This Is MS Multiple Sclerosis Community: Knowledge & Support

[nenebird]

My worst symptom so far is the fatigue. What has helped you with your fatigue?

I have PPMS, a mild case, not yet affecting me physically (legs and arms) too much. The fatigue is kicking my behind.

What have you done to help with this?

All suggestions will be appreciated.

[Wonderfulworld]

Hi Nenebird
I did a few things together about 3 years ago and noticed a big improvement in fatigue levels- very unscientific of me because I can't tell which was effective, or in fact was it the combination!

I started going to the gym about 2-3 times per week. After about 2 months of general workouts (nearly killed me at first and really wanted to give up) then I moved on to low-reps/high weights to build muscle and then I really noticed an improvement in my stamina. To put it in context though I'd be shaking with tremors and poor balance doing my workouts - I just ignored people in the gym who stared. It's been 8 months now since I was in the gym because I had my baby in February.

I was on the Best Bet diet - not currently though as only had my baby 2 months ago and have got the taste for normal food again...I should go back on the diet but I am really enjoying butter, cheese, yoghurt.....oh dear

Lastly I took high dose B vitamins, alpha-lipoic acid, vitamin d, magnesium, - but obviously everyone is different and these mightn't suit you....they just seem to work for me.

Perhaps it's none of these things and I'm just going through a good spell. Hard to tell with MS isin't it?

[DIM]

Everything that increases body's endorphins help in fatique as training, having fun, capsicums (the chilli one) etc
Llipotropic factors as Acetyl-L-carnitine help a lot if you take about 2gr/day (4 or more equal doses during the day).
Moreover Zinc (if your fatique is primary adrenal), magnesium/calcium help.

[Loobie]

Some of the people on here use a drug called Provigil. I've never taken it because I don't have it severely enough to try and 'drug' it gone, but I know there are plenty of people on here who say it is effective against fatigue. You may want to inquire about that at your next appt.. But since you say your MS is mild right now, I would really try and do the exercise and stuff that WW recommends, but if nothing seems to cut it, Provigil is one anti fatigue drug I have seen used on here quite often.

[Artifishual]

Hi Nene
Hat to hear about the fatigue, but I can relate. I use provigil not on a regular basis but the days when I seem to drag alittle. I have been exercising and dieting and it seems to help me. I started out walking on our treadmill and now i'm up to two miles a day. I still get a little off balance sometimes and have to grab the rail, but as long as I watch the ground or the treadmill monitor i'm fine. Well good luck and definetly call your Dr. about the provigil. I think it's main use is for shift work syndrome. Thanks, arti

[Nenu]

I was catching the fatigue after I got off my last dose of steroids (about a month later). I was also finding it tough to sleep through a night without waking up, which wasn't helping the situation.

I ended up dropping my caffeine intake in half, eating more fresh foods, taking vitamins, getting outside to walk and get fresh air regularly, and making sure I woke up the same time every morning, no matter when I went to sleep. This seems to have helped for the most part, except I occasionally get 'groggy' periods, usually in the evenings.