MS, Sleep, & Fatigue

For me, MS fatigue is a very real and regular symptom. I was actually spoiled during pregnancy because of the energy I had while my symptoms hid away. Now, having a newborn who wakes several times throughout the night, I remember the MS fatigue, but even more I remember how crummy I feel when I don't get solid sleep.

I am lucky enough to have a husband who took the "night shift" with baby the entire first three weeks so I could sleep more throughout the night. Last night I did my first night shift, and today I felt like I was hit by a semi truck. My symptoms were worse, my head hurt, my stomach hurt (likely a side affect from starting my MS treatments again, potentially triggered by no sleep), and my emotions were unstable at times.

I feel caught in a lose-lose with a chronic illness: I have to help my partner (we are a team after all), and my baby will continue waking to eat at night for at least a few more months, and when my partner returns to work I know I will need to step up to those night duties. At the same time, I know first hand from my almost seven years with MS what unstable sleep habits do to my mind and body, and I have to be honest, I'm terrified.

I'm doing everything I can to minimize stress and maximize rest while I navigate back into a world with MS pain and symptoms, but it is next to impossible with a newborn. For the next months, I will continue to share my healthy eating, workouts and activity, struggles and successes, and more with you, and I hope you will alwaya share yours too. Us chronic illness warriors have to stick together!

I am Super G. I know I can do this. You are Super woman too, and you got this tough life too!

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