Emotions

By holli

1 min read

Hi- Has anybody else lost the satisfaction or pleasure sense? If I pickup a cookie, that looks really yummy, take a bite and I don’t get the satisfaction or pleasure feeling. Also, if my hubby rubs my head or back, I just have him stop because I don’t get that good feeling! Another strange thing is, I do not get cold chills. I have also tried to get that good feeling. I bought a new car and new phone, and I just cannot be excited or get that type of good feeling about anything. I also seem to not experience emotions. If my house was on fire, it wouldn't be that big of a big deal. Am I the only one?? Thanks – Holli

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Erin Rush Community Admin
Hi Holli! Thank you so much for sharing a part of your story with the <a href='https://multiplesclerosis.net' target='_blank'>MultipleSclerosis.net</a> community! While you are waiting for input from our community members, I thought I would share some thoughts with you. Please note that I am not a physician and cannot give medical advice, but if this is a new symptom for you, I would bring it to the attention of your physician. This 'malaise' you describe could be a sign of depression or it could possibly be a side effect of medications you may be taking. For example, one of the side effects for the medication, Sativex, is 'malaise', or a general feeling of lethargy or lack of emotion. It's something to keep in mind. You might check out this link to common MS medications -- <a href='https://multiplesclerosis.net/?s=methoraxate+side+effects&submit=go' target='_blank'>https://multiplesclerosis.net/?s=methoraxate+side+effects&submit=Go</a>. You can click on each medication and it will take you to a full article listing efficacy, side effects, and more. I hope this information is helpful for you! Thank you for being here! We're glad to have you as a part of the <a href='https://multiplesclerosis.net' target='_blank'>MultipleSclerosis.net</a> community. I hope you are able to start feeling again very soon! Have a good evening! Best, Erin, <a href='https://multiplesclerosis.net' target='_blank'>MultipleSclerosis.net</a> Team Member.
1. holli Member
 Thanks for the information. It helps to know this could from medications. Holli
jennine Member
Sadly I feel your pain. I suffer from this also. I have always been easily pleased. Now days I go through the motions of life blah.My accomplishments in life are non-existing to me. I love my kids, husband, and family, but the joy of being or doing things just feel unfulfilling. I have not found an answer yet. When I use marijuana for my pain my friends and family say I seem more my old self. For me I guess it kind of works, but I am home if using and not out doing the things I use to enjoy. I hope you are able to find relief. my moto " Positive thinking, Positive results."
1. holli Member
 Thanks Jennine. Hope we both come out of this one day! Holli
karenloftus Member
Hello, Holli. I just posted my own story about not 'feeling it'. I know it's not my meds, I also know I have lesions on my pleasure centre in my brain (which led to financial disaster. My story there in "Shhh. MS dirty little secret".) As the moderator pointed out, you should discuss this with your MS specialist. I pray for the best for you. Take care. 
1. holli Member
 Karen, thanks for letting me know it's not just me, or that I am not attracted to my spouse. (according to him). Wow, one more unexpected effect of MS. I hate this stuff! Holli
davida Member
Hi Holli, I just signed up to this site tonight immediately after reading your story because I wanted to tell you that I have been experiencing this EXACT symptom and none of the 6 Neurologists seem to understand it or even recognize it as a symptom. They quickly call it depression and move on. I've had many times in my life when I have experienced severe depression so I can recognize the feelings and symptoms. This is not depression. I don't feel ANY emotions at all. It's not just happiness and joy, I don't feel sadness, I don't laugh or cry, I don't excited or get angry, just blank. I feel like I wouldnt shed a tear if my puppy died. I feel like a robot. Im sure you get frustrated when you try to explain this symptom to other people because it's so hard to understand. I just tell people that it is something like Apathy caused by MS. I feel your pain (which sounds ironic since I know we dont feel anything) From what I have read, I think that it is caused by lesions on specific parts of our brains. I'm no expert though. I was actually just diagnosed with MS earlier today after going to 22 doctors and specialists over a 2 year period. I hope it helps just to know that I know what you're talking about and I hope we can find a way to fix this because it sucks to go through life not feeling any emotions. Cheers Dave
holli Member
Hi Dave, Your story sounds just like mine. I also was told maybe I am depressed, but I am on the max for depression medication. It was also suggested that maybe I should see a psychiatrist. What the hell for?? Way to make me feel like I have a "reason" to be seeing one. I just give up. I have also lost all desire to eat. I will cook something that sounds so yummy, and after about 3 bites, I have lost all interest and it's not as good tasting as I thought it would be. Wow, sad someone else feels this way! I wish the best for you, and just know you are not alone! Holli
1. Member
 I have been feeling this way for about a year now. I just chalked it up to fatigue, pain, heat. Never thought MS would cause me to be so empty. That is how I feel empty.