Rheumatoid arthritis and Fatigue

[Bubbette]

Hi, I'm new here. I've had Episodic Rheumatoid Arthritis for years. I'm taking methotrexate injection and sulfasalazine. I would like to hear if other people suffer with fatigue as much as I do. My Doctor says it is all part of the RA. The methotrexate injection slows down the immune system and the metabolism which is why I'm so tired.

[rab1874]

It’s a lot to take in and until you get on the right treatment for you then it can be a bit daunting but you will get there and things will settle down there’s hundreds off drugs out there but everybody’s different and that’s why it takes time and patience, the fatigue is a big part off the disease so don’t fight it just rest up when you have to and pace yourself xxx

[Mmrr]

Fatigue and brainfog are my two biggest issues, followed by joints and everything else. MTX really helped the brainfog, but couldn't tolerate the side effects.

[Hidden]

Fatigue and brain fog control my life had a brief reprieve when I first started methotrexate but since Christmas life has passed by in a blur. Still waiting an appointment with consultant I keep chasing them and I’m on the cancellation list have been since Easter. Have been told by GP as my bloods are good it can’t be RA.ha what does he know .

[charisma]

Fatigue is the worst part of being treated for RA but untreated RA is far more disabling and deforming too, long term. Not fun! Welcome to the site, Bubbette

[helixhelix]

When I was first diagnosed I had dreadful fatigue. However now I am well controlled on drugs it's not too bad. For me it's the inflammation that seems to make me fatigued. The MTX makes me tired the day after, but it’s a normal sort of tired not the disabling fatigue I had at first. Although it sounds weird, exercise helps. I have a gym class on Mondays and when I arrive I could just lay down on the mat and sleep, but by the end I’m quite lively.

[Hidden]

Hi Bubbette, your doctors correct, fatigue can be a large part of your RA, I can never fight my fatigue no matter where I am. Just listen to your body is the best advise I can give you. Take care 🤗 X

[Bubbette in reply to Hidden]

Thanks. Listening to your body and pacing yourself is the best advice.

[Pawz4me]

Fatigue is my most bothersome symptom. I have a very high tolerance for pain, so I can deal with the joint aches (for the most part). But apparently I have a very low tolerance for fatigue and brain fog.

[Tile]

Hi Bubb: 30 years ago I tested RF positive 1:80 1:101 and 1:60. Recently RF low positive at 18 with range <14. I had no clinical signs of RA but had issues with pain mostly feet and hands. Most rheumatoligists and GPs rxd new anti arthritic meds many that were recalled for adverse reactions. One highly regarded rheumatologist rx a sulfa drug that didn't work and made me nauseous. So lastly he rxd an opioid that really helped with the horrible daily pain issues especially before (PMS) and during menses but I also needed to take NSAIDS before (PMS) and during monthly menses. If NSAIDS didn't cause bleeding issues and other serious health issues I would take them daily. Also, 10 years ago I had 2 kenolog injections for trigger finger, extremely painful fingers (before and after a fall injury) . The injections were magical lasted many years until now.

But I always had unrelenting fatigue that only rxd Adderall can relieve. Without Adderall I wouldn't function too well no matter how many different supplements I take for " energy" " mitrochondria" and vitamin/ mineral replenishing, etc. Unfortunately I also have hypothyroidism (Hashimotos) which at first came with REALLY HIGH TPO antibodies (1000s) and high Tg antibodies. My TSH was 65. But for over 10 years the thyroid abs have lowered to normal range without going dairy/gluten free. But I still have fatigue issues if I don't take Adderall...it is a God send for my fatigue and I keep my dosage at a low steady dose. Of note, decades ago I had to have 3 units of blood transfused because my GYN failed to diagnose my early ectopic pregnancy when I went for my first exam with all the extremely sharp one sided groin pains. There weren't any sonograms back then but I had ALL the symptoms. Recently I read how REALLY dangerous.and life alternating transfusions are and not just for undetected viral infections etc. But because foreign blood may match your blood type BUT it wreaks havoc throughout your body and usually results in autoimmune issues: my positive RF and Hashismotos both found a few years AFTER the transfusions.

I recently read that just having a positive RF without abnormal CCP and other inflammatory markers can cause serious pain in the joints. My rheumatologist 3 decades ago mentioned this to me. Glad they finally did some studies to show a positive RF w/out the disease can still present as serious joint pain due to the antibodies entering the joints. Just wondering if you and anyone reading this have suffered joint aches while ONLY having RF but not yet the inflammatory markers/disease. And was fatigue a serious issue at that time?

[RobieC in reply to Tile]

I cannot say I have positive RF, because I don’t; I’m sero-negative; however my inflammatory markers are normally quite high. My last CRP was over 30. I can tell you that like you, my fatigue is unrelenting; it has been since before being diagnosed😕. I do try to exercise, however I’ve not experienced the energy boosting effects people swear I will 😟. I keep plugging along though!

[Tile in reply to RobieC]

Have you ever considered Adderall it's meant for people with fatigue too. It's probably the only medication out there that can help somewhat to fight fatigue. Narcoleptics use it and narcolepsy has been found to be an autoimmune disease. Actually in many people was brought on by the 2009 H1N1 Swine flu vaccine AND in some the H1N1 Swine flu.

[Chelle101]

I'm really struggling at the moment with fatigue, I've recently been diagnosed with ra, & in the past fibro & multiple food intolerances & right now I have no idea which one is causing me to feel so exhausted all of the time. I wish drs would supply more information or help around health conditions, it didn't even occur to me that I could be feeling so low because of RA!