Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Support Group

This community is a place where members can discuss current events and weigh in on what's going on in the world.

0 Online

MSPoet 03/26/2017

I am SO frustrated! I'm trying to train to do this 5k that's next week (I already know this may not have been enough time) but my left leg ( more affected by MS) keeps quitting on me. I have foot drop and it's worse when the leg is tired, which keeps happening at about 1 mile in...

I don't know what to do...how am I supposed to be able to progress in fitness if this stupid leg gives out after ONE MILE?? I don't know what I was thinking signing up to do 3.1 miles...I feel almost like crying

Today I tried taking breaks and stretching, not doing the whole walk in one go, but my leg and ankle aren't recovering at all in between...

Any suggestions? What do other people who have MS and fatigue/foot drop/muscle weakness do??

bleedinblue 03/28/2017

I have MS for 16 yrs I ran the first 9 years. My suggestion is to fight through it my main objective was to make it to the finish line. Had bad attack wrecked my right side I miss running so much I'm in a wc now. Wishing you luck.

LillyPotter 03/28/2017

oh, i feel your frustration. i don't know what to suggest and i so want you to get to do the race as you want to do it.

i am think think thinking and wondering, if there may be someone who could come along side with one of those knee walkers - and as you get to the one mile mark, blend in and get you walking with one of those to assist you?

it is an 'i pulled it out of my hat' idea, but??? an accomodation??

i haven't actually seen a knee walker, but i've heard they are pretty cool and versatile.

please toss this out if you don't like the idea, just a thought.

tarabunnyears 03/29/2017

I feel ya. I recently decided to really crack down on my eating habits and my lack of exercise. I've started walking and wow it really really hurts and my leg spasms really bad but I can fight through the pain. Even if it means walking with tears in my eyes.

But today my right leg would not work. I had to drag it halfway home. I just felt like if I had a skateboard to set it on or something to drag it behind it would be so much easier. I think I'm going to go research this knee walker.

It's frustrating to be willing to fight through the pain but then MS throws something at us that you can work through, like a dead weight leg.

All I can say is the cliche of keep plugging along. It's not the best answer but sometimes it's the only thing we can do.

lorrieonline 03/31/2017

I don't know much about 5k rules and such but is it possible you could use a rollator? That would take the pressure off a bit. You may be pushing it to do this thing without working up to it more. I have read that you can strengthen by gradually increasing your distance. I was working on that with my treadmill and I need to get back to that. I would work up to 10 minutes, then 12, and was up to 20. The cells in our bodies remember where they left off. There's so much research on this and I truly believe we can work up to more than we ever imagined possible.

I find the treadmill ever so boring, so I have a method of overcoming that. I'm so glad you posted your challenge. You're inspiring me to get back to some things that I know really work. If you can get through a 5K, more power to you! Keep us posted! ☺ Also, if you decide to work up to it, that's okay too! What a great accomplishment, whether you use a rollator, or take breaks along the way. You'll know you did it. If you take a time out until next time and work up to it, that's okay too. I'll be rooting for you either way!

MSPoet 03/31/2017

Thanks to everyone who responded! The matter has been resolved, as I have a fever and my legs have completely cut out

lorrieonline 03/31/2017

So sorry that you've got a fever, MSPoet! Maybe that's all the incentive you need to work on getting in shape for the next 5k though! Hope it's just something that will pass soon without any antibiotics.

Join the Conversation