Standing Up With Multiple Sclerosis Everyday Health MenuNewslettersSearch Multiple Sclerosis
Standing Up With Multiple Sclerosis
By Trevis GleasonFor Life With Multiple SclerosisReviewed: August 1, 2011Everyday Health BlogsFact-CheckedIt’s not uncommon for me to use alliterations and metaphor when I write about MS. Today, however, I write about the actual difficulties of “standing up” when you have multiple sclerosis. Difficulties with the vertical posture come in many colors, shades, and tones for those of us on different places on the MS rainbow. When I was first diagnosed, and trying to keep my jet-set, full-time employment, my boss in Germany told me of a dear friend of his with MS. Your man had apparently had MS for years and the only way you might notice anything is that he couldn’t stand for very long at a cocktail party. If that is the “infrared” end of the MS standing spectrum, “ultraviolet” would be those who cannot stand at all. I recognize that there are many in our Life With MS Blog community who are unable to stand on their own. Please forgive if I concentrate today’s post on those who can… even with difficulty. Issues with strength, balance, tremor, weakness, numbness… (OY! I could go on) can make standing for long periods anything from tiring to nearly impossible. The longer I find myself in any position (standing, sitting, etc.) the more difficult it becomes for me to do the next thing – rising, walking, whatever… All the unintended work my brain and muscles have to go through just to keep me from swaying or falling makes me so very tired too. I’ve oft likened it to being on a boat at sea; my muscles have to work extra hard to keep me upright, which can wear on one before you know it. If vertigo enters into the picture – as all too many of you know – Forgetaboutit!!! If one of our feet or legs goes (or just stays) numb, all bets are off. Standing on line for the latest Harry Potter film or even a queue for the restroom can be painful, difficult, and downright dangerous if we don’t take precautions. Standing up to multiple sclerosis is one thing. Standing up with MS… That’s a horse of a different color. How about sharing your standing stories? Wishing you and your family the best of health. Cheers Trevis Don’t forget that you can also follow me via our Life With MS Facebook page and on Twitter Important: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and not Everyday Health.See More NEWSLETTERS Sign up for our Multiple Sclerosis Newsletter
SubscribeBy subscribing you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. The Latest in Multiple Sclerosis
How to Craft a Life s Mission Statement
By Trevis GleasonOctober 21, 2022 Dysarthria When MS Makes It Hard to Speak
By Mona SenOctober 20, 2022 Is That Really How I Walk
By Trevis GleasonOctober 18, 2022 How Do You Know When to Throw in the Towel
By Trevis GleasonOctober 14, 2022 Living With MS What to Know About Neuropathic Pain and How to Manage It
Neuropathic pain is not your average pain. Here’s what to know about this unique type of MS pain and how to find relief.By Kerry WeissOctober 12, 2022 UTIs and MS The Importance of Early Diagnosis and Treatment
If you have multiple sclerosis, you may be prone to frequent urinary tract infections. Besides being painful, UTIs can make MS worse, so it’s important...By Kerry WeissOctober 12, 2022 Why Is Orange the Color of MS
By Trevis GleasonOctober 11, 2022 13 Celebrities Who Have Multiple Sclerosis
Look among the millions of people with multiple sclerosis and you'll find famous faces, too. Learn how some of these celebrities are dealing with MS and...By Regina Boyle WheelerOctober 11, 2022 We All Have Something to Teach Our MS Doctors
By Trevis GleasonOctober 7, 2022 EBV An MS Box I Can Finally Tick
By Trevis GleasonOctober 4, 2022 More In Life With Multiple Sclerosis How to Craft a Life s Mission Statement
Is That Really How I Walk
How Do You Know When to Throw in the Towel