Weak muscles

[Axel_4233]

As my MS progresses,my legs get tired and weak especially when I'm doing chores or outside raking the yard. When I walk without the cane,my legs gets really tired. What can I do? I walk around but my balance is bad. Any suggestions? Thanks.

[CatsandCars]

Have you asked your doctor about Ampyra? It doesn't help everyone, but taking it does help quite a bit with those symptoms for some people. Heat will also do that to you, so staying cool is important. Maybe you might want to look into getting a cooling vest, if you don't already have one.

[NorasMom]

Is it possible to use a rollator with a seat when you're outside? Just keep it handy and sit down when you need to rest. It might be time to consider some type of motorized wheelchair or cart for yourself. When I have to do yardwork, I just load all my tools onto the back and sides of my chair, then go zipping along to whatever area I need to clean up. I work from the chair when possible (trimming low bushes) and just stay within arm's reach if I have to stand. Of course, that won't work unless the ground's pretty dry. I've gotten mine stuck in the mud too many times.

[positiveness in reply to NorasMom]

Yes, I remember getting my motorized chair stuck in the mud. I felt so happy to be able to be outside getting some wild Grapevines cut,

But then I got stuck.

[NorasMom in reply to positiveness]

I was on my mower, and my depth-perception was off. Instead of ducking under and beside the grapevines, I drove straight into them. I didn't take my foot off the gas pedal fast enough, and they sent my glasses flying off my head and bloodied my face. I'm just grateful that none of the neighbors saw me. I'm going to get my revenge this year and attempt to make jelly. That'll teach them! lol

[AquaZumbaFan in reply to NorasMom]

Life on the tractor is never boring is it?! I was “ ducking “ under a lower branch of our mulberry trees during the pandemic when I misjudged a branch , knocked my hat off.. luckily I didn’t go with it! We Preserved as many of the mulberries that we could that year, some of which ended up in a jar of some vodka, which made some killer sangria later in the season.

[twooldcrows]

these are great ideas...

[Biggums]

Greetings Axel_4233. You may have to break up your chores into parts with rest breaks. 5-10 minutes of rest. That tiredness is leading to MS fatigue. You don't want to get totally tired because the downtime can be frustrating to say the least. The cane helps with the balance. The more tired you are might make your balance worse . Remember, being tired with MS may not depend on the amount of activity. Slow motion beats no motion. Some days it may take longer to do things. Pace yourself. MS is constant adjustment. Do what you can while you can.

[Greentime in reply to Biggums]

I like that…slow motion beats no motion. 😊

[positiveness in reply to Biggums]

So true!!!

[Robsmom]

I agree with the rollator suggestion. I resisted it for years but after getting one, it really improved my mobility. I had the same, weak legs and poor balance.

[sashaming1]

To much heat affects my legs. FYI

[Axel_4233 in reply to sashaming1]

Mine too😔 I don't even want to go anywhere especially when it's too hot.

[Espeon]

I try to strengthen my legs with exercises, leg lifts, riding a stationary bike. MS causes weakness but I’m finding deconditioning can make things worse. Definitely helps to use a dollar or to strengthen legs and endurance and you can walk longer (and straighter!)

[Espeon in reply to Espeon]

Rollator I meant to say

[Axel_4233]

I need to exercise my legs,but I haven't. I will, thanks

[AquaZumbaFan]

Dealing with this issue is what led me to go to the water to start exercising in my water classes. The water keeps my body cool and it’s amazing how much more you can do in the water with the fatigue.. so the exercise does make you tired, but overall it makes you feel a lot better for the rest of the day and you might find that you get more done.

[Sweetheartonvdayl in reply to AquaZumbaFan]

That’s the only way I can exercise-water “walking “for example. At least I know I’m not going to fall… 😂🤣😂

[AquaZumbaFan in reply to Sweetheartonvdayl]

In the water, I am a mermaid, on land I am a mermaid lol( they don’t walk very well on land either)

[Sweetheartonvdayl in reply to AquaZumbaFan]

I always used to do AquaZumba, when I was in the water. Now, not so much anymore… But, I’m working myself up to that.

🙏🏻❤️Lisa 💕

[Equitube]

Wow, I so totally understand. A recent flare made me have to learn to walk again.Cops were called on me and I had to assure them that despite stumbling, weaving, and falling, I was not drunk.

Having to call 911 to get help to stand up or having a little girl help me up outside a store I'd fallen in front of was particularly humiliating.

I keep thinking in all of this that God is trying to teach me something.

(and if you are battling this disease and don't believe in God... Well, my condolences to your family, because you won't make it long.)

Looking back, I've definitely learned the value of humility and how our health and lives can be changed in a heartbeat.

[positiveness in reply to Equitube]

it was so nice to read that part of your message about God.

I actually asked my neurologist what would happen if I get pulled over and do the test they have you do when they think you’re drunk. The neurologist said to have them call the office if they have to. But the last few years, I haven’t been able to drive anyway.

[Sweetheartonvdayl in reply to Equitube]

🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[Tazmanian]

Good luck and exercise exercise exercise if you can

[Momjules]

hi!

I just started with my thighs hurting so bad !

What are you doing to help this condition?

I have many ailments and I have had enough!

I take diazepam for my nerves running around all over my body!

Good luck to you!

[positiveness]

and I find it even worse with the humidity. Terrible feeling! At this time, I can’t even get up by myself.

[kycmary]

Walking on uneven ground(outside) is more tiring than walking on flat even surfaces. A fact I learned quickly when I was diagnosed. I live on a small farm & love it. That said the advice you have received is all good & if you can follow up on it that's good. How hot does it get where you live? Along with a cooling vest or can you try a cooling tie & hat? Oh if you wear glasses get some elastic thread make a loop on one end put your ear piece through it wrap the elastic around your head leave enough to make another loop for the other ear piece. That helps hold my glasses on if I doing something bending over. Good blessings & prayers going your way. Mary

[carolek572 CommunityAmbassador]

I learn so much from other members replies, Axel_4233 ! I hope that you find something that works for you.

[Wheelof]

I don't know what to say. I have ppms and so far I exercise every chance I get. When I make it to planet fitness and really workout I feel invigorated. I just hope that continues as long as possible.