Does anyone have days where they wake up and, from the instant their eyes open, within their very initial moments of consciousness, it's horribly and undeniably apparent to them that they're ludicrously exhausted? So exhausted that they know their entire day is going to be a continual uphill battle to remain awake + alert? And then this awareness of what their day is going to look like then becomes it's own psychic/emotional weight? Plus the overwhelming frustration of knowing that, the only thing that truly assuages such a holistic fatigue is sleep? But also knowing that there's still a good chance even sleep might not help either? That they're just going to have to grit their teeth until this mysterious and all-encompassing lethargy decides to, like, go away? And, within this experience, does anyone gaslight themselves? And tell themselves they aren't actually that tired? That they're just being lazy or weak? That "everyone is tired" and their tired is no different than everyone else's? And, also within this experience, doesn't anyone feel an existential anxiety? Because they know Life is going by, tick-tick-ticking away, and they're not making "the most" out of it, not appreciating it fully, due to they're so tired and empty-feeling?
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Db0712
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This is hard to answer, because I'm a lot older than you and not a man. First, I'm going to suggest that you rest when you need to, but your posts aren't clear as to whether you're expected to work every day. Secondly, is this exhaustion coming after pushing yourself too hard, or are you having a relapse? If the latter, you need to contact your neuro right away and get treatment.
Yes, I spent my teens and twenties being told that I was lazy and just not trying. I grew up in a family that didn't recognize invisible illnesses. Fevers, broken bones, emergency surgery were acceptable, but everything else was "whiny" and "you need to just deal with it". I felt guilty every time I stayed home from school or missed work. Now I feel vindicated, but that doesn't really help much. 😬
If you're in the US, it might be time for you to see about Disability. If you're working and need to keep doing that, check into FMLA. I also think it's time that you found a good therapist. It doesn't have to be a formal psychiatrist. There are a lot of qualified social workers who let you talk and really listen to you. My family has used Lutheran Services a number of times. They're not religious, and you pay based on your income.
Your feelings are normal and righteous, but exhaustion and depression just make everything worse. Do whatever's needed to take care of yourself.
You should let your medical team know of all this so that they can help you, Db0712 . It is tough to be facing this but you need not do it alone. You can visit mymsaa.org and look for resources that may assist you. 🤗
Hi Db0712 I hear what you are saying that kind of depression is not good You don't say if you are in the USA or another country so I don't know how to answer you. I am praying that God sends someone to help you. Mary
Fatigue and depression are common in PwMS, but can also be a side effect of MS meds. Are you on any medications to manage your MS and if so, which one?
I understand completely what your going through. Take it day by day. Make small goals. Try not to overwhelmed yourself with what you can't control. Accept what things are and can't be change and the make the most of it.
I wake up to depression, and it scares me—it's so deep. I take a bicarb, and the feeling leaves quickly. It's OTC on Amazon. My doctors recommend it. Oxygenates your bloodstream and makes your blood more base. Take 1 or 2. Consult a doctor if you have cardiac problems. Best brand; I have been using it for 35 years. amzn.to/4hoaiVn
I also suffer from extreme fatigue from the moment I wake up every morning. I was diagnosed 31 years ago in 1993 with RRMS when I was 35 years old. I am now 66. My initial symptoms were fatigue, numbness on one side of my body and then optic neuritis. My MRI showed one area with plaque. I was working full time at the time and was able to take 3 months off and when I was able to return to work. My fatigue had thankfully subsided, but my energy still did not return to what it was prior to my diagnosis but I was able to do most of what I was doing prior to my diagnosis. My doctor prescribed Ritalin for my fatigue, and it seemed to help. I also tried a high dose of biotin, which had no effect, and also Provigal and Nuvigil which also had no effect. In 2020, years doctor re-diagnosed me with SPMS since I was beginning to slow down. Mind you, I was getting MRIs annually if not semi annually for a few years by this time, and there were no new area of plaque since my initial diagnosis on any of them. I guess that is a good thing. I was working full time ever since my initial diagnosis and in June of 2020 I felt my fatigue was too much and went out on disability. It was more of a mental fatigue an not physical fatigue since I had been working from home as an analyst for my job since 2020 due to Covid work restrictions. When I was out I would walk anywhere from 1/2 to 1 mile every morning. I live in Northern California and it gets HOT here in the summer. I used trekking poles for my balance which worked out very well. I am now retired from work. Woo hoo!. As for depression, well yeah when I think about it. And when I do think about it I think about those that are not as fortunate as I am when it comes to my disability and abilities so I kick myself and just do what I can and I don’t give it another thought. It’s all about what I can do and not what I am not able to do. I know everyone is different in where they are in life, but for those if you that are having a hard time, find out from you medical provider(s) what you can do to “improve” your circumstances.
I have felt this way. I have felt that if I could curl up in a ball maybe the wind would blow me away and it all would be better. That is when I decided to ask for help. There is no shame in asking. MS itself is enough to need the help of someone else to sort out these feelings. Medication might be another added to that. Stress factors. Please reach out to a therapist of any kind to find the type of help that you require. Please. Keep us updated. I am praying for you.
Praying for you, feel better soon! As my husband and I are focusing on a theme: “Caring Spirit” during Lenten season, I actually feel better taking the focus off of me! I sent my Godmother who turned 94 today spring flowers 🌺 She called me and told me that she was so glad to have me as her “play daughter.” Injections or a migraine couldn’t destroy my spirit after hearing that. Sometimes, we have to power through as hard as it seems, our health benefits from positivity. If you think you need to discuss with your health professionals, do so. Our medications, sometimes coupled with foods are be a negative mixture. Praying 🙏 for better days for you my friend. We’re here to listen
I don’t think I have ever seen it described as perfectly as you describe it! Yes, I have days like this. And, yes, I do try to gaslight myself into thinking that I can’t possibly be as exhausted as I am, but I know that I really am that tired! 🥱
My apologies…see now that you ARE saying that you are depressed.😔 I apologize for saying that. I hope that you can get some help from a PROFESSIONAL source. ❤️
Every morning for a couple of months, but it has very little to do with the MS. At least I don't think that's playing a big part. I'm too tired to figure it out and really don't care much these days. It feels like the whole world is falling down around me. I get hungry but at the same time, I don't feel like eating. I've lost 5 lbs. this week. I just got out of bed but all I want to do is go back and snuggle with the dog for the rest of the day.
Yes, especially if I have been pushing myself or I have been busy. I have read the other comments here and there is some excellent advice. Please reach out to your care team. 1) do no be hard on yourself. When you wake up exhausted respect where you are. 2) An infectious disease doctor told me once, if you can move, move. You can move gently, not over doing it . Gently stretching on these days so you don't stiffen up. 2) pay attention to your body. Are you having an infection. Maybe a UTI? 3) reach out to friends and family 4) don't hesitate to call your doctor. 5) I repeat, please respect where you are today. You are not lazy. You're not feeling well.
Nearly everyday here. That's MS. The fatigue can be debilitating. When I absolutely need it, I take Ritalin prescribed by my Dr. There are others, too. Amantadine is one. Brain fog also goes with it. Depression can also creep in because we feel hopeless/worthless. Remember, it's not you, it's the disease. Light exercise, change your diet, and take breaks & small naps if you need to. If you have a family, talk to them so that they're aware. Be encouraged!
I honestly can relate. No matter how much sleep I get, it's never enough. I take advantage of my good days and then over do it. Don't be too hard on yourself. I know my prescription drugs make me tired. Stress is a major factor also...I do not have any answers, just know you're not alone.
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Day 5
Battle Fatigue
MS and isolation
Amandatine for fatigue; anyone else on this? 
We need to protect ourselves from falling at all cost. What are your best ideas to share with everyone?🤸♂️
