Today my question for you is to think about what comforts you. What helps you relax?
Is it curling up on the couch to watch a movie? Is it taking a nice bath? or a hot shower? Maybe it's taking a nap or going for a walk?
This is one of the few things I struggle with as a patient.
I love nothing more then waking up in the morning and having a nice long hot shower.
Imagine one morning you can enjoy something so easy and the next day a cold shower feel like scalding hot water. For me the hotter the water (and I mean lukewarm) the worst I feel. A shower now makes me feel like a wilted flower. No energy. My feet and legs get all tingly and I get dizzy.
I' ve also always loved my sleep. I no longer enjoy that either.
One of the most common symptom of MS is numbness in the legs, arms, hands and feet. I have it in my feet and legs.
My legs and feet are numb when I climb into bed and then they get restless. Restless leads to uncomfortable which then leads to the flopping fish! No rest and no sleep.
A restless night also leads to pain in my legs and feet which isn't fun getting up to! Typically a hot shower makes stiff muscles feel better...Can you see the catch 22?
Rest and sleep is the most important thing a patient. The fatigue attached to MS is very difficult to explain. It's kinda like you are awake but sleeping. Or maybe a picture on a wall. You are there, you hear but can't even respond because it takes too much effort. A very strange feeling!
Add a teething baby who likes to be up from midnight to 3 am and you get a very run down mother!
Great blog Nat !!!
ReplyDeleteTeething babies are a handfull at the best of times. I can't immagine adding MS into the mix.
You've got a lot of people who care about you. Don't forget to ask for help when you need it.