives you some control. Try and be kind to yourself though. If you are the kind of person that usually gives 110% at work you are likely to find this a very frustrating time, just remeber that there are many of us here that you can share with. I have just been going through a really rough time with an escalation of my symptoms, i have been in hospital for most of the last 3 months,( i have been out since last friday and that is the longest i have stayed out for months), fatigue has been the toughest feature for me to deal with and has literally had me bed bound for most of the time. I hate it, but i have learnt that if i try to fight it when its bad, i just feel worse and it takes me longer to get back somewhere close to normal. I really do hope ou feel better soon

Friend,

By far, fatigue is one of my worst MS symptoms and one I deal with to varying degrees every day. There are various meds out there your neuro can prescribe for fatigue. Keep in mind everyone is different and the first one you try may not necessarily work for you. I tried Amantadine first, but it didn't work, so neuro switched me to Provigil. It's the reason I'm still able to work full-time.

The most important lesson I learned is to take it easy on yourself and listen to your body. I've had to leave work a couple times in the past to come home and lay down.

I hope things get better for you and you'll be able to find some relief for your fatigue.

(((HUGS))) Sorry to hear you are having a rough time right now. Totally understand. Things are popping up at work for me too from some of my issues.

The others were right. There are meds that can help with the fatigue. You will learn to listen to your body and learn the new limits you have.

Being stubborn, I of course have a tendancy to test those limits. Sometimes I still hit "the wall" because of that. I also have what I call the "pay to play" program. If I push to hard on one day, I'll definitely feel it the next.

Hang in there, and know you are not alone.