more movement more stiffness? (yoga question at the end)

[lynnepynne]

Does anybody get this?
If I carry groceries I get stiff in my hand and arm. If I walk a lot my right leg will get stiff. If I really overdo it (like with cleaning or a special project around the house) my whole side will cramp up and I won't be able to bend easily (or not at all) and then the pain rips into my hip and possibly my knee. This may last for a couple of days. (I'll be limping around trying not to bend or pivot my hip or knee because it hurts so much)

Its mainly my right side affected (sometimes more than other times) but since lately I have a "full time" stiff right hand and arm (tight and weak) as well as a tight right side of my face (what's up with that?!) Things only go down hill fast whenever I exert myself in the least...

It's the number one reason I dont do anymore yoga (even gentle stuff). After any yoga I can hardly get off the mat from the final resting phase, everything just locks up on me and I can barely crawl to an upright position. It can mean a very painful time for me. Aren't I supposed to be supple and lithe after that?!? I thought yoga would help...
Any input mightily appreciated!
Lynne
(btw, this question doesnt have anything to do with the other NYT yoga post. Been thinking about this for days because I miss yoga so much. After that yoga post I felt inspired to finally ask...)

[rdmc]

Spasticity can cause increasing stiffness with movement. The weird thing is it can also causing increasing stiffness when you sit/stay in one position for too long.

Don't know about the yoga because I've never tried. But if you have a spastic leg, for instance, and you start walking, the leg will become stiffer and stiffer, the farther you walk. At least that's been my experience with spasticity.

That's why in testing for a spastic limb, the neuro will move it back and forth, back and forth, repetitively to see if the tone increases.

Have you tried an anti-spasticity med to see if that might help?

[mjan]

Oh dear Lynn.. so sorry you are going through this.

I know you wish you could be Baclofen which taken on reg basis DOES help. Is there ANY way some doc you see nearby could RX you a muscle relaxant? I used to take a mild muscle relaxant that does not make you real drowsy.. used it in order to work. Its called: Methocarbamol 750 mg. It helped along with 3 Ibruprofin 200mg.

Forget.. whats your plan now in seeing a MS doc? I know you've gotten the run around.. did you give up then?

Make sure you document all this.. in a log, with length and severity ok hon? Le us know how you're doing..

Gentle hugs, Jan

[lynnepynne]

thanks rdmc and jan!
I was just wondering because everybody writes how yoga and stretching really helps them, why it doesnt help me.

Anyway, Jan

I know you wish you could be Baclofen which taken on reg basis DOES help. Is there ANY way some doc you see nearby could RX you a muscle relaxant? I used to take a mild muscle relaxant that does not make you real drowsy.. used it in order to work. Its called: Methocarbamol 750 mg. It helped along with 3 Ibruprofin 200mg.

Forget.. whats your plan now in seeing a MS doc? I know you've gotten the run around.. did you give up then?

yeah, sometimes I really wish I had something for when things are bad. As it is if I dont do anything strenuous the stiffness is just annoying and not so tough. Just things like yoga and sports are out...(and my jeans size up )
As long as it stays this level it's ok, I have definitely been through muuuuch worse spasticity-wise...
As far as a doctor/neuro/specialist goes...hmmm, dragging my feet again. (no pun intended, lol!)
If the TN keeps up at this level I will probably just go for the whole 3 day neuro center jumping through rings of fire and such. It remains to be seen....

[Bob698]

It almost sounds like MS fatigue.
You can push it as much as you can stand but it takes a long time to recover. A lot longer than it did before.