Heavy arms

[Sewandstitch]

I am trying my best to up the levels of my exercise in this time of Covid and home working, bearing in mind my energy and platelet levels. I’m noticing that the day after doing a bit more than usual - and I’m only talking about a bit more walking, I’ve been waking up feeling I’ve got very heavy arms. I’m writing this message on my phone while in bed and just holding my arms in that folded position feels quite exhausting. Does anyone else get that heavy arm feeling? I guess it’s a general tiredness too, but the arm situation seems odd considering it’s gentle walking I’m doing!

(I would just mention I do sleep well and only using phone in the few minutes before I get up)

[Anthonyh7]

I haven't experienced heavy arms myself but I do get aches and pains in my joints & muscles. I think that much of this comes from using Prednisolone 7 times on and off over my 14 years of ITP.

One thing that I do find helps me with general fatigue/tiredness is to make sure I drink plenty of water. The suggested daily intake of water for men is about 2 litres and for a woman 1.5 litres and I am sure that most of us don't get anywhere near that level consistently.

Your issue could, of course be a reaction to any medication that you are on if any, so do have a look at that and discus any issues with your specialist. It is surprising how many side effects that some of the treatments for ITP have.

A useful link to an interesting g article on food/nutrition and general health/fatigue/tiredness is available at .... pdsa.org/diet-lifestyle.html

Hope this is useful but if the issue persists do get checked out.

Best wishes

Anthony

[Sewandstitch in reply to Anthonyh7]

Thank you so much for this. Very helpful. As the day has wore on I’m realising it is a general fatigue and legs ache too. I’m 8 months in on my ITP journey and realising I can feel different day to day so listening and responding to my body best I can

[Anthonyh7 in reply to Sewandstitch]

No problem, I am nearly 14 years into this ITP journey and I still learn something new about it everyday.

Are you taking any medication ? Side effects are many and varied but they impact on us all so differently .

During my time with ITP have had Prednisolone 7 times , Azathioprine once, Rituximab twice & my current treatment is Mychophenolate Mofetil which has worked pretty well for me for the last 4 years and 5 months.

If you want to check out my ITP blog, please feel free to have a look at the following link...

myownpurplepatch.simplesite...

Best wishes and good luck

Anthony

[Kerryc]

Hi, it’s funny but I also get general fatigue but after exercise it is extreme, so much so that I had my hair cut really short over time as I could no longer hold my arms above my head to blow dry my hair. My arms were just too heavy and fatigued to do anything after exercise. I can definitely relate.