One of the most troubling symptoms of my MS is called
“spasticity” and it takes many forms. I experience extensor spasms in which my legs extend straight
and stiffen at a moment’s notice. These spasms
are uncontrollable and can happen so suddenly and intensely that they are
capable of forcing a person out of a chair. I experience these spasms, or
spasticity, throughout the day and they can range from uncomfortable to extremely painful. My
spasticity became so bad it interfered with my
normal movement and gait and eventually took my ability to walk. This is
caused by damage to the portion of the brain
or spinal cord that controls voluntary movement,
which is extensive in my case.
It was really this spasticity and stiffness in my legs that led to my
diagnosis. Before I was diagnosed, I broke my ankle and began seeing a physical
therapist after getting surgery to fix the ankle. Once I was walking again, my
gait was off. I had started swinging my left leg from my hip and not bending my
knee while walking. I mentioned this to my PT and he thought this might be
neurological and I should get an MRI. He was right.
I also experience a similar although different kind of MS
spasticity: a tightening of the muscles in my forearm, which causes the
hand and fingers to turn in. I often have a disabled look to my
arm and hand. I call it my “dumb” limb. My fingers curl in and I keep
my arm close to my body. There has been a change to my arm’s natural resting
position. I can no longer write or reliably button
a button, and my typing has become more of the hunt and peck variety. It’s a dexterity and fine motor skills issue; my
fingers do not move the way I want them to.
While I take
medications and do exercises and stretching that can help, I often feel trapped
in a body that refuses to cooperate. Once again, the name of the game is ADAPT.
That’s what I keep doing.
NMSS Controlling
Spasticity Brochure
