Welcome to Cool With A Cane! I’m Nikki Leggett, Miss Nikki if you prefer, and I’ve been living with multiple sclerosis for 18 years. Yes, I said living, not just surviving. Because even though MS fatigue is real, heavy, and sometimes downright frustrating, I’m still here, still standing (with a little help), and still slaying.

Fatigue is one of the most common and misunderstood symptoms of MS. It’s not just “feeling tired.” It’s bone-deep exhaustion that can show up without warning, and it doesn’t always go away with rest. When I was newly diagnosed, this was one of the hardest realities to accept. But over time, I’ve learned ways to manage it, adapt, and still live fully.

Here are my thoughts, strategies, and experiences on how to manage fatigue while living with MS.

Understanding MS Fatigue

Multiple sclerosis is unpredictable, and fatigue is often its silent shadow. Unlike being tired after a long day, MS fatigue can hit first thing in the morning, linger despite sleep, or suddenly drain your energy in the middle of a conversation.

At first, I saw it as weakness. But over time, I realized that managing fatigue wasn’t about “pushing through” or proving strength, it was about honoring my body’s needs while finding creative ways to keep living my life with purpose.

My Personal Strategies for Managing Fatigue

1. Listen to Your Body Without Guilt

I used to feel guilty for resting, like I was letting people down. But MS taught me that rest is not laziness, it’s strategy. Now, when my body whispers “slow down,” I listen before it has to scream.

2. Move in Ways That Feel Good

Ironically, gentle movement can fight fatigue. On days when walking is tough, I grab my cane and still take those steps, even if they’re slow. Stretching, short walks, or even chair exercises help me feel less weighed down.

3. Plan and Pace Yourself

I’ve learned to spread out my energy like a budget. Instead of doing everything in one burst, I schedule breaks and prioritize what matters most that day. Sometimes, the laundry can wait, but my well-being can’t.

4. Nourish Your Body

Good fuel matters. Staying hydrated, eating balanced meals, and avoiding too much sugar or caffeine helps me avoid extra crashes. I’m not perfect at this (who doesn’t love a sweet treat?), but I notice the difference when I’m consistent.

5. Accept Help and Use Tools

My cane became my best buddy in 2021. At first, I saw it as a defeat. But a wise friend reminded me: “Your cane helps you keep going.” That shifted everything. Mobility aids, supportive friends, and even leaning on caregivers are not signs of weakness, but signs of strength.

6. Lean on Faith and Gratitude

Each morning, I give thanks. Not because fatigue disappears, but because gratitude gives me perspective. My steps may be slower, but they’re purposeful. My body may demand more rest, but my spirit remains unshaken.

Encouragement for the Journey

If you’re newly diagnosed with MS and struggling with fatigue, please know this: you are not lazy, you are not weak, and you are not alone. Fatigue doesn’t define you—it’s just one part of the story.

To caregivers and loved ones, thank you for walking alongside us, often carrying more than we realize. Your patience and encouragement mean the world.

Managing fatigue while living with MS is about balance, creativity, and a whole lot of grace. Some days will be harder than others, but every day you choose to keep going is a victory.

So, to my fellow warriors: keep listening to your body, keep showing up in whatever way you can, and keep slaying. Because mobility aids don’t make us weak, they make us unstoppable.