For me finding the balance is key. I actually give myself permission to put off today what I can do tomorrow or the next day. I keep a running list and check things off as i accomplish them. I always seem to make deals and agreements with myself.

I learned early on, that if I don't take care of myself first, I am useless to others. So I learned to make myself number #1. I adapt and adjust as things arise. I seem to rest and rejuvenate all day long. I live in the present, one day at a time.

So for me, I don't use my MS as an excuse, rather I learned coping tools to work around it.

Try not to be so hard on yourself and hopefully soon, you will find the balance you are searching for.

Yes a lot. MS cab affect your ability to make decisions. I have my own consulting business and I fine it hard to make a work decision from time to time, so I go looking for something else to do. Doing something else becomes my escape and often delays my work.

I also have guilty feeling when I do not get my work done and this has caused my some problem with getting paid. I now know that when I have this problems is probably due to MS and I look now look for another part of project to work on. The helps most of the time, but not all of the time.

But now that I know this is probably related to MS, I and develop a response plan to reduce this problem. My plan to making work decisions is to firs look for another work task to do. If this does not work, I take a break and do something else and release that I am procrastinating and try to keep the amount of time short and get back to work. This strategy has reduced the impact of my procrastination, but has not eliminated it.
Good luck! Jim

I have always asked myself that same question. I even feel guilty about being tired. I am really glad to know someone else thinks MS fatigue feels like procrastination and it's just not my imagination.

I think you answered your own question dear. MS is NOT an excuse.

I could have written your post. I am a former type A, do everything, please everyone person. Notice I say former. Guilt plays a big role in my life too but guess what? You didn't ask to get this disease & I have a hunch that when you were well you DID put up the lights (and lots of other stuff too I bet) and pleased lots of people in the things you did.

That being said, I find motivating myself to do anything anymore is difficult too. I guess the happy medium is that you could make a list of what NEEDS to be done and TRY them (assuming they are safe) . Fatigue is my biggest enemy as it is for most of us so my Dr gave me a low dose of Ritilan to help me push through my brain fog.

I may not be the same person I used to be but I have to accept that & learn to be happy with who I am now. Just do your best & at the end of the day let the rest go. No one will think lesser of you if you didn't accomplish your whole list.

Be gentle on yourself. (((Hugs)))

:) @JoeDP - You are NOT alone:) That is one of the great things that I have learned from FINALLY joining groups like this, AND starting my blog. NOT matter HOW unimaginable something that happens to me might be, I am learning that it's NOT just me...SOMEONE else has had the same (or similar experiences:)