?losing arm function

Hi Scooter,

I don't think MS is quite as predictable as that.

Stiffness in a limb doesn't automatically mean you are going to lose the function of that limb.  OK, I'm not PPMS, so I guess the situation's, slightly different, but I've had tight legs for at least a couple of years.  I haven't lost use of them yet - it just makes life more annoying/uncomfortable.

What meds (if any) are you already on for the stiffness/tightness?  If you are not on any, perhaps you should be?  Physiotherapy also might help to ease the tightness in your arm.

But try not to worry about what "might" happen, because it also might not.  Even with PPMS, MS doesn't have a definite pattern that is the same for everyone.  You can't say that just because 'A' happens, 'B' will certainly follow.

Tina

I'm sure there's nobody with MS who doesn't worry what will happen.

But as science hasn't found any reliable way of predicting that yet, I think the only way is to take things one day at a time - deal with those things that do happen, but try not to dwell on the ones that haven't, because you might be lucky and they never do.

It's worth asking about treatment for the arm.  I'm not saying it will ever be as good as new, but with a combination of drugs and physio, it might be a better than it is at the moment.

I am much weaker than I used to be, but I have found frequent practice does help maintain what strength and stamina I still have.

Tina

your arm sounds like its behaving like my right leg when the nerve feels trapped.  I take amytryptiline which relieves it.  It can be so frustrating not knowing if indeed it is ms or just the nerves being tweeked or trapped.

Please look at meds and try holding your shoulders back if possible.  Maybe ask to see neuro physio as your posture might be affecting your arm.

Try not to worry too much as we each get lots of weird things which are not always related to ms.

Take care,

bren

x

Hi Scooter, I'm ppms as well. One thing I've learned over past few years, never assume something is caused by MS. It's quite possible you have a muscular problem, possibly from the way you are sitting in you wheelchair, or possibly a frozen shoulder... a painful but common problem. Anyway, hopefully it's something that a physiotherapist can get sorted.

Suggest you go and see GP as soon as poss. A GP can do a physio referral. Also it might be good to have an OT (occupational therapist) come and have a look at your home and how you move about in it. They can sometimes see how you can be helped by an adaptation so that you're not putting stress on your body. Again, GP can do the referral.

Hope you can get it sorted soon. I also dread losing the use of my arms. Bad enough not walking but please let me keep the use of my arms and hands!!!

Pat x