Cost of Fuel

From this article, "MS Fatigue -- When My Tank is on Empty":

"For me the major difference is it takes my central nervous system and body a lot more effort to move and maintain balance to keep me upright. Rarely do I walk without being conscious of how I am walking and making sure I am firmly planted with every step. People without MS just walk – and don’t use any extra energy doing so."

Photo by Becky Luigart-Stayner.
Accompanies article on 

The Better Fitness Walk via Cooking Light Magazine.

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A tank that reaches "empty" explains it well. This article by Laura Kolaczkowski was just linked to by Endless Pursuit on Facebook.  It explains this concept as well as how MS fatigue is different than the tiredness felt by those without these issues.


I've been wearying quickly on our walks the past several months, but not always. Sometimes, I can go the whole route and even have some energy left to do a chore or two when we get home. Other times, I am simply "running on fumes" when we get back. I have little choice but to rest.


We've tried to figure out the difference between the good days and the bad. Is it the temperature? Is it fluctuation in temperature? More allergens in the air one day than the other? More cosmic rays hitting me one time than the next? (chuckle)

An artist's concept of cosmic rays hitting Earth's upper atmosphere. 

Credit: Simon Swordy, University of Chicago.

Click image to go to article about cosmic rays as well as see this artwork larger.

I've decided there's probably no logic to figure out.  I just have to work with what my body is doing at any given moment.  Despite the troubles, I am committed to keep exercising. So, I push through. Admittedly, it takes more will power to do that some days. At those times, I don't go as far or I take it more slowly. In fact, I can sometimes walk multiple miles if I can take all day and have breaks. By the way, this article on the ActiveMSers site is helpful with tips on endurance.


Anyway, during these times of slogging along just to make it home, I decided to be aware of my habits while walking -- ie. not be blinded in my numb-brained, dogged determination mode of repeatedly mind-whispering: "Keep going. Keep going. You can do it."

What did I learn in this self-study? I realized that if we're on the sidewalk and it is about to end, I look for a driveway I can descend to the street rather than stepping off the curb. Same goes for when I want to ascend to the sidewalk again. I look for a driveway so I don't have to step up the curb. That extra step in elevation makes a difference. Also, I need to concentrate on lifting my foot on the high points of the road and keep an eye out for potholes and cracks so I don't trip; therefore, I'm not the greatest conversationalist at all times. Focus is key!


It is so much easier when we walk at the gymnasium, for the path is flat and unchanging. Plus, I feel I can stop anytime and go back to the car rather than have to reach a certain destination and try to make it back home. True, at the gym track, it is the same ol' scenery, lap after lap. But, the temperature stays consistent there -- though a little too warm sometimes. Outside, I'm either shedding the coat completely to avoid a rise in body temperature or trying to wear it only on the cold parts.


Wearing it only on the cold parts, you ask? Well, usually, that means wearing the coat backward to keep my back cool while keeping my arms covered and shielding my front from the biting wind. Hey, it's a new fashion statement; work with me here!


See, they did it!

I'm getting better at the concept of "conserving spoons." Until we reach the FORK in the road where there's a cure, we'll just need to keep on keeping on.

What?!