Update on exhaustion

[Deniseelk]

I wrote a few weeks ago about my tiredness and after comprehensive bloods carried out by my Rheumatoid nurse it only showed slightly low levels of Vit D 53 ( range 75 - 200). However, exhaustion has improved and back to my “new” RA norm! There was no obvious sign of any virus so still unsure of the cause of the exhaustion. I have now seen my GP and explained it is easy for me to blame all ailments on RA so wish to see what the cause may be as when the exhaustion hits I just can’t operate ( this last bout lasted longest ever, around 2 months in total but started mildly ( feeling off / worse) but extreme tiredness for last 4 days then like a switch woke much better), have been sleeping well throughout all this which seems to contradict my body’s reaction! I wanted my GP visit to be as helpful to me as possible so used my RA log of ailments / dates / procedures / meds changes etc to write a list of ailments I have been experiencing for some time to see if she could see a pattern to what it may be. I felt so good to finally tell somebody all my “ niggles”... everything! She has decided to see if the Menopause is the cause ( due to the tiredness coming and going) and have bloods booked in for the New Year with a follow up GP appointment to discuss. She did warn me that as it’s looking at hormone levels it may not show anything off as hormones change in a cycle! We covered the Vit D and I am going to take a supplement ( over counter) but she’s willing to retest at some point and if that does nothing she will prescribe a loading dose.... I believe as my levels are not that low the NICE guidelines mean I am not in the category for her the prescribe??? In the meantime I have been feeling fine ( my “ new” RA normal I call it) , trying to exercise where I can and been very busy organising a family Xmas and still doing ok! GP was so great though to say RA tough enough to cope with but if menopausal on top it can hit me really hard with the tiredness and not to compare with others ( I questioned why friends are no where near as tired as me). So, no results yet but just thought it may help somebody else if they are feeling the same. I guess my message is that it felt so good to finally be honest with myself and tell the GP ALL my health issues... it’s on my notes now and if it shows / detects another issue I will finally find out! A Happy Christmas to all!

[helixhelix]

Yup, RA and menopause is a marriage made in hell! I ended up going on HRT as I just couldn't cope.

Hope the vit D helps tho.

[Deniseelk in reply to helixhelix]

That’s encouraging to know... she did mention HRT or another drug (?) that typically was known to be for depression but they have found it works for hormone imbalance. I have time to research options as have always been one not to touch meds.... but that all changed when RA came along!!! Merry Christmas to you!

[oldtimer]

I know what you mean about it being like a switch - one day I can feel totally exhausted and the next day full of enthusiasm to do things (and have to be careful not to do it all!).

I have never been able to identify what the switch is as it doesn't seem to be always associated with a flare - although usually it comes just before one, sometimes it arrives and goes without a flare.

I do notice that it can come after I have done too much, but that might be expected! Despite that I don't learn...

[Shalf]

I got my RA diagnosis during menopause and even considered it may have been a contributory factor. It was total hell on earth! I am still on HRT. Fatigue is still a problem. Happy Christmas. Xx