Welcome to todays Webinar

Transcription

1 Welcome to todays Webinar Your Presenter is: Renee ODonnell Your Facilitator is: Nicola Graham Acknowledgement We acknowledge and pay respect to the traditional custodians past and present on whose lands we meet today. We acknowledge the deep feelings of attachment and the relationship of Aboriginal people to country and respect the cultural authority of the elders in each community 1

2 Introduction to Presenter Renee ODonnell Employment Support Consultant and Occupation Therapist with expertise helping people with multiple sclerosis maintain employment and address symptoms especially fatigue. MS Fatigue Management Strategies 2

3 Fatigue: What is it? Fatigue is a subjective lack of physical and/or mental energy that is perceived by the individual or caregiver to interfere with usual and desired activities. (from the MS council for clinical practice guidelines, October 1998) Symptoms Fatigue Blurred or double vision Loss of balance or coordination Weakness in the arms or legs Problems with speech, slurring and/or swallowing Cognitive, mood, behaviour change Continence problems Pain Tremor Heat intolerance Sensory changes Spasticity Sexual problems 3

4 Types of Fatigue Everyday Fatigue MS Fatigue Lassitude Nerve Fibre Fatigue /Neuromuscular Physical Cognitive Outline Taking Charge Fatigue management strategies Where to go for follow up 4

5 In the Drivers Seat Are you self managing your MS from the drivers seat? Making Some Changes 5

6 Contributing factors: What could you change? Sleep Have you taken steps to improve your sleep? Diet & lifestyle Are you eating a healthy, balanced diet, drinking enough water and choosing low GI foods? Fitness & strength Have you reviewed your exercise levels? Medications Have you had your medications reviewed? Depression & Stress Have you addressed low mood and stress? Other MS Symptoms Have you seen your neurologist recently? Fatigue Management Strategies Planning and prioritisation Rest breaks Exercise Diet Sleep Energy conservation & Work simplification Communicate 6

7 Prioritise your Activities A - Critical must be done B - Important should be done C - Trivial if I get time D - Delegate or Discard No need for YOU to do it No need to do it at all Plan your Activities Plan your day/week Balance your activities Spread out difficult tasks Pace yourself in each activity 7

8 Rest Breaks Plan your Rest Break Permission to rest When to rest Where to rest How often to rest How long to rest for Rest Body & Mind 8

9 Relaxation Is a skill that takes practice Is a shift in thinking Is a conscious desire to make best use of planned rest breaks Exercise KEEP ACTIVE! Increase Energy Maximize strength potential Improve mood Improve sleep patterns Prevent disease progression 9

10 Guidelines for Exercising Quality not quantity : Little and often Reduce exercise if unwell Avoid overheating Include stretching, strengthening, balance, fitness and endurance exercises Plan a rest break after exercise If you still feel exhausted 1 hour after exercising, you have over-done it Diet Aim towards: Adequate water intake Eating Breakfast Eating proteins and carbohydrates in combination Adequate Iron levels Low GI Foods Minimise: Big meals Caffeine and Alcohol 10

11 Improving Sleep Good sleep patterns are required to give you the best chance of a refreshing sleep; Go to bed and get up at the same time each day Establish a restful bedroom environment Avoid stimulating activities, food and drink before bed Get regular exercise (but not just before bedtime) Persevere If you cant sleep.. Don t stay in bed if you are awake, try Meditation Journal Relaxation Cool down Read the dictionary Seek further advice from GP or MS Connect 11

12 Energy Conservation & Work Simplification Biomechanics - Correct position, posture, movement Environment - Cooling, lighting, access, layout Energy-saving Equipment - trolley, shower stool, dishwasher - specialised equipment Task Modification - change or simplify Communicating about Fatigue Be clear Be honest Give examples Ask for help Saying Yes Saying No 12

13 Summary MS Fatigue is different to normal fatigue Could the fatigue you are experiencing be caused by something else? An infection, an MS relapse, a side effect of medication? What can you change in your life to improve fatigue? Seek specialist help via MS Connect or through your local health professionals Persist with suggested changes as it may take time to reap the benefits Your Take Home Strategies Planning and prioritisation Rest breaks Exercise Diet Sleep Energy conservation & Work simplification Communicate 13

14 Library & Publications In the Library & Publications section of our website you can find information about: MS Library services How to borrow both ebooks and print books on topics such as wellness, and managing multiple sclerosis and its symptoms Accessing our online library catalogue MS publications, including Intouch magazine, newsletters, booklets and information sheets Visit our website for more information Library & Publications 14

15 Resources Related to Fatigue Title: Fighting fatigue in multiple sclerosis: Practical ways to create new habits and increase your energy Author: Nancy Lowenstein Published: 2009 Availability: Print and ebook The information in this book will help you learn techniques to assist you in having more energy to do the activities you enjoy. Many people give up doing the 'fun' activities in their lives in order to get through the 'must dos.' This book will give you the tools to manage your time and activities in order to do both. Title: Sink into sleep: A step-by-step workbook for insomnia Author: Judith Davidson Published: 2013 Availability: Print and ebook Although this book is anchored in the science of sleep, the tone of the writing is reassuring and encouraging, filled with first person accounts and easy to use worksheets. Sink into sleep features chapters focused on men (often ignored by insomnia books), women and their special sleep needs, sleep and medical conditions, sleep and anxiety or depression, and the pros and cons of sleep medication. The National Disability Insurance Scheme A major change to the way disability supports and services are funded and delivered Available to people who are: under 65, satisfy residency requirements and are able to demonstrate that their disability substantially affects daily living Promoting choice, control and social and economic participation Providing a whole-of-life approach It is not means tested Providing reasonable and necessary supports and services Ensuring equity of access 30 Limited 15

16 We can help you to understand the eligibility requirements understand the pathways to access the NDIS prepare for a planning conversation understand your current supports and any unmet need develop your goals Please call MS Connect on to have an NDIS conversation 31 Limited We are a Registered Provider Once you have an NDIS approved plan MS is registered with National Disability Insurance Agency to deliver: Support Coordination assistance to help make your plan active Residential Respite Social Support Day Program (Vic) Exercise physiology and personal training (NSW) Specialist Continence Assessment (NSW) Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy (NSW and Vic) Want to learn more - please call MS Connect 32 Limited 16

17 Questions MS Connect