Many will understand when I say I suffer from a type of fatigue that is not simply being tired. It is unlike a fatigue that I experience pre-multiple sclerosis. It is difficult to say how it can be more than being tired.  Multiple Sclerosis Foundation says it’s, “Almost like a spell has been cast upon you,” which is a perfect description.The National Multiple Sclerosis Society talks about the “MS fatigue” or lassitude. They list the symptoms as:

• Generally occurs on a daily basis
• May occur early in the morning, even after a restful night’s sleep
• Tends to worsen as the day progresses
• Comes on easily and suddenly
• Is generally more severe than normal fatigue
• Is more likely to interfere with daily responsibilities

This explains why I suddenly “hit the wall”, wake up only to return to bed exhausted in a matter of minutes, am unable to fix dinner even if the day was great, struggle to brush my teeth or get dressed, sleep 12 hours without blinking, and more. MS fatigue creeps up on me and can last for months. Then, it goes away and gives me a break.

Medications often prescribed for lassitude include: Amantadine, Provigil, Prozac, Ritalin,  and Adderal.

To learn more about lassitude look up: http://www.nationalmssociety.org/Symptoms-Diagnosis/MS-Symptoms/Fatigue. Image from: abominablog.wordpress.com.