What is good to help get some energy?

Hi Nancy

Just read you question..and I can try offer a few suggestions by telling you what I have done for energy's sake, but not everyone is the same as you know. I'm not trying to toot my own horn believe me, but I now spend 2 hours at the gym, in the morning, 5 days a week... seriously! I have more energy now, then I had two months ago when I brought it back into my life.  Now don't get me wrong, I get tired too, but not to the point that I "drag around" all day as I was doing prior to my now "gym obsession" as I call it. I can't do what I used to do..so I go at my own pace there, and I really do feel about so much better about myself.  It  also does wonders for one's emotional health too.  I spent the better part of "07" incredibly tired and pushed myself to do almost everything, all the while getting angrier with myself.  The simple things were almost out of reach for me at times, and incredibly frustrating.  I have never been a sedentary person..not ever, as I was  known as the "Strong One" by many in my life..and always felt that way too, until reality hit. There were times, I struggled to get out of bed in the morning, even getting angry that the sun had come up!!  My sleep patterns were terrible, now I sleep 8 hours like I used to.  I do believe it's the cardio and the weight training that's giving me this energy now.Yes I'm pooped when I leave the gym..but my energy levels don't slow down, it's just the opposite now. If I am uncomfortable from maybe a little too much working out..I just take it slow for a little while, relax with a cup of green tea, and then get moving. It's hard for me to sit still anyway..I never stop, so becoming so sedentary last year was a terrible time in my life, and very depressing.

 I spent the entire day shopping yesterday by myself for no particular reason except that I had the energy to do it..so I enjoyed every second of it, after working out for two hours in the morning.

 I knew I had to help myself, or go back on medication, which just does'nt set right with me anymore, so I decided to get off my tush, and get moving again..  all this still with limitations of course. If I don't feel  so great, as everyone seems to think I do all the time now because of the gym.. I just slow down a bit and put me first instead of going overboard for someone elses "hangnail"  The point is, I keep moving. I have proven this to myself now that "move it or lose it" really does work for me. I also take a lot of vitamins, and herbs faithfully, and I eat incredibly healthy now too. As long as this is working for me, I'll keep on going. I don't know if this will help you at all.. but it has become my "Port in Our Storm," and I am giving my very best. Working out for other health benefts, is also very important to me. Be Well...  Paula B.

Hi Nancy,

I hear you about feeling so tired all the time.  I, too, experience extreme fatigue.  But unlike Paula, I can't do hours at the gym.

Eating well, staying hydrated, getting appropriate exercise, and sleeping well, all serve to assist us in maximizing our natural energy potentials.  Some MS patients will also benefit from pharmaceutical treatments, but there are so many possible causes for fatigue and lack of energy.

Here's a post that Dr. Gross wrote regarding Fatigue and Sleepiness in MS.  There's some great information there.

Personally, I've used Provigil to combat one type of fatigue.  When I started treating my spasticity with Baclofen, I found that I was able to do things much more easily which gave me more energy.

Perhaps you should let your neurologist know how much tiredness and lack of energy are impacting your daily life.  Your doctor should be able to help find the cause.

Hey Nancy

You have already gotten some good advice here but just wanted to say...I hear ya...I feel tired a lot of the time too.

For me what helps is to get a good night's sleep.  I suffer from insomnia so this is difficult at times.  I have been taking melatonin so I can get to sleep and this has helped me a ton.

Also...is it at all possible for you to take a nap at any time during these great times of fatigue?  I know that is not possible for a lot of folk. 

Sometimes one of those energy bars you can buy at the health food store helps me get a little jolt of energy.  But it doesn't last.

I will try to research your question more as it is one that I would like to personally find more options for myself to fight the fatigue.