Arthritis

Create a Post

pamzd

over 2 years ago

Fatigue

I feel silly to complain at all. I have RA and hypothyroidism and may have an RA flare just now and then, but this fatigue I hate. I had a hand and wrist flare for a month, which really wore me out, but now I'm back to normal except for this tiredness. Am I going to just have to suck it up and deal with it?, I cant even get the drive to get out the door to exercise, I dread getting into the shower and doing the whole make-up thing anymore and when I get up in the morning, let the dogs out and make my coffee I'm ready to get back into bed, ugh!!! Has anyone found a way to combat this tiredness?
- Osteoarthritis
- RA
20
Reply
- Cancel

Responses

Anonymous

over 2 years ago

RE: Fatigue

I feel ya! Sorry to say tho, no. You just have to power thru it. It may seem crazy, but the more active you force yourself to be, the better you'll feel. And diet plays a big role!
Reply Hide Replies
- Cancel
gingertea3

over 2 years ago

RE: Fatigue

I know just what you mean about feeling so tired, although mine is from lupus (or related to migraine or asthma). If you give in to the feeling and go back to bed, you risk making the problem worse. But sometimes it's just too hard to get out and about to exercise. When that's the case, try something easier than the gym, like tai chi or pool exercise. Of course if you don't have a pool you'd have to go out, but you'd have a good excuse not to do the whole makeup thing -- it'll get wet and smear or run, after all. I wish you the best of luck.
Reply Hide Replies
- Cancel
hivirgie

over 2 years ago

RE: Fatigue

I have some sort of flare every 6-8 weeks and it usually lasts 1-2 weeks. I just power thru it and get as much rest as I can. If I don't keep positive depression sets in and that I think is worse. I also try to eat more anti inflammatory foods and take turmeric tablets. I use stretch bands when the pain is bad and have that under the table bike pedals. Tai chi when I can and this can be done sitting in a chair it you can't stand. Good luck!
Reply
- Cancel
wme05

over 2 years ago

RE: Fatigue

know several people in the same situation. Some of the treatments like methotrexate makes the fatigue even worse. Look up a product on line called Rheumate. I know some Rheumatologists prescribe it to their patients and within 10-14 days they feel so much better. It is worth discussing with your doctor. rheumaterx.com
Reply
- Cancel
rhombusgirl

over 2 years ago

RE: Fatigue

Hi pamzd:
Unfortunately everyone that lives with RA has to deal with debilitating fatigue from time to time. Personally I take advice from my doctor and other sources. Mostly I listen to my body. If I'm tired, then I try to squeeze in a nap. If I'm still tired then I go back to bed. For me, pushing through all the time as if I don't have a chronic illness only make things worse. I've ended up in the hospital or in bed for days/weeks.

To the person that responded anonymously right be fore me: Unless you are a qualified medical doctor, you don't have a right to diagnose anyone.
"seek out a mental health pro sounds like depression"
Fatigue is a symptom of MANY illnesses.
Reply Hide Replies
- Cancel
Anonymous

over 2 years ago

RE: Fatigue

Have to agree to getting checked for depression. Chronic illness like RA do depress How can you close the door on something that can only help you Remember fatigue is a symptom of depression and other mental illnesses
Reply
- Cancel
booboo71

over 2 years ago

RE: Fatigue

The little things help..

* Use a shower chair
* Raised toilet seat
* Handle helpers for doors
* Assistive devices for the kitchen
* Walker, if needed
* Adjustable bed or raised bed

I'm sure are there are more and ppl can add to my list. Yes, I'm having brain fog right now... surprised I got this many. I have some of these already. ☺
Reply
- Cancel
grandma14

over 2 years ago

RE: Fatigue

Totally can relate to your chronic fatigue. I also have RA and deal with the same issue. Talk honestly to a professional. Also, what part of the country do you live in? I am in the northeast where vitamin D deficiency is a common problem for those with an auto immune disorder. Ask your doctor if you can have your level checked by simple blood test. Made a big difference for me. Always go through your doctor though and follow their recommendations.
BB
Reply
- Cancel
kaya_09

over 2 years ago

RE: Fatigue

I feel the same way. Haven't found anything that has worked. Sometimes I stretch when I wake up and I feel better and sometimes i don't feel better. I have a flare and it's horrible, I'm miserable for days. Keep me posted if you find something that works
Reply Hide Replies
- Cancel
Anonymous

over 2 years ago

RE: Fatigue

I will pray for you. I have fatigue too, and when I'm active, I'm still tired. It's not a silly question. I hope things go good for you.
Reply
- Cancel
songswithwings

over 2 years ago

RE: Fatigue

Warm showers are great to help you get moving. Take 2 or 3 a day.
Physiotheorapy helps a lot! Oh how nice it feels to dip your achy hands in hot wax/ laser therapy on your back or shoulders.
-i was so surprised how laser helped take a load off of my shoulders 2 years ago.
It doesn't last though, it's only temporary relief.
Shoulders so bad this season-i feel like I'm constantly wearing a yoke.
Putting arms into a jacket hurts. I've got to sit and recover from just putting on my jacket.
Reply
- Cancel
marysheen

8 months ago

RE: Fatigue

Hello. I hope you're fine and still around. I looked through this thread and think it seems that depression and fatigue seem very common issue nowadays.
One of the posters below has advised getting an adjustable bed or raised bed and that's a very good choice. But be careful when getting those, better read this page before getting one - ... . Good luck!
Reply
- Cancel
karbonita

8 months ago

RE: Fatigue

I was sceptical about weighted blanket until I bought one. It really helps me sleep better at night and relax with a book in the daytime. I have also come across this article which explains how such a blanket can improve our sleep www.melacomfort.co.uk/blogs/the-blog/do-weighted-blankets-really-ease-sleeplessness
Reply Hide Replies
- Cancel
steppenwolf

4 months ago

RE: Fatigue

I also have hypothyroidism & RA. I told my Doctor I felt more tired when I wake up then before I go to bed. Extreme Fatigue. He did a Vitamin Deficiency blood test. My Vitamin D Lab work was low, I live near Seattle not enough Sunshine. Started Vitamin D. Helped a little. He then had me do a Sleep Study for sleep apnea, I stopped breathing 12 times during 8 hours while sleeping. My oxygen reading for my blood was 70%, it should be around 95%. My vital organs weren’t getting enough oxygen or blood. Now I’m on a Bi-Pap/CPAP machine it helps me breathe & prevents a apnea. It stopped my Extreme Fatigue. You really need your sleep!!!
Reply
- Cancel
pugglebear

3 months ago

RE: Fatigue

I feel the same but my thyroid is fine!
Reply
- Cancel