Has anyone else experienced general weakness and fatigue in legs when they've overdone it? When I've walked too much, I can barely lift my legs. Sometimes there is pain in the knees or hips but often there is just this muscle fatigue. Also, if I squat to get something under a low shelf and stay down too long, I can't get up without holding on to something and pulling myself up. If I don't have something to hold on to, I fall backwards. I don't know if this is the RA, or OA, or some combination of both. It worries me because I never know when it's going to hit. Oh yea, I have the same trouble getting out of a chair if I've been sitting too long.Linda... I have the same problems. A little while back, I wrote and asked everyone to define their RA Fatigue. You may want to read it so I will bring that subject back to the top of the list (read it quick so it doesn't go back to the bottom of the list!). Hope you have a good day tomorrow! Susan LeeI also think that we lose a lot of muscle strength with this
disease. I know my muscles are so much weaker than they used to
be, especially in my arms. They just hang there.
I use to be so strong. Now am soo weak some days holiding my hand bag is an effort.Smurfette.I do a lot of exercises at the gym to strengthen my stomach and leg muscles and that helps some. I also force myself to walk. If I miss a day of exercising, I can feel the diminshed thrength almost immediately. Scary! Yes, Lindak. You're not alone and it sounds like you were talking about me.
I've arranged the tables and chairs so I can use them to hang on to. I've put a pillow on my favorite chair, in the living room, to make the seat higher. Makes it easier to get out of.
The restroom is a major problem. I have such a hard time getting up from the toilet seat. If, I can't find something to hang on to when I try getting up, I'm stuck until I can grab on to the back of the toliet. So whenever nobody is using the handicapped stall, it's all mine! The seat is higher and they have those nice bars to pull your self up on.
MarisaMarisa, we do sound alike. Do you use a cane? I haven't but I wondering how I'm going to manage on a trip to Rome this summer. As far as the rest room, I have to put my feet up on a stool in the rest room. My legs are really weak.Just one thing to keep in mind...if you dont use it you lose it! True but what if you use it and then get stuck somewhere? Linda, There are times when I think that I should use a cane but I can't bring myself to get one. When I was a child, I spend a month in traction, then after they fused my hip, I was on crutches for what seemed liked forever. I was told that I wouldn't be able to do alot of things. I wouldn't listen to that and started to do things that would improve my range of motion. To me, using a cane is giving in to my lost of my range of motion. But I know that sooner or later, I'm going to have to give in and get that cane.
One other thing, if I'm walking on a uneven surface, I have to be careful as my balance isn't good. I waddle like a duck.
Linda, if you feel better using a cane, then use it. It's a good idea to use it, if there's a chance that you will fall.
Take care and enjoy Rome.
MarisaThanks Marisa, I'm holding off on the cane. There have only been a few times when I really needed one. In those situations I found a stick or something else to support me. It's usually going up hill that gives me trouble. I know what you mean about not giving in. I'm afraid if I do use a cane, then I'll rely on it and won't be as strong. It gives me strength to read your message about living with RA so long and so sucessfully.[QUOTE=Marisa Sue] Linda, There are times when I think that I should use a cane but I can't bring myself to get one. When I was a child, I spend a month in traction, then after they fused my hip, I was on crutches for what seemed liked forever. I was told that I wouldn't be able to do alot of things. I wouldn't listen to that and started to do things that would improve my range of motion. To me, using a cane is giving in to my lost of my range of motion. But I know that sooner or later, I'm going to have to give in and get that cane.
One other thing, if I'm walking on a uneven surface, I have to be careful as my balance isn't good. I waddle like a duck.
Linda, if you feel better using a cane, then use it. It's a good idea to use it, if there's a chance that you will fall.
Take care and enjoy Rome.
Marisa[/QUOTE] I was wondering about using a cane also. But with my wrist being so sore I wonder if I could put any weight on it. What are we suppose to do? My feet hurt so bad some days I think I need a cane or walker but as Marisa said, that seems like giving up and that is not me, I will never let this RA beat me. I wondered the same thing myself. When your feet don't work, but your hands and wrists are swollen, inflamed and pretty much not usable, what can you do besides use a wheelchair?
Muscle fatigue is a huge factor in RA for me. I feel as weak a new born kitten some days. As far as carrying a purse I still use one at work but my days off I just carry my organizer. Much lighter!I guess everyone is different, but my hands are the worst and there is no way I would be able to hold on to a cane. Besides, when my feet hurt, they both hurt. I will just get one of those jet powered backpacks and fly everywhere I go.
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