My name is Liz...I have a complex set of health issues. In December 2014 I had a bad fall and broke my knee on my right leg... was left with a disability that has impacted my mobility...I walk with a cane and I use a scooter depending on how I feel. In May 2015 I was diagnosed with breast cancer with lymph node involvement... had a lumpectomy, lymph node clearance, chemo followed by radiotherapy... my recovery from my previous injury was also impeded I believe. I was left with all over joint pain and fatigue following the cancer treatment... was eventually diagnosed with sero negative Rheumatoid arthritis in early 2017... while the more debilitating effects of RA have eased I have ongoing problems still with pain and fatigue. Just recently I was prescribed Arava for RA to see if we could get my pain and fatigue under control... have been on Arava for just on two weeks and I'm experiencing debilitating fatigue... head anyone else experienced this?
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lizmey62
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thanks sylvi 😊 I had a bone scan recently and it showed major deterioration in all of my joints...the Rheumatologist said its not RA related..its osteo...he also said lots of the things I desribe make him think there's another issue going on...interestingly fibro came into the conversation...
Arava (lefludamide) does'nt work for at least 12 weeks so its far to early to expect to see any changes. don't forget we do get other illlnesses so might be worth a visit to GP to get a blood test for other conditions. You do have had a lot of problems but hopefully the LEF will help you as it does me. x
Fatigue is one of the things that lots of us get and is neglected because no-one knows what to do about it. It is often associated with the level of inflammation and improves with its control.
But pacing yourself, building up your exercise, and having a healthy diet all help. Looking at other stress factors can help too.
And you need to ensure you don't have anything else going on like low thyroid level, so discuss it with your GP too.
You broken kneecap must have been excruciating !! Luckily I have never experienced that, but I do have a big problem with overwhelming fatigue which drives me to drink ( not literally). I find I just have to go with the flow and pace myself, not very good for a social life though. I too had breast cancer almost two years ago when it was discovered that I had 2 small lumps of one type of cancer and another 2 lumps of a different type. I had a mastectomy, but my lymph nodes were not affected, thankfully. So, didn’t have to go through chemotherapy or radiotherapy.
Unfortunately my RA is not under control at the moment, this is partly because I moved from England to Wales 2 years ago and was on Enbrel at the time which suited me well, but it was stopped when my cancer was discovered. Since then I have been on Methotrexate 20ml injections once a week and is not working for me. I have not heard of Arava. But hoping that my medication will be changed when I see the Rheumatology Doctor this coming week.
Take care, and I hope things improve for you. Lots of hugs heading your way. xx
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Hello!
Yikes
Symptoms of VERY early stage RA pre: official diagnosis?
