I've had GCA for 16 months....took prednisone and progressed to only actemra infusions once a month. My main problem has been extreme fatigue. I have been feeling better the last 2 weeks. I am fairly strong until middle of afternoon then begin to feel fatigued again. My question is ...if I push myself to walk longer each day ....will that be helpful or harmful? I was very active and am so anxious to get my strength back again.
How much to push yourself: I've had GCA for 1... - PMRGCAuk
How much to push yourself
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The fatigue is part of the autoimmune disorder and pacing and resting appropriately are the only real answers. However - extreme fatigue is also listed as a side effect of Actemra, incidence unknown, so even if the Actemra is keeping the autoimmune disorder under control - it can lead to fatigue as well.
Whether walking through the fatigue would help is difficult to say - it might just leave you flat out. But the increase must be slow.
Heron's idea of a mid-day rest is a very good one by the way.
Knowing this is your pattern, have you tried a real rest sometime before it happens, say post lunch, to see if that's enough to perk you up to at least get you through to mid evening?
Thanks for the suggestions....both similar ...need to take time out for a rest. Certainly will be trying that ...see if it gets me thro the evening better. I think taking that rest before I actually crash may be a good preventative too.
I feel the crash coming on so I rest as soon as I can, I find it helps!
Buddyk, I found pushing myself only backfires...often for a few days. My doctor urged me to rest. I do only what feels OK. When judging that fine line, a walk along soft sand feels like walking on my knees...& cripples me for at least 2 days. Hard when the young dog deserves to be walked!