Limb paresis refers to the temporary decline and/or complete loss of strength in the limbs, reaching a level of significant concern. This condition becomes particularly alarming when it occurs suddenly and leads to an unavoidable "collapse," which may result in potential injury if the affected individual is carrying something heavy.
My limb paresis affects both my arms and legs and is typically accompanied by a migraine attack or muscle tension. Within a span of 5 to 15 minutes, I experience a drastic decline in strength, going from being capable of carrying 50 kg of PA subwoofers to being unable to lift my smartphone, which weighs a mere 200 grams. The impairment is severe enough that when I lie down, I must rely on the functioning parts of my body (usually my torso), gravity, and momentum to facilitate movement from one side to another.
Multiple times per day, I undergo a rapid decline in strength in my limbs. The frequency of these episodes varies, with some days being more affected than others, ultimately compelling me to lie down. The duration of these episodes can range from half an hour to a few hours.
In conjunction with the limb paresis, I often experience tension headaches that temporarily impair my ability to think clearly.
During a limb paresis attack, I find myself unable to perform everyday tasks such as cooking, washing, and making up the bed. What exacerbates the situation is that these attacks often occur late at night, and engaging in household chores during that time would cause excessive noise. As a result, I'm faced with the predicament of either postponing the chores until daylight, which can interfere with other obligations the next day, or simply not completing the chores at all. Unfortunately, I often opt for the latter option.
In addition to the challenges with household chores, my personal hygiene also suffers during limb paresis episodes. There are instances where I have to skip brushing my teeth and/or taking a shower. While it might not be a significant issue if this happened infrequently, in my case, it occurs at least 1-2 times per week. This frequency significantly impacts my ability to maintain optimal personal hygiene.
In addition to the difficulties I face with household chores, my personal hygiene also suffers during limb paresis episodes. There are times when I am unable to brush my teeth or take a shower. While sporadic occurrences would not be a major concern, in my case, these instances happen at least 1-2 times per week. This frequent disruption greatly hampers my ability to maintain the level of personal hygiene I desire.