Fatigue Overdrive

[Cecethat]

Lately, my fatigue has become scary. It is a struggle, which is expected with APS. But, mine is horrible. It has been awhile since it has been this bad. Can you give me suggestions on how to combat the fatigue?

[lupus-support1 Administrator]

I would go to your doctor to be evaluated and a blood test will be ordered.

[Cecethat in reply to lupus-support1]

Definitely. I see my hematologist soon.

[lupus-support1 Administrator in reply to Cecethat]

The rash may be gone! It usually does by the time you get to see a specialist! Go see your GP/Primary Care Physician so he can write a report for the haematologist.

[Momba49]

i had similar experience went to my MD , he said sounded like a “flare up” and put me on medrol dose pack. I am only on day 2 of the course so I can not yet tell if its helping. I also have Sjogren’s. ( he thought may be flare up from this as really bad joint pain). Hope you feel better.

[Cecethat in reply to Momba49]

I looked up Sjogren's. Maybe I should get tested for it.

[GinaD]

You need to find the root cause. I know this sounds unhelpful, but really..... fatigue can only be treated by finding out the cause. Usually, if not always, fatigue is from an autoimmune flair. Make sure you are consulting with a doctor knowledgable in the spectrum of autoimmune presentations. And I can tell you from personal experience; autoimmune generated fatigue can have its cause in an unknown food allergy. Most clues can be revealed in blood tests. I thought that my fatigue issues were gone after I went on a permanant gluten free diet. But, after I thought life can't get better, a blood test indicated that I was also allergic to some high histamine food. So I was advised to go on a restricted diet protocol and .... low and behold ... I am overly sensitive to cashews! Cashews! Who'da thought? ( Except for the doctor and dietician I was consulting.) And after nixing cashews from my diet my energy level my energy level rose again, so that at age 68 I have more energy then at age 38!

[Cecethat in reply to GinaD]

Wow. That is neat. You never know what you are allergic to. I have APS, Fibromyalgia, Raynaud's, OA, & Neuropathy. They definitely give me fatigue. This time, though, was downright scary. I definitely need to see my specialist. I have an appointment with all of them.

[nmousdic]

My wife's cause was that she had early and mild non alcoholic fatty liver. She went on a low carb diet lost 40 pounds and felt much better.

[Cecethat in reply to nmousdic]

That is amazing! I have an enlarged liver due to being an alcoholic for over 22 years. I do notice that certain foods help with the fatigue.

[WendyWoo50]

In addition to keeping notes I also keep a photo diary. So whenever I have anything unusual eg bruises, rash, bruising etc I take a photo on my phone and show my consultant as she obviously isn’t there when the symptom is bothering me. So if the rash may be gone before u see ur consultant, have some good photos to show her. X

Wish me luck - I’m off to see my consultant tomorrow late morning. X

[MaryF Administrator]

Hi, best to see GP or consultant, a lot with Hughes Syndrome/APS also have Thyroid and also B12 issues and Sjogrens, and best to get tested to check your levels of Thyroid hormone, (although NHS test not very reliable), bought my own private tests. Also the GP could look at your vitamin D, Folate and Ferritin, any of this not being quite right will make you feel a lot more tired, I know it did for myself. MaryF

[Cecethat in reply to MaryF]

My vitamin levels are great. But, I do have many health issues that cause fatigue. It is beyond exhausting.

[MaryF Administrator in reply to Cecethat]

Yes I have a big mix, I am also gluten free, which helped me an awful lot. MaryF

[Cecethat in reply to MaryF]

Oh neat. I am not familiar with what gluten free means. But I would love to know more about it.

[Gregstock]

I also have APS. Diagnosed in 2015 as the cause of the stroke. Taking warfarin 10 mg every day. INR is in range at 2.8. I also have the same symptoms as you mentioned. I’m tired all the time. Most recently the flair is lasting longer than it usually does. Memory is also not good. Some people have written that hydroxy Cloriqin helps them I have not tried it but I’m about ready to ask my doctor to prescribe it Good luck to you

[Cecethat in reply to Gregstock]

Yes! My memory is horrible. It makes me sad.

[Gregstock]

yes I understand how you feel.