Exercise

People with MS do not die of MS. They die of unrelated problems, mainly heart disease, stroke and cancer. Thus people with MS have to pay attention to the same public health issues that others do. Exercise improves the general health for all people. It also gives a certain amount of empowering with some control over one's destiny.

With MS, exercise may often be shunned because of that fatigue. Fatigue is a part of life, but more prominent in MS. To manage it effectively we must understand the different types of fatigue:

• Normal fatigue occurring when we over-do things.


• Neuromuscular fatigue caused by inefficient nerve conduction in MS. Rest stops are the solution to this "short circuiting" fatigue.


• Depression is common in MS, and may add to fatigue, with poor sleep and appetite. Specific medication, or counselling, is effective.


• Lassitude is a common cause of fatigue in MS. It is the overwhelming tiredness that all to frequently comes on for no apparent reason. A sleepiness that comes on too early in the day. It is likely due to biochemical imbalances in the brain. Neurochemical medications (dopaminergic, serotoninergic are often helpful.)