Tell me about your spasticity
Hello everyone! Again, I'm posting when things are kinda rough. I'm going to make a conscious effort to post when I feel fantastic next time!
If you read my last rant, then you know that I have MS and workplace struggles. Well, I left that toxic workplace. I decided that working to not move forward was not worth the stress and the effects on my health.
I did get a new job that started 3/1. Now, I'm working full-time(40+ hrs per week) instead of part-time (up to 30 hrs per week) in a more physical position. I love it, but my MS doesn't care for it too much.
I wake up extra early at 330 a.m. I clock in at 615 a.m. and start working officially by 630 a.m. My job currently involves standing in one spot for long periods of time. I do have some freedom in moving around and I can also sit if needed to perform the job.
Everything has been fine until this week. Any symptoms that popped up were easily managed or I adjusted the way I worked to accommodate what my body could handle. Then, I started my period. Everything gets worse around my period. All my neuro and I can come up with is that there is some hormonal link between my period and MS. I've been so fatigued and foggy for the last 6 days.
Now, day 3 of my period I got my first COVID19 vaccination. I got the first dose of the Pfizer vaccine. My arm was sore for 1 day, and then I was back to foggy and fatigued. No biggie.
Day 6 of my period, I was standing still at my station and both legs fell asleep. This has been happening for years if I stand still too long so I didn't think much of it and started moving my legs and feet in place. Then, my back started to spasm, so I walked around the room and stretched a bit. I went back to standing at my station and zing! Major pain shot up my back from my legs. I walked to get a drink from my water bottle. Everytime I brought the bottle close to my face, I would shake uncontrollably to the point I could hardly get a drink with both hands on the bottle. My coworkers noticed, so I sat down for minute. Both legs were spasming and I almost kicked myself out of my chair a few times. My neck and fists tightened up. My coworkers became more concerned and walked me to the locker room to make sure I could change safely. They helped me to my car, and I called my parents to come pick me up and drive the car back home. The spasms didn't stop for 2 full hours. By the time they stopped, I was sweaty and exhausted.
I've been using only cannabis and CBD products to treat spasticity and they have helped greatly until now. I'm smoking myself stupid and to financial ruin to keep the spasms down on my own, but I can't do that at work. I take supplements to help, but now they aren't enough. We stretch together in the morning at work and I try to keep moving during the day, but what else can I do at this point?? What works for you?? Are you on any medications for spasticity?? Do your legs go to sleep if you stand too long?? Do your feet always feel cold and wet even if they aren't in fact cold and wet?? TALK TO ME!!
Also, thanks for reading as always. I love this forum๐๐๐
@Tbaima , I'm surprised your Neuro is not aware of the symptom of heat sensitivity (https://mstrust.org.uk/a-z/temperaturesensitivity) and Uhthoff's Phenomenon (https://mstrust.org.uk/a-z/uhthoffs-phenomenon). These symptoms come into play as your core body temperature fluctuates throughout your menstrual cycle. As for spasms/spasticity, Baclofen is the normal "go to" medication. This is a muscle relaxant so the dosage is important. Not enough and you get no benefit, too much and the relaxation becomes weakness. You have to find a balance. Maybe you'll find that this job doesn't suit your MS..........
I take magnesium tablets 650 mgs daily for spasms and I also use the magnesium spray, I find they both are brillant for spasms