Feeling somewhat discouraged

[Mamabug]

It seems like my physical abilities and stamina have been decreasing over the last couple of years. I requested, and received 6 weeks (12 visits) with a physical therapist this fall, hoping that I could regain some abilities. But, although I may have gained a little bit of strength, it really didn't make much difference.

It was a major financial investment (about $600) and I worked hard at my appointments and my at-home exercises during those weeks. Unfortunately, I haven't done a great job at keeping them up since my sessions ended. I'll try to get re-started at those.

I guess my MS has just progressed enough that regaining abilities is no longer likely. So, I choose to volunteer less, I choose to sit at home more. Walking from the car to buildings takes more effort and wears me out more.

Just sort of feeling down.

[msgijo]

Faith, it has been a nasty winter season. And you have been busy.

Have you checked your Vit D3 levels lately? I always have to up my supplement from October until at least April.

And we are at the age where 'normal' people start slowing down too. Maybe not so much an MS thing as an Aging with MS thing?

In any event I too feel that my stamina has been decreasing. In a recent post with Marti she told me that I was a useful person, and I had to correct her - I am just somebody that pushes to do what has to be done. Not always a wise decision, but just the way that I am wired. Even with that I find myself dropping activities because I just don't feel like doing them.

Hope you start feeling better soon .

[KoKo]

Walking from the car to buildings takes more effort and wears me out more. Just sort of feeling down.

Mamabug, sorry that you currently have the blues. MS has a way of doing that to us on occasion.

Not sure if you're anywhere near this solution, but when my walking became more difficult and truly a struggle, I found that using a cane really helped.

Then, as time went on and the cane wasn't enough support, I began using a rollator. What a huge difference it made for me.

I still remember the joy I felt when, amazingly with the support of the rollator, I could suddenly walk all around my apartment complex, and down the sidewalk to the street. I went walking every day back then, weather permitting.

I have since progressed more, over the years, but I can still walk some with the rollator, although not nearly as far or as fast as I did years ago.

You may not even be ready for mobility aids, but just wanted to share my experience.

In any case, hope you feel better soon!

Take Care

[pennstater]

Sorry to hear. It can all be a catch-22 sometimes. Because of fatigue and weakness, we exercise less, and miss out on mood improving endorphins. Likewise, we volunteer less and again, miss out on social aspect, as well as the wonderful feeling that comes with our effort.

Plus it is winter. Are you impacted by DST? Experience SAD?

Add in having to adjust to a new normal, it is no wonder it makes us a little blue.

Here's to having a good cup of tea. Always picks me up.

[loopey]

Mamabug,
So sorry you are feeling discouraged. You have been a big help to me and I hope you start to feel better soon. The question about the winter weather is valid. When I talk to my son about being down he reminds me it is winter and the weather isn't really good for getting out and doing things.

[Mamabug]

Thanks, everyone, for your kind and thoughtful responses.

Msgijo -- Good reminder about Vitamin D3. I've not been good at taking my supplements regularly lately. I don't have my Vitamin D level checked, even annually, because it's so expensive. But, I know that, even when I was taking 5000 mg of Vitamin D3 per day, my level was too low. So, I started taking my supplements again.
Your comment about "aging with MS" is valid, too. Because we are beginning our aging losses at a different point than our peers, we don't experience normal aging. It's difficult to determine what is "aging with MS" and what is progression. About a year ago, already, I mentioned my declining abilities to my MS Specialist, and she thought that it was an aging issue, more than a progression issue.

KoKo -- Thanks for your thoughts about a cane or mobility device. I mostly don't use one. I have a cane, though, which I purchased many years ago when I needed one during a flare. I use it when I go to the swimming pool for extra balance and support. I've used it, occasionally, this winter, when the sidewalks have been icy. I used it, once, when I attended an event where I was unsure about steps, handrails, crowds, etc, for extra help. And, I use wheelchairs when I go to zoos, museums, airports, etc because I am unable to walk that far.
I've always said that, when I need a mobility device, I won't be too proud to use one. So, I'll continue to look for situations where, if I need to use one, I'll follow through on that.

Pennstater -- I don't usually experience DST or SAD. But, I am simply less motivated to get out and to things (socially or volunteering), due to the effort it requires. And, yeah -- that impacts my endorphins probably, and my quality and enjoyment of life. The "adjusting to a new normal" issue is also a big one for me right now. It's just grieving again, for additional losses.

Loopey -- Thanks for your words of encouragement. Yeah. Maybe when winter is over, things will look more hopeful.

I have my 6 month appointment with my MS Specialist coming up next month. I'll plan to have another conversation with her about it.

Are there any questions that you would suggest that I ask her?

[REG53]

Mamabug, I too am sorry you are feeling down. Everyone has given some good advise.

Just wanted you to know I am thinking and praying for you.

[pennstater]

I have my 6 month appointment with my MS Specialist coming up next month. I'll plan to have another conversation with her about it.

Are there any questions that you would suggest that I ask her?

I would definitely let her know the changes have continued and are affecting your quality of life. Since she feels aging and not MS progression, I would want to understand why.

If aging, then what would be normal rate to expect and what, if anything can help. If any chance MS related, any options to slow progression (change in DMT) or help with increasing symptoms.

I have told other people that MS makes me feel like I am aging prematurely. I can see I am not alone.

We reached 53 degrees today. Our 14 year old dog is having trouble right now and didn't want to walk. I have both sinus and UTI infections now, so fine by me. He wanted outside though, so I sat outside with him and the sun on me. Just that 30 minutes really picked me up. Hopefully, getting back in your D3 routine will help you some.

Hope you find some help. You are so helpful to so many others here at MSWorld! I hope knowing the impact you have on many of us brings a smile to your face. Take care.

[Seasha]

Sorry to hear. It can all be a catch-22 sometimes. Because of fatigue and weakness, we exercise less, and miss out on mood improving endorphins. Likewise, we volunteer less and again, miss out on social aspect, as well as the wonderful feeling that comes with our effort.

Plus it is winter. Are you impacted by DST? Experience SAD?

Add in having to adjust to a new normal, it is no wonder it makes us a little blue.

I agree on this assessment, Mamabug, and feel bad that you are feeling down. Winters always have had an impact on me, even though our winters aren't nearly as harsh as most. Each winter I seem to hibernate and my social life is way down, my activity level suffers, thus I have less endorphins to pick up my mood. It's a vicious cycle.

Do you take an anti-depressant? If so, maybe it's time to re-evaluate it's efficacy? Have a good honest talk with your neuro about this and you're progressing. Sadly, progression happens.

I hope you can get out of this slump. You are not alone!
Sending ((HUGS)) your way

[Mamabug]

Thanks, Kathy and seasha

I'lll have a good talk with my doc. Its also time for my once-every-five year MRI. Hopefully, that will give her additional information.

I'm discouraged but I don't think I'm depressed. Just had an awesome 10 days with 2 little grandsons. I have many blessings and I recognize them. Not currently on an AD.

[pennstater]

I'lll have a good talk with my doc. Its also time for my once-every-five year MRI. Hopefully, that will give her additional information.

I'm discouraged but I don't think I'm depressed. Just had an awesome 10 days with 2 little grandsons. I have many blessings and I recognize them. Not currently on an AD.

So glad to hear about your 10 days with your grandsons. Maybe being tired from that, as well as missing them are part of the blues.

[palmtree]

I’m sad to see you feeling discouraged. Ŷou have faced this illness with so much courage and determination and more.

Everyone had a lot of good ideas (which reminds me I’ve got to get more vitamin D)


Maybe this would be a good time to be gentle with yourself. Set the project aside with plans to resume in the spring. Do whatever you can to pamper yourself evenif that means a whole guilt-free day of not exercising.

You lost 80+ pounds just by determination. You are certainly not lazy.

[Cat Mom]

Mamabug, I'm so sorry to hear you're not doing well. You are such a great contributor here on the Boards, we have all benefited from something you said or suggested. The only thing I would add would be for complete blood/urine testing, it's surprising the little things I never thought of that have appeared from time to time, like Potassium for example.

Please keep us in the loop ok?

Jen

[Poolwatcher]

Ditto to Jen, it might not be the MS. I would start with visit at PCP and ask for blood work. And def rule out B12 Deficiency, common with MS and as we age,

[cleobear72]

Sorry you are struggling

So sorry to hear you are struggling Mamabug. A low vitamin D is a good possibility. What about your thyroid levels? if your thyroid isn't functioning at peak performance, this could be causing some of your weakness and possibly fatigue issues as well. I agree with everyone that winter really is an awful time of year. If I have a choice of going out in the cold and snow or snuggled up in my recliner, I will almost always choose the recliner!

Praying that you will begin to feel better very soon.