Hi guys, for the first time in ages I have had a reasonable week joint pain wise! I cannot work out why, anyhow I have had a recent chest infection that mostly cleared up after 4 weeks, today it is back partially again with the yucky phlegm that tells you you have an infection by its colour, sorry TMI!! I also had an awful night on Thursday with terrible tummy pains and vomiting, I guess I am answering my own question here, but I am really concerned about my lack of energy when my joints haven't been that bad? I have had an afternoon 3 hr sleep every day this week otherwise I would have been unable to function but today, I had to go back to bed at 9am and got up at 11am, then after having breaky, putting some washing on, talking to hubby and kids for a while, I felt terrible but needed to go back to bed again, I stayed there until 4.30pm, Ireally wonder how much my poor hubby can take, I have been telling him how well I have felt this week compared to normal and then do this, I am lucky he is so understanding but I am puzzled, I have had this disease now for 8 years diagnosed and still it surprises me. Thanks for listening, Janie. PS. I also want to apologise for my sometimes short replies but the fatigue is awful, some days its too much to even read. Does anyone else find this?
I am so sorry you are feeling like this. It is awful. I don't know what to do for more engery but I will be taking notes if someone does.
Good luck. Hang in there. Don't apologize I am sure most know what it's like to have no engery.
YES!Fatigue is indeed a common symptom of RA. I experience it a lot, even when the joint pain and swelling are gone. I think it's caused by the systemic inflammation that pervades our bodies, even if it's at a fairly low level. It's like a moderate case of the flu, often causing some low level aches and pains, low fever, and, of course, fatigue...some of the RA websites call it "malaise". Here's what I've found helps me with the fatigue...maybe others have some useful tips as well.
1) NSAIDS: Even though they do little for my joint pain when I flair, I have found that even taking one Advil relieves some of the fatigue symptoms.
2) If the weather is nice, I've found that getting outside in the sunshine really helps...just soaking up the warmth and feeling a breeze on your face.
3) Excersize: I walk and do yoga. I always have more energy afterwards.
4) Diet: I've changed my diet to include more antioxidants (dark fruit, chocolate, olive oil, walnuts, almonds, etc.) and Omega-3's (salmon, flax cereal, organic eggs, etc.)
These things help me control the fatigue but they're not a cure. I still struggle with it. I hope you find something that helps you get more control over this part of the RA experience.
Alan
Janie, I understand that kind of fatigue. I went to the bank with hubby to work on finances and came home and drifted in and out of sleep for about two hours.
I know the pain level increases the fatigue level. I cannot take any anti inflamitories, so for me it is put up and shut up...and the fatigue gets worse. Right now I am not sleeping well at night, so I know that is a HUGE factor and has been a factor for more than a year.
Yes, I have trouble concentrating long enough to read lengthy posts. I love Alan's Verses, but I have to read them about four or five times to get all the way through them.
I guess just take your life in chunks like you have been.
Jane I feel like that too. My colleague at work who has had lots of bits replaced and has had RA since he was a child says that even when your joints are feeling better (than normal that is), your body is still fighting what it peceives to be an infection and that is why amongst other things (drugs, work, daily stresses etc etc) you feel so tired.
Alan is right, I do pilates and walk, the sun and fresh air definitely make you feel better
Janie, you've had some type of infection going on for a month. I don't know what treatment you've had for it, but it sounds like it's back or it's mutated into something else. It could be viral or bacterial or both. Fatigue is going to set in with an infection. You need to call your doctor and get an appt. You need to be checked out. Your doctor needs to monitor this infection closely because of the types of meds that you're taking. Please call first thing Monday morning and rest thru the weekend. Lindy