Stay Active What sort of exercise?
Picture courtesy of David Lloyd Leisure
There is no right or wrong exercise. However, the nature of MS may mean that you have to be more aware of what you can achieve than someone who doesn't have MS. If you have concerns about undertaking certain activities, talk to a relevant health professional (eg a neurologist, GP, MS specialist nurse, physiotherapist, occupational therapist) beforehand.
If you try an activity and it doesn't make your symptoms worse, then it is likely to be fine for you. You have to learn to listen to your own body and to be honest with what it is telling you. As recovery time can be longer for someone with MS, be prepared to stop before your body tells you you have reached your limit.
Heat
A build up of heat causes a worsening of nerve conduction. Overheated people generally find that they are tired and sluggish. This effect is amplified when there is an underlying problem that causes damage to the nerves. As a result, many people with MS find that heat can cause symptoms to worsen. This might involve a build up of fatigue, blurred vision or a loss of balance.
Although unpleasant, the effects of heat are temporary and do not cause any permanent damage to nerves. The symptoms are generally quickly reversed when your body temperature returns to normal.
To lessen the effect of heat, you can lower your body temperature immediately before and/or after exercise. Specially designed cooling suits are available although expensive. Drinking icy drinks, having a cool bath or shower or running cold water over your wrists can also achieve cooling.
Whilst exercising, take regular cold drinks or spray your face with water from a plastic spray bottle, such as the type used for misting houseplants. Try to wear lightweight clothes and shoes, or dress in layers in order to add or remove clothing as your body temperature changes.