Adivce needed, is this normal for MS or should I take action
Posted: Mon Jan 27, 2014 1:42 am
Hi all. I provide care for a friend with MS who was diagnosed around a year ago. I want to be clear that I am not a licensed caregiver, at least not yet. This person went from being able to attend work at a nice career normally to needing a cane/walker 95% of the time and have great difficulty doing day-to-day tasks in every area of life. It has been a big culture shock, but probably not news to many reading this.
The reason I am writing is because for the last two weeks my friend has done nothing but sleep all day. They may be out of bed 2 or 3 hours a day (though it's hard to tell exactly, since they may be up more when i'm asleep or at work). I am very worried and have been expressing my very serious concern to them as often as I can. Not to the point of being aggravating, but I want them to take their symptoms seriously and act on it. They have also lost considerable weight and I fear they are not eating enough. I offer to prepare food constantly, even if I prepare myself food with plenty for two and offer it, they decline. I don't know what to do!!
They recently changed their medication (an increase, I have a list but not sure I should post it) and they believe the change provoked this new exhaustion. Prior to the last two or so weeks, they probably slept less than I do! They'd be awake staying busy (even if sitting most of the time), getting exercise outside of the house, attending a support group... all the things I'd expect a person would want to do when newly diagnosed with MS. But these last few weeks I am just so worried... I am not sure how normal this is and if I should be more forceful in insisting they do something.
They are supposed to see someone today (Monday) about new bloodwork. I don't know if that is enough but I hope so.
Is this normal or should I be more worried? I need advice!
The reason I am writing is because for the last two weeks my friend has done nothing but sleep all day. They may be out of bed 2 or 3 hours a day (though it's hard to tell exactly, since they may be up more when i'm asleep or at work). I am very worried and have been expressing my very serious concern to them as often as I can. Not to the point of being aggravating, but I want them to take their symptoms seriously and act on it. They have also lost considerable weight and I fear they are not eating enough. I offer to prepare food constantly, even if I prepare myself food with plenty for two and offer it, they decline. I don't know what to do!!
They recently changed their medication (an increase, I have a list but not sure I should post it) and they believe the change provoked this new exhaustion. Prior to the last two or so weeks, they probably slept less than I do! They'd be awake staying busy (even if sitting most of the time), getting exercise outside of the house, attending a support group... all the things I'd expect a person would want to do when newly diagnosed with MS. But these last few weeks I am just so worried... I am not sure how normal this is and if I should be more forceful in insisting they do something.
They are supposed to see someone today (Monday) about new bloodwork. I don't know if that is enough but I hope so.
Is this normal or should I be more worried? I need advice!