“Fatigue is a severe form of tiredness and fatigability that occurs in 75 to 99 percent” of multiple sclerosis patients. (ScienceDaily) Many MS warriors report fatigue as the “most distressing symptom” of the disease. Researchers believe nerve damage may be the cause of excessive tiredness and weakness.
Stefan Seidel led a non-drug study over 14 days using light therapy at the Medical University of Vienna. Twenty-six subjects used either a 10,000 lux day lamp or a red lamp at <300 lux for 30 minutes daily. Participants using the red light showed no marked improvement, while those using the 10,000 lux light showed “improved physical and mental performance” and reduced daytime sleepiness. “The results still need to be confirmed in a subsequent larger-scale study.”
I spent twenty years in the Alaska rainforest and then moved to Wyoming. My sunlight exposure has dramatically increased, and my MS symptoms have diminished. Maybe there is a correlation.
What a busy week! I joined Dan and Jenn Digmann on CureTalks to discuss precision medicine and its potential use in developing disease-modifying treatments for multiple sclerosis. Jenn Powell and I recorded a show about my MS story for The MS News Today Podcast. Hawken Miller finalized questions for his article about me with BioNews and MS News Today. Yesterday, I presented “Conquering Disability with Attitude” to the Dragon Claw group for autoimmune disease patients. I’ll provide links to each as they become available.
On a Personal Note
Last night, I stared out the dark window, debating whether I should go for a walk. It was windy, cold, and late, and I wanted to be lazy. Ginger read my mind and ran between me and the door until I pulled on my coat. Then she made a mad dash to her lead.
It has been darn cold here. Brr. I’d like to know who ordered an early winter in Wyoming.
We dredged through snowdrifts well over my ankles on the plowed sidewalk until I gave up and crossed over to the middle of the street. Poor Ginger hopped through those drifts like a rabbit.
Staying active is key to maintaining my health, so I force myself out on nights like last night. I don’t always enjoy it, but I do it anyway.
Wyoming Jeepers put out a new video this week on the process of airing down. After the three-minute lesson, you can check out a short video from a trip to the Bighorn Mountains on July 8, 2022.
Our goal is to show the back roads of Wyoming so that others can enjoy the beauty if they can’t get there or discover new places to go if they can. We also like to laugh in our shows. Join us for the ride on Wyoming Jeepers on YouTube.
Resources
Medical University of Vienna. “Light therapy relieves fatigue syndrome in Multiple Sclerosis.” ScienceDaily. www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/12/221212140501.htm (accessed December 14, 2022).
Piacquadio, Andrea. Image of Fatigued Woman. https://www.pexels.com/photo/woman-leaning-on-table-3767411/. (accessed December 14, 2022).
