Fatigue w/pain

[SecretlyDisabled7]

I have been with chronic pain for so long. Also fatigue. I do well enough at home when I can stop and rest. However, I have joined others on a journey to another country and I am sleeping through most of it. Last night I fell asleep in a small performance and it was obvious to even the performers. It is embarrassing. Does anyone know how to help with fatigue? It is so overwhelming and nothing I can do to help it.

Thanks.

[lupus-support1 Administrator]

Welcome to LUpus Patients Understanding & Support (LUPUS) at HealthUnlocked!

Fatigue is the most debilitating of symptoms & closely related to chronic pain. While Plaquenil (hydroxychloroquine), is a central drug in the treatment of SLE, it also has some benefits in relation to fatigue ie it can help. However, there isn't a medication that can eliminate fatigue.

If I have understood you, you have recently moved to another country? This is both emotional & physically exhausting. It means having to adjust & your body is saying that it is too much & you need to rest.

Another aspect is the emotional. If you have left your country of origin, even though this is a new & exciting adventure, your body needs to adjust. Packing, unpacking, acclimatising to your new surroundings, takes a toll on your body: listen to it. If you ignore what your body is trying to tell you, you will not only feel more exhausted, but can lead to a flare. I assume you have sorted out a new GP and rheumatologist to treat SLE?

You will have a long list of "to-dos"! You must pace yourself. Moving away from your family and friends, familiar places takes an emotional toll as well. You may miss many people! You must learn to pace yourself and if people don't understand, that is not your problem. Many people don't understand SLE. Some may tell you how "well" you look because they cannot bear to know about illness! They may even insist that if you force yourself, you will benefit! You won't. Firmly explain SLE: a genetic cousin to MS, rheumatoid arthritis & Type 1 diabetes & that means not being able to do what you want to do, when you want to do it! If they don't understand, this is their loss. Some people cannot cope with illness!

You must listen to your body! Many people need an afternoon rest for a couple of hours. Others, get up later to try to eliminate an afternoon rest.

Eat a good, nutritious diet, a Mediterranean diet, with salad, vegetables, protein & fruit. Drink lots of water & take your medication! Finally, you need to rest: don't fight against what your body needs. You can also talk to your doctor, but there's isn't a magic formula!

I hope your family understands about SLE & what you need to live a happy & fulfilling life!

We also have another website called the LuPUS Message Board where you can also post questions and talk to other people. Registration is FREE and we offer free information and free online psychological support. We specialise in psychological support with our own counsellor/psychotherapist available.

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I look forward to talking with you more!

Sometimes we need to talk to people who understand and who are not family or friends.

With good wishes!

Ros

Disclaimer: No attempt is made to diagnose or to make any medical judgement. You are advised to seek the advice from your own physician. LUpus Patients Understanding & Support (LUPUS) is not a substitute for your own doctor.

[SecretlyDisabled7 in reply to lupus-support1]

Thank you. I look forward to speaking with you also, and a mutual understanding.

[Cas70]

Can I suggest a small amount of Turmeric daily. It is a natural anti inflammatory and will assist the Hydroxychloroquine you might be on. When waiting for diagnosis I was put on Vit D and B12 - it dud help energy levels - lots and lots of liquid helps too. Best of luck

[SecretlyDisabled7 in reply to Cas70]

Thank you. I have been using large amounts of Turmeric/Circumin and other herbs, etc.

[Bmagrl]

Fatigue and pain has always been one of my most disabling symptoms of SLE. I found that Cymbalta really helped. My rheumy put me on a rx of a low dose of 30 mg and it helped tremendously!

Of course, I also take a pile of other Lupus meds such as Plaquenil, Cellcept, and Benlysta which all help in their own way but the Cymbalta did help!

Thanks!

Teri

[SecretlyDisabled7 in reply to Bmagrl]

Thanks, I will ask my Dr. about it. I already take Effexor and don't know if it is possible to add it.

[SecretlyDisabled7]

Thank you everyone for the help and information. I am trying the Cymbalta and drinking lots more water in this heat wave.

LH