Endless fatigue

[Clm1978]

Hi there everyone, so I was diagnosed with fibro almost 5 years ago but have to say that the last two have been almost unbearable. It just feels like each flare up is merging into each other and the fatigue is ruining my life. Anyone know a way to at least reduce the fatigue some what please?

[Cardmaker60]

Hello Clm1978, I too would love to know how to deal with the exhaustion. My pain levels are bearable (with the help of medication) but it’s the exhaustion that is the huge problem! Any hints will be gratefully received.

Hope you find something of use to you...

[M0AL61 Moderator Volunteer]

If only someone had the answer to that - they would certainly be a millionaire a thousand times over!

[cheeky2944]

Yes that happened to me. I started on a physio programme, very low level. Just small movements. Then as I went up the programme started at the gym 1 min on 5 pieces of equipment with breaks. Had to have support to start the weights. Fatigue started to improve. A year later can do 50 mins straight off. Then after 6 weeks of NHS hydrotherapy started to do it in my local pool leading into swimming, one width added, two etc Now I swim 10 lengths 3 x a week, go to the gym 50 mins 4 times, aquafit 2 x and a combination of Tai Chi, Yoga, Pilates. Walk one mile each way to gym 2 x week. A year ago life on settee, couldn't walk far, stand to cook a meal etc. Now I can clean house without even thinking about it, walk 3 miles on flat, climb stairs (11 flights) , do the garden, go shopping , go out for days as long as I stay within my limits. I am enjoying life despite limitations. As I exercise more I can do more. I take no pain killers just a low dose of Gabapentin. It was hard and still is I have to push myself to keep going. The secret is go up in very small steps and take regular breaks. Good luck.

[Newbie17]

I’ve had fibromyalgia for the same amount of time of Five years too.

I find Fatigue is ruining my every day life as it is yours. The only thing I find helps be it a small amount is to just have you time by just laying down in a comfy position for as long as needed.

I haven’t had a day in over a five years where I felt like the old me and pain free.

Should you find a solution to fatigue I would like to hear it.

[Alanna012]

Welcome to my world. I find the fatigue and the pain are always there, but trade places in dominance. When I 'can do more' the pain is dominant. When the pain is less, well then the fatigue takes over 1st place. It's all great fun. But honestly the fatigue is killer. I keep being told Fibro has these periods of remission but I have yet to see them. Hasn't stopped the doctor stopping my pain meds though!.

Can't suggest anything other than try and stay within your limits but graded exercise might work for you. Definitely get a physio referral.

[Roselil]

Please try taking vitamin B.12 which I think could help you. I too suffer with terrible fatigue but get 2 or 3 hours in the afternoon generally now to actually "do" something. I am out of Vitamin B.12 for a while now, so waiting for my husband to purchase some more as I know I so need it. sincerely, Roselil

[soremum]

I have felt in a lot of pain and very tired for around 7 years, gradually getting worse. I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia just over a year ago, I manage to hold down a full time job and have only had a handful of days off over the last 7 years. I find staying active helps with fatigue and pain but when I get home from work I struggle to stay awake and my pain gets worse. I am on 300mg of pregabalin twice a day and co-codamol.

I find if I make plans with family and friends after work I manage to stay awake as long as I’m not sitting for too long helps, I don’t manage cinema or theatre well now as I always fall asleep

On my days off from work I always feel worse.

I think the only answer to pain and tiredness is to keep busy, I also have a vitaminB12 injection every 12 weeks but not everyone will have this deficiency.