Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Support Group

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Troubling mobility issue

Elliwing
Elliwing

I am new here. I am hoping for some ideas and support with a recent occurrence. I was diagnosed with relapsing/remitting MS in May of 1999. I have been mostly stable with some dexterity and cognitive issues. I am an avid walker and walk 5 miles 6-7 days/week. I have taken longer hikes. This past Sunday I went with my husband on a fairly strenuous 10 mile levelish (some scrambling required) hike. I had some trouble with balance on the 5 miles in, but I wasn't too concerned. On our way out my legs just basically stopped working. My balance was shot. My thighs were cramping. With the assistance of some strangers who could help my husband keep me from falling over we were able to get out before dark. They weren't carrying my weight, just keeping me from falling over. 


So, does this mean I am losing my ability to walk? I am walking okay now but the muscles are still sore. Just like after the half marathons I walked several years ago. Was/is it simply a relapse? I know this is way more complicated than I am asking here, but I really don't know what I ought to be doing or even thinking at this point.

lorrieonline
lorrieonline
I would think that you overheated yourself quite a bit. Hopefully, I can't imagine being able to hike that long of a trek! Wow. Do you always walk long stretches? If not to that extent, you may just need to work up gradually?
Elliwing
Elliwing
I do usually walk this much. The only thing different this time was that I had to do some over fallen tree scrambling. Not a whole lot. My legs just stopped wanting to hold me up. I felt like I was going to fall over. I am doing better now (six days later) and I do have an appointment with my neurologist this coming week. I am hoping it is an overdid it thing, but the feeling is new and a bit scary.
squeakers
squeakers
Unfortunately your body is letting you know it is slowing down, so try some activities closer to your home with family available to help you if needed
squeakers
squeakers
Have you had any other issues with your MS? Does your symptoms change from the time you get up to the time you go to bed?
Elliwing
Elliwing
As I wrote above, I am hitting the 20 year mark so I certainly do have other issues. I do have some cognitive and dexterity issues. Fatigue has been a problem sometimes. Early on I had pretty obvious exacerbations. That is no longer the case, but I also didn't seem to be falling into the slowly getting worse phase (secondary progressive is what we used to call it). This occurrence was just sudden and unexpected. Perhaps I have just been stubborn and a bit in denial. Onward and upward. Thanks for your input.
squeakers
squeakers
Yes, and unfortunately, with each episode you have, it may increase your disability. It is typical to have vision and sensory loss and extreme fatigue. With hiking, you over exert yourself and causes more fatigue and mm weakness and sometimes pain. It is great that you are out exercising and keeping your spirits up. Just try not to over do it.
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