why do we have to feel upset and tired all the time? - NRAS
why do we have to feel upset and tired all the time?
Hi, I don't think anyone really knows the answer to that...
I imagine it's probably a combination of things. Constantly battling pain causes fatigue, constantly using energy keep warm causes fatigue. Then we have chemical imbalance and the medications all come with drowsiness as a side effect.
It's no wonder we get depressed and cry at times, we may look fine on the outside but the reality is we are dying inside and just wanting a break from the constant cycle of stiffness, fatigue, pain and medications.
Sorry if this sounds so depressing I've had a bad day myself today.
Take care
Beth xx
i feel exactly the same 
totally fed up with it all....don't suppose this grey weather helps either....!!
x
It's part of having RA I am afraid. The Tiredness follows the disease not to mention the drugs we have to take. There are some days when it is an effort to drag yourself out of bed and you feel very weepy as well but don't know why.
All I can suggest, is get as much rest as you can - Rome wasn't built in a day so don't think you have to rush around getting everything done as quickly as possible. (I need talk - I am one of the worst offenders for that and then suffer for it the next day or so!). Sit down and put your feet up whenever you have half an hour to yourself, with a cup of tea. Try to get to bed at a reasonable hour (I try not to go later than 10.30 ). The quality of sleep is also affected by pain and discomfort as well. Try taking a pain killer before you go to bed as that might help give you a better night.
I have cakes in the oven as have some VIP visitors this afternoon so have been trying to get everything done ready for their arrival and only succeeded in giving myself a pain in the chest and a headache! Although cleaner has come in an extra day to "do" for me so one less chore to worry about.
Above all, don't be afraid to tell loved ones how you are feeling. You need their support and help when you are low and tired.
Best wishes. LavendarLady x
I always feel guilty for mentioning my problems with RA to friends and family. Other people have difficulties and you cannot always see the RA and how it is affecting you.
I feel as if I am constantly moaning to everyone.
It may sound mean but It is comforting to know that other sufferers don't always cope with a bright smile.
I know what you mean, I feel like I'm ready to take away in a straight jacket today, cried myself to sleep (for about 2 hours sleep!) cried at work cos I made a bungle on the off duty and couldn't see how to put it right (the boss sorted it), and then went to the RA nurse, my body is reacting to the steroids I'm on, so I'm coming off them over next 2 weeks!! she says there are plenty of other things to try!! And I got very gently told I should have come and seen her sooner instead of struggling on!! Derrr I feel knackered and stupid !! But cest la vie, won't do it again in a hurry. Take care xx
thank you everyone for yr replies, i ave worked at my job for nearly 20 years now and i feel so insecure there now i feel like i'm not capable of doing my job anymore, i am stubborn and dont like to tell them how i feel but i have got to the point that i am so tired and emotional that i dont want to go to work anymore, sorry for the rant xxx
hi,
i gave up work lastyear after battling with EVRYTHING ! I felt as you do now and just knew that i couldnt carry on as i was.
i am better since giving up - i do miss my job as a teaching asst but felt enough was enough of bravely carrying on.
give up now and you will benefit from it - believe me xxxxxx
Im having a rough time at the moment too, having a cold doesn't help the situation. I have no interest in my work anymore, have no one to talk about the condition with, so keep everything bottled up and then it all comes out usually when i am on my own. I too can't give up work I would love to as it may help me get my head straight but living on my own its not possible. I'm hoping that a change of job will help me out but its not that easy to change jobs at the present.
As Michael Jackson once said ' You are not alone, I am here with you....'
I have had a bad day too, having had a pretty good day yesterday - I am having a terrible time at work, and with family - and I cry so much - I feel miserable, try to have a joke and carry on as normal, but realise that I have RA and am anything but normal!
Anyway - We are in this together, can support eachother - through the highs and lows and one day we might be able to have a goggle or two! I am here if you want to chat!!!
Take care
Pen 
RAF so much more than just aching joints, and it took me a long time to get my head around this. Rest and relaxation really help my, and my mental state is much improved if I get loads of sleep. Maybe you need to speak to your HR manager at work about how you're feeling, and see if rather than giving up words you could now be reduced to shorter hours or part-time. Thankfully I've always been blessed with great employers, and one I used to get overwhelmed with the fatigue animation and simply go home for an hour have a nap and then go back to work. I know that this is an unusually generous for employees but it's got to be worth an ask.you should also be entitled to some benefit, it might be worth checking with your welfare rights service to see what you could be entitled to and weighing up the pros and cons.
My other top tip would be that if you're claiming disability living allowance (which you should be) use this for something productive that can really help make a difference with your condition. I used mine to pay for a cleaner once a fortnight, and after-school club for my children one night a week. It's been the best thing I've ever done.
Thinking of you
I developed ra when at the top of my much loved job. After struggling for 3 years I had to stop. The fatigue was terrible and driving home especially in the winter, was the final straw.How I never crashed the car I don't know! Eventually all I could do was work and sleep! The strain on my marriage was mounting and in the end I took early retirement. The joy of not being under such pressure and being able to plan the day according to how I was feeling was lovely although financially it wasn't easy but I didn't have dependant children by then. Constant stress only makes this (ra) worse as you all know only to well I'm sure and the long term affects can't be underestimated. Trying to manage the condition is essential and also to see if you are a candidate for the most recent treatments ie. anti-tnf etc. and fight your corner for the best treatment options especially if you are younger.This can be so hard to do if you are worn out with just coping day to day with work and running a home so it becomes a viscious circle. Best wishes to us all!
Charlie x
Feels like flu all the time. 
Feeling upset and angry 
Does anyone have fibromyalgia with their RA? I have been so tired I just sleep almost all day.
If blood results so good-why do I feel so bad? 
