I was diagnosed with RA 2 years ago. My question is can you experience extreme fatigue ( nearly 8 weeks ) without any pain or flare up RA symptoms??? I have gone from exercising 3/4 times a week to spending every day on the sofa. I am so miserable and unsure what to do next...Appreciate any help or advice you can give me! Thanks
Hello joanne. I'm sorry you are feeling so unwell. It's hard to accept especially when you've managed to stay so active. You probably know lethargy is a side effect of RA but have you had a recent blood test for anaemia etc? If not it may be an idea to get it checked. Under active thyroid is also a sign of tiredness and being lethargic.
Hi,
I get my bloods done every 4 weeks. I was anaemic so for the last 6 months I take a range of supplements and vitamins. Never thought of under active thyroid so will definitely ask. I know I am lucky that I am not in a lot of pain so for that I am thankful.....this tiredness is soul destroying my brain wants to get up and at it but my body just can't.... Feeling very depressed. This forum is really helpful and it's nice that you guys " get it " . Cheers
Hi Joanne7171,
The fatigue is just as bad as the pain for me so I know how you feel. And it is depressing. Are you taking medication for your RA? If so, I was told the meds can also cause some fatigue. I did ask my Rheumy if the fatigue would eventually go away and she gave me a positive response, so I hope it's true. You should get tested for other things though to rule them out if it's so bad you can't get up. I wish you the best and keep us updated!
Sorry to say so, but the short answer is yes.
I found the fatigue to be the worst part of the illness. Takes all the joy out of life.
So it's vital to take care of yourself and love yourself despite feeling so tired, and make accommodation for these periods of fatigue.
Hi Sue, yes I have been taking Salazopyrin since diagnosed. I have had only small flare ups so I know I am lucky. I yearn for my life to get back on track again. I have been to my GP twice and I am being tested for Glandular fever and post viral fatigue syndrome but I really don't think it is either of them. Another forum user suggested getting tested for underactive thyroid and after reading up on it I will definitely ask about that. I am glad to hear that you were told that the tiredness may pass. Fingers crossed!!
Thanks! i appreciate your message!
Hi.
i was diagnosed in may last year and started on methotrexate and then started on sulfasalazine. And yes the pain is a lot better than it was, I'm finding the tiredness the most difficult to accept.
Ive also got under active thyroid and it is being controlled by tablets.
I hate having to explain to people that I'm tired and I just get on with it as best as possible but to be honest I'd rather be tucked up in bed. Not really sleeping but resting my tired out body.
this Is definitely the worst part and it gets me down.
All my blood tests are ok but my inflammation markers are raised again.
A day of feeling normal would be nice wouldn't it.
i really hope we all can have that at some point.
best wishes
Emma
Hi Emma sorry to hear that you too are suffering with this awful illness. I find this forum great, it has made ME feel I am not alone in this nightmare
and that has been comforting to me.
I really pushed myself this afternoon and did a little walk!! I was so pleased that I did it. We must not lose faith in our bodies ability to fight this illness. stay strong everyone
I try to take walks a few times a week. We live up in the hills so it's all uphill one way and all downhill the opposite. I always feel good while doing it and right afterwards, but about an hour later, I start to get tired again. But you're right, Joanne, we need to keep fighting the good fight and not lose faith. I spoke with my Rheumy this morning and she said that until I can get on the "TNF Inhibitor" (Enbrel), I'm always going to have the flares and the fatigue. I start a clincial study in a few months with Enbrel and I'll be sure to keep everyone updated on how it's working.
Hi Joanne, Have to say I agree with the others, fatigue is all part and parcel of RA, also the meds., can make you tired as well. So it's kind of a vicious circle really.
Which is why I'm trying to stay on a low a dose of medication as I can also using complementary medicine, kind of got to try everything really.
I have said this a few times tonight but it's good to talk and I find this forum is an amazing lifeline.
Hi Sue,
It's great to "talk" with others and definitely keep us updated with your new clinical study.
I have made a decision to inform myself on what I can do diet wise and vitamin wise etc..... Just started on Tumeric for example.
I am also reading and practising the power of positive thinking and I am not going to inform people anymore that " I suffer with RA " as if it's domineering me and my life! It's part of me but I am not going to let it beat me! Take care 😃
Hi Tricia,
Thanks for the reply. I am with you on the complimentary side of things ( taking Tumeric at the moment and eating a lot of oily fish! ) and working on the power of positive thinking. We can't let this consume us..
Really enjoy this forum and I too have found it really helpful. Take care.