Fatigue due to MS is best defined as: a feeling of loss of physical or mental energy that can affect routine activities. High levels of fatigue are among the most common complaints amongst people with MS and it is one of the few clinical symptoms that can be predicted.
Exhaustion at night
Typically, many people with MS wake up feeling invigorated but feel increasingly exhausted at night. Fatigue due to MS affects most people with Multiple Sclerosis, at some point. This excessive tiredness can limit physical activity and most frequently affects the legs, although arms and hands can also be affected, either separately, or together with the lower limbs.
The degree of fatigue experienced differs from one person to another, and is often dependent on how far the disease has advanced and on the general physical condition of the person.
Symptoms can be misinterpreted
Fatigue due to MS may affect the physical, emotional and professional aspects of your life. It is important to note that tiredness and related symptoms can easily be misinterpreted or misunderstood by others.
Extreme tiredness may prevent you from doing more than a minimum daily routine. Extra sports, or attending evening classes, may leave you feeling more tired than normal, and this can cause feelings isolation from other people, not to mention, feeling ‘different’, which can be upsetting and frustrating.
Fatigue affects performance
Performance in the workplace may also be affected by fatigue due to MS. You may find yourself trying to do everything with the same agility and to the same high level as prior to diagnosis, but your physical ability and cognitive (thinking) ability may well be impaired due to tiredness.
This is understandably very frustrating and a lack of understanding by others (managers, colleagues etc.) can exacerbate the problem – that is why it is advisable to speak to colleagues, alerting them to your condition, and the possible consequences of the illness.
Changing your daily routine can help to manage fatigue due to MS. These changes are best carried out with the support of a multidisciplinary team and a neurologist.
Areas to consider when examining a daily routine
Sport
Practicing light and moderate exercises can result in a better overall physical condition. It is important to consult a health professional who will know your limits and be properly informed about fatigue due to MS. They can help you to choose an exercise regime that is tailored to your unique abilities.
Rest
You should make a list of everything you do each day and prioritise tasks. If you feel very tired one day, then try to reduce your activities the following day to recover energy and avoid becoming exhausted. It is also a good idea to have a rest between doing one thing and another, e.g. between grocery shopping and going home, or before going to the gym and going out for the evening; give your body a break and a chance to recuperate.
Relaxation techniques
Taking time out to relax or meditate helps to restore mind and body, as well as boosting energy levels. Tips on relaxing and meditation techniques are readily available on audiotape or compact disc.
Simplifying life
Whether out socialising or at work, try to find simpler and less tiring ways of doing things. For example:
- A shopping caddy on wheels is better than having to carry heavy shopping bags;
- In some countries, groceries can be delivered to your home by most supermarkets;
- Car-shares for driving to work will mean having to drive less.
