I don't know what else to call it. I can't seem to stay awake and upright. I have been trying, little by little to prepare my home for Christmas/Company, but the thing is, I haven't done much at all. No reason to be this exhausted.

This is such a downer at this time of year, and has me feeling sorry for myself. I may have to break down and hire smeone to do the housework. I really like doing it myself and Lord knows, I don't have anything else to do.

I know that Fatigue is a big part of MS, but since I have been on LDN, my fatigue level has been much better. This is new and not just a little depressing. It may be the holiday razzle dazzle that got to me. I mean, I am thinking of all the things I should do, to get ready for it. Could, just the thought of it be exhausting?

I have all my shopping finished, but some of them need to be wrapped. I ordered some goodies from Hickory Farms, but it stilll has to be prepared and made to look appetizing. The bathroom needs work...the whole house needs work.

Any hints on how to get through this awful fatigue? Anyone else suffering from this right now? I can't let my Grandkids down. I want Christmas to be fun for them and a tired, depressed Grandma, doesn't fit the bill.

HeLp !!!!

Sally,

I'm sad to hear you are suffering so much from fatigue recently. Marg hasn't been doing all that well this week either....more numbness, more fatigue etc. She has been using a new type of Prokarin as well so we don't know if that has anything to do with it or not. In the past few years at Xmas time, she has experienced the same sort of problems so who knows.

I wish I could offer some instant advice to help you but can't. I only know don't push yourself beyond the limit because of the time of year and wanting to get everything done because you will pay the price with this lousy disease. If something doesn't get done, so be it...your health has to come first.

Take care.

Harry

Oh dear Sally,
I'm so sorry to hear this. You seem like such a special lady. I tend to agree with Harry. Your health comes first. I take something for fatigue, but I still am working and often am on call, and it would look just awful for me to fall asleep whilst delivering a baby!

I just started a thread about a new bed that my husband and I bought each other for Christmas. Last night was the first night I can truly say I slept like a baby in years. You may want to read that thread. How are you doing on your new medications? It's been a while since we've communicated, and the last time we had, you were somewhat dazed by the new medicines your Dr. had ordered.

Can you ask your daughter to come over for a half of a day or so and help you with the cleaning? Are there any college students available during their breaks that would like to earn some extra spending money during the holidays that you would trust to have in your home?

In the end I'm sure your grandchildren won't notice your house as much as they will enjoy being with their lovely grandmother. So, if it can be done, fine. If not, just enjoy your holiday.

Have a lovely holiday, Sally!

Chris

It sounds like you might be overdoing Xmas?

Doctor orders: get to bed early every night, laze around the house all day, exercise of some type at least 30 minutes each day (but dont heat up), eat a healthy diet low in saturated fats, and see how you are in one week.

It might be some kind of flare, and you might really need to just keep on resting.

I'm one of those people who likes that fresh feeling and smell of the whole house having just gotten a spiffing up. Not realistic if I am to do it myself. So, when I'm in the bathroom, the toilet gets scrubbed and the sink gets washed out. I now use a sponge mop to clean the sides of the shower/bath stall. Just spray it down with thatever cleaner you use then mop the walls. rinse the mop and wipe it down with the clear water. If you still have energy, place a dry towel over the end of the wrung out mop and dry the walls.

Stove and countertops, wipe as you go.

Hi Sally,

Everyone seems to be saying the same thing right now; LDN or not. I remember last Xmas and after my trip to Chicago to be the same.

I am exhausted too, and the holidays aren't even here yet. A few years ago though, I didn't get my house cleaned, my decorations up, and I had to have someone drive me around to do my Xmas shopping!

Take whatever breaks you can get. Have someone come in and clean, if you can afford to!!

Cherie

Sally I was toast on last thursday and just took a rest day, had a freind come and help clean and get ready for a party, she was more than happy to help. I use amdadintine and also a cup of coffee, got through the party but am tired. I have a lady that comes and helps me once a week cuz the fatigue is horrible. If I clean or do house work I can't vaccum cuz I can't walk, I fall mnay times so cleaning is hard. If I get down on the ground can't get up. I can't drive and have to depend on others just to go o the store. I miss the old me but try to the best even if it a less. Memories are important. and I try to do the best I can. I write down a few memeories we can do and rest a lot. My son will be here this weekend and how much I would love to cook for him some old favorites but just can't, so i will do instant good food and just spend time gabbing. I get SOOO down and just try to focus on the reason for the season. So take care hope you are better, rest!!! it will come back. Also I use steroids when I get REALLY bad. Hugs, Christine

Thanks Friends. I knew I would find an understanding ear or more here.

Ya know, I thinks it's the weather! It's been in the 50s and high humidity here with no relief in sight. This is not good MS weather and the change from cold to warm to cold to dry to damp, really sucks gravel, and does a number on my MS.

How can we have Christmas without snow? If it doesn't snow, I'll call it off....that way I can rest up for next year.

On with the show...

Hello dear Sally,
I'm glad to see your sense of humour is not tired. Christmas without snow is lovely. Palm trees with lights on them do look a bit out of the ordinary I must say. Happy Holidays to you.

All the best,

Chris

Hi Sally,

Well, it sounds like Xmas has been overwhelmed by you. Looking at the big picture at this time of year and everything you feel you HAVE to do to make things right for the family. Little steps and day by day. In some cases, hour by hour.

I don't know if you're on any other meds while using LDN but if not you may want to check with your PCP/GP about Amantadine and or Provigil to get the energy up even if just for the season. That way all you would need is a 30 day scrip for each.

You sound exhausted just in your post and it had the same effect on me. I don't know what else to tell you, no magic pill or anything you can take to get back into the groove. Maybe it's just your time to be fatigued and there is nothing you can do about it but go with the flow and rest as often as possible. I think the idea of treating yourself to and early Xmas present would be to have someone come in and clean your house. That would be nice and one less big job you'd have to worry about.

Hoping you have a Merry Christmas and make sure you take time to enjoy it.