Extreme tiredness is a common symptom in MS. It affects more than 4 out of 5 people with the condition. But it’s worth a little digging to figure out if something else could be behind your lack of energy. Talk to your doctor about whether undiagnosed depression, a vitamin deficiency, infection, or sleep disturbances may be at the root of your problem.
The best way to get familiar with the symptoms and triggers of your fatigue is to track them. Keep a log of your daily activities, general health, sleep patterns, and food. You may see patterns that arise when you start to feel depleted. This can help you plan your days to maximize energy. It can be taxing to always explain to people how you’re feeling when fatigue sets in. Come up with a vocabulary that others can understand. Compare your energy level to a phone battery: fully charged, running low, completely out. Or try a traffic light analogy: green, can go ahead; yellow, need to think about slowing down to stop; red, time to stop.
Assistive devices like a cane, walker, or wheelchair can help you conserve energy and get around with less effort. You may not need to use them all the time, but they can be a crucial aid when your reserves are low. That’ll leave more fuel in your tank for other times when you want or need to walk unaided.