[knittenkitten]

I feel relatively "normal" most of the time as long as I take copaxone. But, I have times when I know I have MS. This is one of those times.

I tried to go shopping on Saturday with no success. After one tour around Walmart my legs were cramped and they hurt. I spent the rest of the day in the car while my husband did the shopping. Yesterday I was pretty good but I didn't do anything. Today I came to work but my arms are spasing and my neck and jaw are cramped.

I have my usual dillema. Do I tough it out or do I go to the Doc? About all the Doc usually does is give me baclofen which sort of works. They gave me steroids once and my blood sugar went through the roof. Also, I retained so much fluid I went into congestive heart failure. The way I feel, I would like the steroids again because despite the side effects they made me feel better.

As I'm sure many of you do, I hate this feeling!

[Dejibo]

I know exactly how you feel. you MUST get out, even if just for your sanity, and the minute you do, you are all cramped up, and dragging a leg or so exhausted that you might get sick to your stomach. Sitting in the car and watching others do your errands brings on a profound feeling of loss of independance. I always felt like the family dog. I was so excited to go for the ride, and then got left behind while everyone else went in the stores. Dont tell the DH but I used to cry.

I am getting adjusted to the MS lifestyle. I am learning my limits. I am learning if one med doesnt work, I ask for another. Have you tried Zanaflex? I found it was MUCH more effective for me during those bad times, and the baclofen is great for better days. Massages, muscle rub or icy hot type products also help me. I have learned to budget my energy. I dont take my walks on days that I am grocery shopping. I also plan on bathing, and being in my PJs early that day.

I have started to find my rhythm, I hope you do too.

[SallyC]

(((((((((((KnitKitt))))))))))))

[braingonebad]

This might sound odd, but it helps me. I take two Advil before I do anything. I may need a muscle relaxer too, depending on the day. but I heard at an ms conferance that the theory is, if Advil keeps a fever down, it should keep the body temp normal in other activities, too. Keep the temp normal,keep the symptoms down.

Maybe that's why it helps, maybe there's another reason, I don't know.

Still, one tour of Wally world is enough for me on a good day. I do what I can and say so when I've had enough walking. I use a cane if I need one and I sit when I need to rest.

Like Dejibo says, if one med isn't right, there are others. And there are lots of coping skills besides meds. I always think if you listen to your instincts, you do best.

Hope this passes soon for you.

[Judy2]

Hi knitkitt,

When you were shopping in Wally world, did you use one of their scooters? I remember at first it made me feel sicker than I was, but they do give us more independence! When you aren't so worn out, you can shop longer!!!!

Please try getting out as much as you can now.....there may come a day when it's just about impossible. Last trip to "Wally" or anywhere other than a doctor was over a year ago. It's too exhausting getting ready, having someone force my legs into their car a couple times, etc. Being alone adds to the problem, even so-called good friends don't want to bother.

So start using those wheels -- that's what they're there for!!!

Hugs........

[SallyC]

Amen, to what Judy said, Knit and all.. Sooooo True!!