I have had an issue with doing some light gardening (on my knees ) or walking a distance longer than a city block, I can hardly straighten up & walk even with a cane. This even happens when I am standing up and doing something like sorting items or watering. I stoop over like 90 degrees. I can barely straighten up. It does hurt in the hips ( which were both replaced and are perfect per the ortho) A couple of hours on the couch restores some semblance of being erect. I had seen a PT in April but she was dealing more with loss of balance and loss of strength. Some days I can barely make it into my house.
Is this MS. ? I can cut down my walking distance, but gardening is just pulling weeds (which are constant & at my condo, NO one pulls them ). It is my therapy, grounding, mentally.
About two or more hours on the couch seem to restore some of my posture.
Anyway your wisdom appreciated. MS, old age or other.
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Brindisi1
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I get like this any time I'm too tired. If I follow my normal routine, i'm fine. I've given up weeding and sometimes have to rest when I'm doing simple things like cooking or washing dishes.
ok I see your like me and weeds drive me crazy . we care about our places . So get your self some weed killer and when you see a hint of green blast it . Of course protect your self .,no pulled just eliminate
The fact that you have difficulty straightening up and that relieving "pressure" on your spine by spending a bit of time on the couch eases things makes it sound more like a spinal issue than MS. First port of call should be your PCP to get checked over rather than asking Dr Google and MS chat boards. If your PCP thinks it appropriate they can refer you on to a relevant specialist for further opinion.
My back is messed up from years of my hobby walk and things I did before MS. Yes MS added to it but it’s mainly a back issue. I do pt to help and also pain specialist for pain. I have a gardener chair I use for pulling weeds as it’s tough to get back up off the ground. My knees and back can’t handle being on the ground anymore. I still trim and mow my lawn but normally two stage's, trim one day mow the next. Sounds like you need to see a pain specialist or orthopedic doctor. I think we all get in the habit of blaming everything on MS. Good luck and hope things work out 👍🏼🙏😉
mmm no more doctors for a while. Guess I will walk less to start. I was pushing it. I did PT, in May but did not show these symptoms when I saw her even though I told her. who knows whence it is from ? thanks for the thought
You probably have an issue going on in your back that is unrelated to MS. I have degenerating disks in my lower back and have trouble straightening back up if I've been bent over working on something for more than 5ish minutes. Core exercises help to strengthen the abs and back muscles which help stabilize the spine. A PT can help with that as well.
I'm older than dirt, so what you describe is familiar but as others suggest, see a doctor first. I have a tethered spine which means my spine isn't as flexible as it would ideally be, so bending to weed, leaning over the sink, etc. put a strain on my back that is painful. I can straighten up, but only very slowly. I use a kneeler bench with a padded seat when I need to get down and personal with weeds. It keeps my thighs and calves from spasming and provides assistance when rising. But do see a doctor about your back pain issues.
I'm no expert but I participate in an MS Wellness Program with lots of exercise. It does sound like you need to strengthen your core to support your back and stretch your lower back and hip flexor muscles. And I too have more spasticity when I'm tired.
well if I sit in a chair or in a vehicle . It take me a very long painful time straightening up then I’m hitting walls and my legs get twisted up making me loose my balance. I cut back on my baclifin the side affects plays havoc on my brain balance eyes had to use. Cane . Today my right arm and hand feels like I broke it . My arms have been locked up and clicking.
my pcp once told me that I should not automatically assume that an issue was caused by MS. I have issues with my hips but X-ray shows now damage. Spinal issues can also cause hip pain. I have not yet pursued any more testing(mri) yet.
I'm not a doctor but nothing you state sounds like MS. There are to many issues that it could be outside of MS. Everything sounds orthopedic in my opinion.
thanks after reading everyone's comments am going to pull out plethora of PT exercises I have and see if makes difference. Gave up my car & transportation to PT prohibitive at this moment. My core in dire need anyway can't but help. Thanks for input
I know exactly what you mean! As I get tired I start to lean over. My PT helps me strengthen my legs and back so I have more endurance. Getting down on my knees to garden is only 1/2 the problem. Then I have to get up! Very Challenging! As I do PT for my strength in my legs, back, and arms things get easier. These symptoms are definitely MS related. I can't bend my right leg 90%. MS is the only explanation my left leg is fine. I hate to pull the MS card, but sometimes it is the only thing that makes sense. I hope this helps. Have a great day!
this happens to me also ...don't know if MS or just getting older and not active enough ...still do and enjoy doing all of it ...just scares me sometimes for i wonder if i have to sit down for a while before going to get to the house but so far just have to wait a few minutes before trying to walk ...be careful and talk to the doctor more about it ....love and happiness,,,
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