Fatigue Part 2

This is fatigue part 2. If you arrived here first and would like to go to part 1 first, click here.






Picnics in the bedroom

I've learned to be flexible and try not to make plans that are difficult to change. There are less disappointments when we say; "We'll go to the zoo one day this week."

This way, we have a whole week to work with instead of one set day and time. And if it doesn't work out that week, then that's okay, too. Something less tiring and just as fun, will come up. Even if it's having a picnic in the bedroom, complete with pizza and a movie or our favorite Star Trek episode.

Not directly caused by MS

Fatigue is unique in that it is not directly caused by MS. It is more a result of using up all of your energy to perform daily tasks. Things that most people take for granted, like bathing, getting dressed, or walking from the bedroom to the kitchen and back.

Consider getting help

If bathing and getting dressed tire you out, have someone help you. If a family member is not available or is just unable to help, consider hiring a nurses aide.

Mobility aides

If walking causes fatigue, use a cane, walker, rollator, wheelchair, or an electric scooter. Cir uses each one of these mobility aides almost everyday. Which one he uses depends on the activity he's going to do. Obviously the wheelchair and scooter will conserve the most energy.

Cir goes to the zoo, the library, anywhere he wants to. For long distances, he uses his electric scooter. The larger grocery chains and department stores offer a convenient solution. He usually uses a cart to walk inside, then uses their electric scooters once he's there.

The level of fatigue you feel is something that will probably change over the course of your MS. It can also change literally from month to month or day to day. How you manage it depends on your daily activities and the priorities in your life.

Coping with the feelings you may have as a result of having fatigue, is another area you will most likely have to deal with.





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