Chronic tiredness

[Magnolia37]

Just wanted to ask, I was diagnosed with RA last summer. Other than the pain, the thing I struggle with most is the chronic tiredness, is this normal, is this something that is just part of having RA?

[Doughnut61]

I have this too😔 it is definatley part of RA 😞 some days are worse than others 😳

[Hidden]

Sad to say yes, though meds don't help. Diagnosed same time as you, it has improved since first 4 months when sleeping 12 hours and still exhausted, but compared to before disease? No, sorry: i think good days are probably when i've managed to pace myself but feel like I've done nothing 😄

[Mmrr]

Unfortunately yes, fatigue is a big problem for many if us. Pacing yourself does help.

[helixhelix]

Yes. It can get better tho' once disease fully controlled and you have got used to the drugs. I have to be a bit careful, and if I don't get at least 8 hours sleep I'm useless, but generally am ok. As well as sleep, exercise and a good diet all help too. I think it took well over a year from diagnosis to get any energy back.

[Hidden in reply to helixhelix]

Hi Double H - I know what you mean about the sleep - I have actually settled out to 10 - 12 hours a night =( Once I get that much sleep and take my meds, then I have the other 12 hours to get quite a bit done, but of course, as always, if I don't pace, the next 2 - 3 days are useless. But at least for me it feels like I have a semblance of my old life back if I am careful.

[sylvi]

I always look and feel tired,but i find the fatigue and sheer exhaustion the hardest to take though. Hugs.xxxxx

[Ruth12345]

Yes. I agree with all the above. One of the most challenging things to deal with. Im still trying. All the best.

[Gnarli]

Unfortunately, yes. That crushing fatigue is part of RA and just adds yet another layer of misery to an already nasty and widely misunderstood disease. Once the meds start working and you learn to take life gently - no racing around doing everything all at once - things will improve. NRAS have a vast range of literature giving valuable information and if you contact their helpline you could talk to someone else with RA. Who would know better what it's like to live with it? Wishing you well

J

[stbernhard]

You only have a limited energy store and there may be a certain amount of it that is used to fight RA all the time, so that's not available to you for other things. It will take some time, but the fatigue, which is what I assume you're dealing with, will become less and less. I was diagnosed in 2009 and within a year or so fatigue was no longer a major issue. I hope that you'll be over the worst soon. Stay hopeful. All the best.

[munchkin]

I have had Ra for about 14 years I still struggle with fatigue occasionally, especially when I am more stressed than normal. Although I think I have learnt to manage it better now.

[Graceusha1]

have just been diagnosed recently but I can tell you that I also struggle with the fatigue. Yesterday it seemed like every step I took I had a lead weight on my feet. I know what you're going through. Can't offer solution other than be kind to yourself. Rest when you need to. All the best, Usha

[Beviejon1]

I have always said the fatigue is worse than the pain.

[Magnolia37]

Goodness, thank you so much for the responses, I don’t feel quite so alone reading the notes above.

I will try and pace myself, and Karena totally agree, the first few months were seriously tough.

Still feel pretty useless where I don’t feel I’m doing 100% at work, don’t feel I’m doing 100% with my children and now I’ve had to ask my 84 year old mother to step in and help me. Touch wood she is fit as a fiddle and has twice as much energy as me. Anyway, thank you again for being a group out there who understands how I feel. Xxxx

[dbestdeb]

I agree that the fatigue is worse than the pain and my rheumatologist said it is the thing they struggle the hardest to treat. There are no prescription drugs they can offer for it. The Enbrel that I am on has offered the first bit of relief from it. It’s not gone, but it’s some better.

[Hidden]

Sorry sweetie - Totally part of the disease. the fatigue is overwhelming at times, and I would recommend you sleep and relax as much as you can..

[Neannie]

I know it sounds awful but I'm really glad to read that its not just me who feels so tired all the time, some days it feels like I'm wading through treacle!

I hope everyone is okay and having more good than bad days x

[popsmith1874]

I think it's a big part of having RA, today I never got up until lunch time as I was so tired and was in bed at 10 o'clock last night but am having a lot of fatigue at the moment xxx

[Nettac]

Oh yes...hate the tiredness! I really have to push myself to do things. I rarely do anything after 7pm as I'm too knackered by then!