I copied this excerpt from the National MS Society's page:
Fatigue is one of the most common symptoms of MS, occurring in about 80% of people. Fatigue can significantly interfere with a person's ability to function at home and at work, and may be the most prominent symptom in a person who otherwise has minimal activity limitations. Fatigue is one of the primary causes of early departure from the workforce.
WHAT MAKES MS FATIGUE DIFFERENT?
Several different kinds of fatigue occur in MS. For example, people who have bladder dysfunction (producing night-time awakenings) or nocturnal muscle spasms, may be sleep deprived and suffer from fatigue as a result. People who are depressed may also suffer fatigue. And anyone who needs to expend considerable effort just to accomplish daily tasks (e.g., dressing, brushing teeth, bathing, preparing meals) may suffer from additional fatigue as a result.
In addition to these sources of fatigue, there is another kind of fatigue—referred to as lassitude—that is unique to people with MS. Researchers are beginning to outline the characteristics of this so-called "MS fatigue" that make it different from fatigue experienced by persons without MS.
- Generally occurs on a daily basis
- May occur early in the morning, even after a restful night’s sleep
- Tends to worsen as the day progresses
- Tends to be aggravated by heat and humidity
- Comes on easily and suddenly
- Is generally more severe than normal fatigue
- Is more likely to interfere with daily responsibilities
January 26, 2012
2:00 a.m.
Dear God,
I'm only human and at times giving thanks in all circumstances is nearly impossible for me to do. Though I do try. It's been a very stressful three months dealing with my mom's accommodations and her failing health. The holidays didn't go as well as I had hoped. To top this off, I haven't been feeling very well and have been extremely exhausted. MS fatigue and nerve pain are horrible. Last night at 10:30 as I was praying to You, I was telling you how I'm ready to come home, to be with You. My nerve pain was so bad. I woke up at 1 a.m. and was still on the sofa, hurting too bad to even sleep by my husband. I knew it wasn't time for me to go yet. But You already know all that about me Lord. You know how it's an effort for me to get up in the mornings as I am not sleeping well. I'm thankful I have no terminal illnesses. I have You to thank for that. You healed my cancer; I've been cancer-free for nearly four years now. The other illnesses I have certainly impact my daily life and activities. I really don't have anyone to talk to about my feelings except to You, dear Lord. I certainly don't want to bring anyone down discussing my aches and pains and at times the drudgery of my daily life. My husband has to be tired of seeing me laying on the sofa so much the past few months, and not even bothering to put on any makeup. But he never says a bad word to me about it. These thoughts of how I think he feels are only my perceptions, dear Lord. I talk to him about it, and he tells me how much he loves me. Thank you for giving me such a wonderful God-fearing man that loves me unconditionally. I keep telling myself I have to snap out of it and accomplish something, anything at all. I personally feel I haven't been a very good wife. I feel extremely guilty. I need to do so much more for my husband, as I love him so much. Maybe I'm depressed. I've been wanting to start decorating the house for spring. These thoughts bring me joy and make me smile. I love to decorate. But Lord, I just can't seem to make the effort to do anything. It's not that I don't want to, I do. I want to be active. I keep telling myself that tomorrow I'll feel better and I'll get something done. But that tomorrow never comes. It just seems I get so easily discouraged any more. And as a born-again Christian, I shouldn't feel that way. I've seen my neurologist about my fatigue problem, and he offers to give me a prescription for a drug that is a narcotic stimulant. I tried this drug one time, actually I gave it two attempts. All it did was raise my blood pressure and make me feel like a zombie....I was so tired, yet I couldn't sleep. I felt like I was being "forced" to stay awake. if that makes any sense at all. I so miss doing what I used to be able to do. I see people my age and older doing so much for You and serving others. I'm asking for your help dear Lord. I give all this to you.....in your precious name I pray, Amen
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