reddie

[reddie]

Hi everyone. I m a 69 yr old newbie with seronegative RA diagnosed two years ago. In the last few weeks having fatigue and aching generally all over which is getting me down. Any helpful tips please?

[KittyJ]

Hello and welcome Reddie, I’m sorry you’ve had to join us but hope you find it helpful being here. Have you started treatment?

[reddie in reply to KittyJ]

Hi . Its good to have found people who have found out about Health Unlocked, as I just have and have RA too.

Yes, I was diagnosed seronegative two years ago, and have gradually have had methotrexate upped by the hospital. I will talk about my aching and fatigue at my next review, by telephone unfortunately. Really difficult to plan a day ahead as you don't know how its going to be. Hope you are finding this site helpful too. lovely to see Spring !

[KittyJ in reply to reddie]

Yes fatigue is a difficult thing, you probably know by now that you have to learn to pace yourself and rest when you need to but it’s a hard thing to do and can hit you suddenly. I must admit I still overdo things sometimes then suffer for it but we probably all do that. Are you taking folic acid 6 days a week as well as methotrexate?

[reddie in reply to KittyJ]

Hi. Yes I take folic acid once a week though. Taking it.....very easy today and taking in the Spring flowers in the garden.

[Boxerlady in reply to reddie]

Do you find that your fatigue is constant or worse on the day/days after your Methotrexate?Some people are prescribed up to 6 days a week of Folic Acid (not on Methotrexate day) to help with side effects, one of which can be fatigue - I certainly am fuzzy-headed and have less energy.

[reddie in reply to Boxerlady]

No I don't find that, But I didn't realize that folic acid might help. Always worth mentioning thankyou.

[Hidden]

Hi Reddie and welcome..

I too am s- negative and fatigue is my worst symptom. I too get achy rather than extreme pain . Unfortunately it is a sign of disease activity. Fir me a few weeks is not a flare but a sign my medication isn’t working. Contact your team they need to know so they can help.

[LoneEra in reply to Hidden]

Ditto. My disease has never been controlled and the fatigue is “challenging” (that’s the polite version)! One of my top tips is to practice energy pacing. Basically, not overdoing it on good days, prioritising tasks, and living smarter. It’s always worth getting some blood tests done for anaemia and Vit D deficiency etc as well.

[reddie in reply to LoneEra]

Hi. Yes. challenging is a good way of putting coping with fatigue! Does rather rule your life. My blood is ok so perhaps with aching all over my medication needs changing.

have a good day.

[reddie in reply to Hidden]

I wonder if aching all over and fatigue are sero negative RA traits? Thankyou. I will talk about it at my review which is very soon.

[Deeb1764]

I am sero positive and 2 years diagnosed and having lots of issues with body accepting the drugs. However fatigue is my biggest issue daily. Learning to rest but at this rate always be resting so I try to give myself one activity a day on the super bad days so I feel life not passing me by and on ok days up it a little.There is a thing called the spoon theory which helps when first trying to sort your energy vs activities needing to be done and this includes dressing and driving. Helps some.

[reddie in reply to Deeb1764]

I know exactly what you mean. That's how I am at the moment

[stbernhard]

Hello Reddie, the NRAS website is a very good source of information as well. It has many tools on self management and dealing with fatigue and pain. There's also an app called "MyArthritis" by Ampersand which was developed with the NHS and NRAS. It's an excellent tool to record your symptoms and has several very helpful self management courses. Just a few minutes a day, well spent. My top tip for dealing with fatigue is, rest whenever you can and use acceptance methods to overcome the stress it may cause you. Good luck.

[reddie in reply to stbernhard]

Thank you for your info. I ll look into this app. and any thing else I can find on the NRAS website. Wishing you all the best too.

[Hidden]

Morning. Fatigue for me is the killer. You just need to rewire your brain so that you split tasks into small chunks and do a bit, rest, do a bit, rest etc etc. it’s incredibly frustrating. Don’t get cross with yourself. All you can do is go with it and rest when you need to... sofa, films, chocolate... you may as well turn it into a positive x

[reddie in reply to Hidden]

Hi. Sorry to hear your fatigue is really bad. Yes, need to be a more leisurely lady...… and take pain killers for the aching. Have decided to take it up with rheumatology though just to see if my medication needs adjusting, Chocolate and films are excellent pastimes!! We ll enjoy them together without feeling guilty! Take care x