You Dont Have An Appetite
In more severe cases of COVID-19, Khabbaza says patients often have more serious delirium that accompanies their fatigue. This, he says, may be a result of a lack of appetiteanother symptom that can help you distinguish if your fatigue is being caused by COVID. People may also have lower appetites so their nutritional status might not be great, they might be sleeping too little or too much, which can affect how your mind is wired, Khabbaza says. And for more helpful information delivered to your inbox, .
How To Know Its Ms Fatigue
Even though fatigue happens in most people with MS, itâs possible other things could be dragging you down.
Non-MS fatigue, also called secondary fatigue, can happen when you have another condition such as:
- Mood disorders like depression
âIf youâre up at night because you feel like you have to empty your bladder often, or your sleep is disrupted because of loud snoring and frequent awakenings because of sleep apnea, or muscle cramps ⦠then itâs not surprising your day is hindered by fatigue,â Serra says.
You may also feel fatigued as a side effect of a medication youâre on, or from drug or alcohol use.
Most of these are issues your doctor can help you manage and treat.
What Causes Ms And Ms Fatigue
Its unclear why someone develops multiple sclerosis . Its not linked to any specific health practice, and its unclear whether it is avoidable. So far, research reveals that a mix of hereditary and environmental variables contribute to the cause.
MS fatigue is among the most unpleasant symptoms of the disease. MS fatigue may be distressing, and it can interfere with job and family life, mental and physical health, and social and recreational activities for some people. Fatigue can be a major symptom of the active inflammatory disorder, or it can be a secondary sign of other medical disorders.
So what exactly causes this fatigue? Cytokines are a large group of tiny proteins that play a key role in cell signalling. The central nervous system interacts with inflammatory cytokines, neurons, and cells. Cell signals in these sensory neurons can cause fatigue and discomfort. However, a changed neuroendocrine system may be able to control inflammation and excessive stimulation.
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Can High Blood Pressure Cause You To Feel More Tired
In a word, yes. High blood pressure can play a role in tiredness. But, why? Well, high blood pressure increases pressure on vital organs such as the brain, heart and kidneys, which causes tiredness.
Often, unexplained tiredness that doesnt appear to have a cause can be a result of high blood pressure.
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What Is The Best Medication For Ms Fatigue
There are stimulants for MS fatigue that can assist with variable degrees of success, in addition to lifestyle adjustments and energy conservation strategies. Some of these medications include:
- Alertec : used to often alleviate daytime nausea. This medication considerably reduces fatigue in persons with MS. Mild headaches and sleeplessness are common side effects.
- Amantadine affects dopamine levels in the body, resulting in less exhaustion in MS patients. Insomnia and disturbing dreams are two common side effects.
- Vitamins: Vitamin B, in particular, aids in the conversion of food into energy that your cells can use. It also helps to maintain the health of your bodys nerves and blood cells, as well as prevent different types of fatigue that can make you feel weak and tired.
- Ritalin : activates the central nervous system, which aids in the treatment of MS symptoms including tiredness. Nervousness, shivering, and sleeplessness are common adverse effects.
- Antidepressants: usually given to alleviate exhaustion. Anxiety and despair may often contribute to feelings of exhaustion, and fatigue can lead to a poor mood or thoughts of depression. Antidepressant therapy may aid in the treatment of both depression and fatigue.
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Does Ms Feel Like Flu
Here are just a few: Exhaustion, stiffness, numbness, tingling, blurred vision, depression, disorientation, dizziness, in-coordination, acute pain, speech problems, parashtesia, flu-like symptoms, headaches, cognitive difficulties, memory loss, bowel/bladder dysfunction and mild to debilitating fatigue .
Tip : Conserve Your Energy
Energy conservation isnt just important for the environment. Its also a key principle for those with MS.
Whats your best time of day to get things done ?
If you notice that you feel less fatigue in the morning, take advantage of your extra energy to complete tasks such as shopping and cleaning. You can then conserve your energy later when you feel more fatigued, knowing youve already accomplished key tasks for the day.
People with MS may be especially sensitive to heat. As a result, they may experience more fatigue when they become overheated or are in a warmer environment. Try these techniques to cool down:
- Use air conditioning as needed, especially in the summer months.
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Fatigue Makes Simple Tasks Feel Impossible
For me, when fatigue sets in, it feels like my entire body is weighed down. Like Im submerged in an invisible layer of quicksand that makes every move extremely arduous. The simplest of tasks becomes incredibly difficult. I could be lying on the couch and just trying to reach for the remote control can seem like a near-impossible task. Thats something that I dont think people understand. Its not just that Im too exhausted to go do something, Im too exhausted to do anything. Simple tasks like taking a drink of water or going to the bathroom become astonishingly difficult for me.
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How Bad Can Seasonal Allergies Make You Feel
You might have a headache, but more likely you feel pressure or fullness in your nasal passages. Pressure from congestion creates discomfort that can register as tenderness. If you get allergy-related migraines or havent slept well, congestion can worsen an existing headache and seem to concentrate it in the sinuses.
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Fatigue Caused By Disability
MS can cause problems with mobility and muscle control. Compensating for these disabilities requires greater energy and effort than would otherwise be necessary to perform daily tasks. When some muscles cannot perform certain tasks other muscles are used instead and the extra work can tire those muscles, leading to additional fatigue.
Usual treatment
Neurophysiotherapists and physiotherapists can demonstrate exercises to strengthen and maintain body functioning and there is a range of equipment available to help conserve energy and reduce stress on muscles and joints. Occupational therapists can suggest modifications to your home or workplace to improve your efficiency and reduce the effort involved in daily tasks. Regional MS Community Support Staff, friends, family members and other people with MS can be useful sources of practical advice on ways to reduce energy needs.
What Does It Feel Like
Not everyone experiences fatigue the same way, and the feeling can be difficult to explain to others. In general, there are two types of MS fatigue: a general feeling of extreme tiredness and muscular fatigue.
MS fatigue is different from regular tiredness. Some people with MS describe the fatigue as feeling like youre weighed down and like every movement is difficult or clumsy. Others may describe it as an extreme jet lag or a hangover that wont go away.
For others, fatigue is more mental. The brain goes fuzzy, and it becomes difficult to think clearly. Fatigue may affect the eyesight, as well as your ability to speak without slurring your words.
MS fatigue is also distinguished by the following characteristics:
- occurs on a daily basis
- often occurs in the morning even after a good night of sleep
- tends to worsen as the day progresses
- is aggravated by heat and humidity
- may come on suddenly
People with MS fatigue may need to recharge their batteries with frequent rest and a short daily nap, but its also possible to plan and schedule your daily activities to help conserve energy.
To conserve energy, try these tips:
While conserving energy is important, too much rest can be counterproductive. Exercising daily is essential for maintaining muscle strength and building endurance. Try these exercises and activities for MS.
There are several other lifestyle changes and remedies that can help you battle fatigue. These include:
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Is Pots More Common In Certain People
There are no established risk factors for POTS. However, it is known to run in families, so it could have a genetic component. Researchers have also established a link between POTS and Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome . So if you have one of these conditions, you might also have the other.
A big group of those diagnosed with POTS is young women and teens. However, this doesnt mean they are more likely to develop this condition.
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You Are Not Alone With Ms Fatigue
On MyMSTeam, the social network and online support group for those living with multiple sclerosis, members share advice, answer questions, and talk about life with MS.
Is a daily struggle with fatigue part of your life with MS? How do you manage your MS fatigue? Share your experiences with fatigue in the comments below or by posting on MyMSTeam.
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Why Am I Tired All The Time
Feeling exhausted is so common that it has its own acronym, TATT, which stands for tired all the time.
We all feel tired from time to time. The reasons are usually obvious and include:
- too many late nights
- long hours spent at work
- a baby keeping you up at night
But tiredness or exhaustion that goes on for a long time is not normal. It can affect your ability to get on and enjoy your life.
Unexplained tiredness is one of the most common reasons for people to see their GP.
How Long Can Fatigue Last
Cancer related fatigue is different from tiredness which is usually short term and you feel better after you stop, sleep or rest. Cancer fatigue doesnt usually go away with sleep or rest. It can be severe and last a long time.
Fatigue can last for different amounts of time depending on whats causing it. Most people start to feel better after treatment finishes. But it can take several weeks or months before you feel like your old self. In some people it may take a lot longer.
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What Can You Expect From Heart Failure Treatment
Heart failure treatment is designed to dramatically reduce or halt your symptoms and hopefully prevent potential complications like kidney or liver damage, Dr. Wong says.
There are lots of medications that can be used to treat heart failure. In the early stages, the basic gist is that certain drugs can help to relax blood vessels, lower blood pressure, improve blood flow, and decrease the strain on your heart. Others can help you release extra fluid to keep it from building up in your body. If you progress to more advanced heart failure stages, there are medications that can help strengthen your heart muscle contractions to pump blood more effectively, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Youll likely be encouraged to make some lifestyle changes as well. According to the AHA, that can include things like quitting smoking if you use tobacco, avoiding alcohol, limiting your sodium intake or making other dietary changes, exercising regularly, prioritizing sleep, reducing stress, monitoring your blood pressure, and more.
Your doctor may also recommend certain surgeries or medical procedures if needed in more severe cases, which can include options like coronary bypass surgery, heart valve repair or replacement, a heart transplant, among others, depending on the specific cause of your heart failure.4
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How To Treat It
If youre experiencing fatigue, make an appointment with your doctor to discuss possible treatment options. A doctor will likely want to run some tests to find out more about what may be causing your fatigue.
Based on the results of these tests, your doctor may prescribe medications or recommend counseling, physical therapy, and occupational therapy.
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Does Fibromyalgia Cause All Over Body Inflammation
Many patients experience pain all over their body. Sleep that is not restful is another hallmark of fibromyalgia, causing chronic fatigue. While patients with fibromyalgia may feel as though their joints, muscles, tendons, and tissues are inflamed, measurable levels of inflammation in blood testing are normal.
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Heart Failure Early Signs And Symptoms
- Heart failure is a condition whereby the heart muscle is unable to adequately pump blood throughout the body.
- There are a variety of illnesses and diseases that affect the heartâs pumping capability.
- Heart failure causes signs and symptoms due to the excess accumulation of fluid within the tissues of the body.
- When the heart muscle becomes weak and cannot adequately pump blood into the arteries, blood âbacks up,â and pressure in the blood vessels causes water to leak out of blood vessels into the tissues of the body, which may cause heart failure.
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Engage In Regular Physical Activity
I encourage exercise for my patients, says Conway. In my experience, it can make fatigue worse at first, but if a person can get over the initial hump, it can actually improve fatigue, he says.
If youre not sure how to get started with exercise or need some help identifying exercises that will improve your fitness without wearing you out, trying working with a physical therapist or a personal trainer who is knowledgeable about MS.
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My Experience With Lassitude
Not long ago I wrote about feeling grateful for feeling fatigued. Sometimes it is gratifying to be able to accomplish work that leads to normal fatigue. Ive experienced this as Ive been working toward getting a house ready to be sold.
But in the past couple of weeks, lassitude has flown in with its annoying cape flapping in the wind as if to say, whoa, now. MS is your master, and Im here to make sure that you have no choice but to succumb to its evil plan of keeping you down and out for the count.
Life can quickly change. But life with MS doesnt even need a fraction of a moments notice to change things. Looking at the lassitude characteristic list above, I can check off each bullet point. Every single one.
Sleep doesnt seem to help, although I feel as though I’d love to sleep for about a month straight. Naps dont seem to help because I cant always control when Im alert and when Im snoozing. Ive dropped the ball on several projects, just to apologize to those who expect that Im always able to keep up with everything.
In short, lassitude sucks! The typical suggestions on how to may or may not help.
The only thing that seems to consistently help me when Im feeling this way is to generously give myself permissions. Permission to leave some things undone. Permission to cancel an engagement with friends. Permission to not be Super Lisa for just a little while, as my health is more important.
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Tips To Conserve Energy
Use Adaptive Aids.Reachers, dressing aids, and other adaptive equipment can significantly help conserve energy when dressing, bathing, and performing other household and personal activities. Many of these items may be obtained through MSAAs Equipment Distribution Program . Please visit mymsaa.org or call 532-7667 for more information.
Shop from Home.Rather than using valuable energy walking around stores, use catalogs or order items online. In addition to avoiding the crowds and exhaustion from walking through stores or malls, ordering clothes allows you to try them on at your leisure when your energy level is highest. Many grocery stores also offer online ordering with either free delivery or a minimal charge for delivery.
Take Fewer Steps.Try to take care of as many things as possible in one room to eliminate extra trips.
Consider Telecommuting.A great way to conserve energy is to reduce the amount of time spent traveling to and from work. Ask your employer about working part of the week from home.
Dont Get Overheated.This can cause fatigue. Wear your cooling vest or other cooling apparel and try to go outside either early in the morning or later in the evening, when temperatures are at their coolest.
Antidepressants
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors including Zoloft® , Paxil® , and Prozac®
Wellbutrin® is a NDRI antidepressant , and is one of the most energizing and most effective of the non-SSRI antidepressants against fatigue.
Stimulants
Using Your Energy Wisely
You may need to think ahead as you budget your energy each day. This can be tricky, but once you get into the flow of your routine, conserving your energy can be a smart way to battle your fatigue. A few ways to best utilize your energy include:
- Building rest times into your schedule, like an afternoon 20-minute power nap
- Planning energy-draining activities for the morning when you are less fatigued
- Asking your family to take on more of the heavy-duty household chores
- Using your scooter or wheelchair to get around throughout the day
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It May All Be Rooted In Stress
Its not clear what causes depression, but prolonged stress seems to play a major role. When were stressed, the brain is flooded with the stress hormone cortisol. If stress remains heightened for a long time, there will be more cortisol and less dopamine and serotonine, the lack of which have been linked with depression. So, stress might exhaust the brain and lead to depression, which seems to trigger vicious cycles: youre depressed, so you become more stressfed out you have trouble sleeping, so you feel tired you feel tired so you dont feel like doing anything meaningful anymore. It really is terrible, and once the circle is complete, most people have a hard time breaking free.
This is why depression can be very cruel, and serious medical attention needs to be considered. Both depression and insomnia can be treated with antidepressants. The most antidepressants belong to the class called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors , and insomniacs who start taking one of those drugs often find relief for their sleeping problems. Non-pharmaceutical methods of addressing insomnia can also help with depression. A few short tips that might help include:
- exercising during the day, but avoid doing so two hours before planning to go to bed,
- avoid caffeine and alcohol,
- use deep-breathing exercises to relieve anxiety.
Hopefully this, article helps explain why depression makes you tired.
