How much to push yourself

[Buddyk]

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.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

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.

[Sandy1947 in reply to PMRpro]

Advise from PMRpro helped me since I'm a newbie. I do an activity in the morning, take a rest after lunch, then get up and take a walk. It may be long or short but when I'm tired I stop.

[HeronNS]

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?

[SheffieldJane in reply to HeronNS]

I find that having a lie down helps to avoid the crash too.

[Buddyk]

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.

[Chross]

I feel the crash coming on so I rest as soon as I can, I find it helps!

[Blanksia]

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!