The F word

Now calm down it’s not that type of blog. The F word I refer to is Fatigue. However, I often refer to fatigue with the other F word in front of it.

First of all what is fatigue.

It is extreme tiredness resulting from mental or physical exertion or illness. It is NOT THE SAME AS BEING TIRED.

When you are tired you sleep you feel better, unfortunately fatigue doesn’t work like that. I’m in a state of perpetual exhaustion. Just imagine what I could do if that wasn’t the case.

The fatigue you get when you have MS can be one of the most disabling symptoms.

It is the most prominent MS symptom that I face on a daily basis. It is also one of the most common symptoms that prevent those with MS to work full time jobs.

On Monday when I woke up and knew it wasn’t going to be a good day so I thought I guess I’m working from home today but then I got up and realized I couldn’t even do that. Think of how you feel with the lack of energy when you have the flu, that’s the only way I can describe the feeling to to someone who has not experienced it.

The fatigue was so bad I slept all day not even leaving my bed. By Tuesday noon I was actually feeling a bit alive so I could do some laundry and a few things around home although that was even a challenge and many breaks were required.

Fatigue is the reason why I don’t work a full time job and why I haven’t done so for the last 5 plus years.

Thought it was time for a Zissou picture to keep you interested.

Oh… and I forgot to mention that along with the fatigue comes insomnia. Just in case I wasn’t exhausted enough and now I can’t sleep. MS is great isn’t it. I think I want to say the other F word now.

Still smiling,

C