Does fatigue mean ... weakness? | Arthritis Information

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Hi everyone!

I'm still working up to a therapeutic dose of MTX, in two days I'll start the first real BIG dose. I've noticed a difference in pain and stiffness, YAY.

Also, I've noticed my motorcycle helmet seems to weight 10 pounds more than normal. I know fatigue is the MOST common side effect of MTX, but I've always though that just meant sleepiness. Do any of you MTX users feel weak?

OH! And do you wake up feeling like you've got an insecticide-cocktail hangover?


Hello people with PA, RA, and other flavors of A,

It's official ... I am actually looking forward to my next dose of "poison." Becoming increasingly stiff and pained really helps smack me out of denial. It will be interesting to see if it is easier to ride to work today.

Shall we allow this post to be my introduction?

My first bout of PA was when I was 21, no one could figure out what was happening. =D If only I would have had a symmetrical presentation, at least I would have been treated for RA. =D A few horrible months passed, and the flare quieted. The next flare was ten year after the first, then the next ten years later. That flare has been onging, since that time however. Oh ... I'd love some commiseration here, please. So ... for years I had an MD from a HMO who would NOT refer me to a rheumatologist because it meant less money for him. AND the lack of ra factor in my blood made him think I was faking, or drug seeking or something So we tried drug aster useless drug (the ones my insurance covered anyway) till he sorta gave up, and I decided to hang on for as long as possible and then (ahem ... sorry for this part) trust that God knew my heart, and find a way to end it all.

Thankfully I got a NEW MD, more concerned with ME than with his bulging wallet. He referred me as soon as I asked him. I think he also intervened, and got me an immediate appointment with the best doc in town, although her schedule was booked solid for months. Within an hour of seeing her, she made a diagnosis. I mean ... given a few facts, I could have done it too. What is up with the plain old MDs in the world? Are they asleep through auto-immune disorder class??

As a side note, I downloaded the new Google browser (LOVE IT) and have changed my font to something cool, and totally unreadable. LOL. I apologize in advance for all the typos, but honestly, I can't read this well enough to proofread. Hope it is not showing up on your screen in this great font. LOL.

At any rate ... gah ... it is hurtihg to type so I'll shorten this. Tomorrow night ... BIG dose ... I'm ready!!!So, hello!!  Anyone?

Nette,

 
Sorry that no one has been able to reply sooner.  I don't check this site as often as I used to.  Glad to hear that you found a new doc.  Second and/or new opinions never hurt and often offer you more insight.  Yes, fatigue and weakness can go hand in hand.  MTX usually just makes me tired and often gives me a headache that does not last too long.  Tylenol helps the headache.  I have had PA for a long time and take several meds to keep me in remission.  Only have some minor issues right now with dactylitis, otherwise doing pretty good.  Take care. 
Hi Nette, we're here but we're a small group and sometimes we aren't able to answer promptly.  I've had RA/PsA for over 10 years and am now in clinical remission.  I've been through 4 RDs and 2 internist till I found my current group of doctors.  It took an aggressive RD and internist to get me to the point of clinical remission but now I golf 9 holes, hike, and lead a pretty normal life.  In fact I have more energy than some of my younger friends. 
 
You're story isn't unusual.  Your doctor should have referred you to an RD.  If you haven't done any research you need to read  this forum and other PsA forums, studies and whatever you can find about  PsA to educate yourself about the disease and the medications that are used.  It's really important to be well informed.  Don't leave your healthcare up to the doctor, be involved, demanding and most of all informed about PsA.  I don't think that most family doctors or even internist know much about PsA.
 
MXT is infamous for causing fatigue/weakness.  Until your body adjusts it's best to take MXT the evening before a slow day for you.  If you take it in the evening you'll sleep through many of the side effects.  If you rest the next day then you'll be fine.  It will get better.  I've been on MXT for several years and have very few side effects to date.  A little fatigue the next day.
 
Oh, by the way, HI and WELCOME to the forum.  I'm glad you found you're way here.  Keep us posted on how you're doing.  I'm in Washington also.  What area are you in?  I'm in the Columbia River Gorge area.  Lindy
HI there,
 
I've been on MXT for about ten years now and it did give me nasty side effects in the early days. I spoke to my rheumy and he said to take the MXT over two days, I did and it's stopped the bad side effects so it may be worth asking about doing that...I'm assuming you take MXT orally.
 
I've never thought about the weakness before but yes, I do fidn I am weaker than I used to be. I also get fatigue and have experimented over the years to find the best way to deal with it, here's what helps me:
 
Getting a decent nights sleep helps, I try to be in bed by 11pm at the latest and get up about 8.30-9am. 
 
Cutting out as much processed food as possible, especially sugar. Sugar makes me so tired, if I eat candy or chocolate I literally can't keep my eyes open lol.
 
If I feel really shattered I take a nap, I don't like giving in to it but soemtimes it's the only way.
 
Plenty fresh fruit and veg, if you can't get fresh, frozen is better than canned.
 
This last one isn't for tiredness but i have found it made a huge difference to my pain level....I cut pout caffeine, I only drink decaf coffee if i have a cup these days. Giving up caffeine cut down the pain quite a bit and helped with thy dry mouth too, aparently caffeine dehydrates you.
 
Hope this helps.
 
take care,
Lynne
xxxxx
 
Thank you for your insight and advice. GAH ... really? Caffeine?? OH ... that one will HURT. LOL. I love my a.m. coffee, but am willling to slowly switch to decaf. GAH again.


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