Having multiple sclerosis (MS), how can I get rid of fatigue?

With multiple sclerosis (MS) it is very common to recover completely from an attack except for the fatigue that lingers for months afterwards. Frequently, the patient is completely normal for years, except for what is probably the most common residual symptom - lack of energy. Traditionally, coffee and tea are good stimulants.

And many patients believe that daily shots of vitamin B12 give them a boost. This has never been proved scientifically, only anecdotally from patients. Brewer's yeast, in a dosage of upto thirty tablets a day, is a simpler step to gain more energy.

The antiviral flu medication, amantadine (Symmetrel), is sometimes effective in relieving fatigue in people with MS. Side effects might include dry mouth, dizziness, trouble concentrating, and irritability. Prozac, a popular drug for treatment of depression, can also help to alleviate MS-related fatigue.

When fatigue is the patient's main problem, everything that could possibly affect energy must be looked at. Is the person refusing to use a walking stick for long distances? Is depression the cause of fatigue?

Is urinary frequency causing interruption of sleep? Is the daily routine efficient? Reorganizing daily activities can often have a dramatic effect on the patient's energy.

Very often the person can accomplish more in the beginning of the day and less in the afternoon. If this is the case, as many chores and errands as possible should be gotten out of the way early and a rest break should be taken later on. Also, sit down at every opportunity.

Standing eats up valuable energy that you would rather store. Can you trade certain taxing chores with others in the household? Are you trying too hard to prove to yourself and everyone else that you can do everything?

Let the kids and your friends help out. If you didn't have MS, you would probably insist, so don't become a martyr now. If necessary, keep a log for one week and write down what you do throughout each day.

Put a notation at the points when you get tired. Look at it as if it were a battle plan, and restructure your schedule where needed. Your fatigue is real, but if you take the offensive, you can reduce it greatly.

Frequently infection is at the basis of a new attack. When this is the case, clearing up the infection can get the patient out of the attack quickly. For example, acute sinusitis or a dental abscess can cause an attack of optic neuritis (ON).

A urinary or bladder infection can cause an attack of weakness and stiff legs. In these cases, antibiotics can effectively treat the attack.

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