Help....

[Sadieschafer]

Has anyone returned to normal walking after lots of weakness and numbness in both legs? I have had weakness and numbness/stiffness even after solumedrol. I'm afraid I may never return....😢

[SharonMSfighter]

yes after getting to use the Neurolife Suit system neurolifesuit.com

[StacyHayward]

Yes. I've gone from barely walking to nearly normal. Still lots of numbness but I'm still able to walk most of the time.

[Fee09]

Well I went from being paralyzed to weakness then on a walker to a cane and eventually walking "normal" after about 7 months of therapy in 2013 after my initial diagnosis. Then bad weakness and numbness with limited coordination in 2015 to walking again after 4 months of therapy. Everyone is different, but I stay positive and take each challenge in stride

[agate]

@Sadieschafer, yes. But for me "normal walking" means being able to walk about a quarter of a mile to half a mile with a walker, or for shorter distances without any walking aid. And my average steps per day total 1600 according to the pedometer I have.

I had another fall in March--one of many over the years--and hurt my back. After a lot of physical therapy and continuing exercise routines and just the passage of time, I can finally walk better, without feeling as if one or both legs are turning to jello on me. I still have occasional twinges of leg weakness but in the last few weeks I've been walking better than I've been doing for 10 months.

Sadly, these things take time. And more time.

[heidilegs]

Yes you can over heat your body

[heidilegs in reply to heidilegs]

Not over heat your body

[Jesmcd2 CommunityAmbassador]

Give it some time Sadieschafer all you can do now is wait. Also see about PT, maybe? Just to get rid of the stiffness.

Jes🌠

[April-1995MSWarrior]

I have... been on a wheelchair twice and cane several times. When i start feeling any relief or improvement, i get back on the treadmill (with handles). Im always fighting to beat it and refuse to quit trying. It's tough, but worth it! Keep the faith!

[angelite in reply to April-1995MSWarrior]

Hi April,

I would love a treadmill but don't have the space ( I live in a caravan type unit ). Is yours electric or manual powered ? Angela x

[ddeadred]

YES... as always, MS issues come and go... Even at 52, I have wonderfully functional mornings and more issues as the day goes on... MS for 30+ years, but the MonSter has still met his match! I just keep fighting since our initial meeting that landed me in a wheelchair. Got out of that initial chair pretty quickly and have lived with ups and downs all these years. Never give up, never give in!!!

[ddeadred]

PS: BTW, I have weakness and numbness in both legz all these years, and mostly, I ignore it... Walking by rote usually gets me through my dayz...

[Morllyn]

Yes, but everyone's MS is different.

[Sadieschafer]

I was out of the hospital yesterday, the pet said I didn't need anything at this time

[angelite in reply to Sadieschafer]

Hi Sadie, are you able to stand and take your weight on your legs ? A safe way to test this is to stand in a doorway holding the sides of the frame x

[Sadieschafer in reply to angelite]

Thank you for the idea...yes, I am able to do this. I can hold my weight...just cannot seem to make my legs move like I want them too. Feel very heavy, stiff, numb

[angelite in reply to Sadieschafer]

Okay, that's a good start : ) Are you using a cane or even 2 ? You might find that if you can lean some of your weight on sticks ( effectively like walking on four limbs ) you are able to move your legs a little better ? x

[Sadieschafer in reply to angelite]

I have not tried that yet either...just hobbling around very slowly right now

Had solumedrol for the past 4 days, was hoping to see some sort of normalcy return.

[angelite in reply to Sadieschafer]

I know you must feel a little disappointed but I believe it can take a while for the inflammation to settle. The buzzing, numbness and heaviness are new sensations to you so they will feel strange and scary at first - I have had these and am used to them if they occur so they don't worry me so much now . Stretching might help the stiffness. A stretch I like to do when lying in bed is pointing toes as far down as possible, then upwards towards your shin. I hold for a few seconds on each one. It can hurt a bit, as you are stretching tight muscles to loosen them. If you are able to lift and bend your legs up to your chest and down again ( I can usually ) that would be good exercise too. I am often found in doorways, standing on either leg doing 'dips' - bending the knee to strengthen muscles : ))

Please don't be put off from using a stick/s if they help at the moment. Such tools can be valuable in recovery to help us improve our speed, co ordination and style of walking. They are not necessarily a permanent thing. I used a stick for 6 months after first relapse then got stick free for another 2 1/2 years and even went back to my cleaning job : ) The fact that you are still able to move around, albeit at a slow hobble is I feel, a very positive sign. Rest, gentle exercise and patience is the way I deal with relapse and recovery.

Hoping you see some improvement soon, Angela x

[WonderMom]

Hi Sadie,

Have no fear! The best part about Ms is just because in the now something isn't working. That doesn't mean it will stay that way! Back in 2008, I was paralyzed,makingdoing the army crawl with my 3 yr old to the bathroom a game. Then I got strong enough to use a walker. Then in2009 I was told there was a 98% chance I would be wheelchair bound in 5 years! Make peace with it! Ha! No way! So here Iam using just a hurry cane at Year 9!

Don't loose hope! With MS today's problem can be tomorrow's joke!

[Sadieschafer in reply to WonderMom]

Love your answer, and the army crawl! Lol thank you so much- makes me feel a little less alone.

[WonderMom]

Sadie,

You are never alone! And life will get better. Life with MS is no different than anything else. Good days and bad days. There is a saying that helps me, Instead of dreading the storm, learn to dance in the rain.

Stay strong, you have many fellow MS friends !

Blessings,

Jen