Fatigue exhaustion sob

[sara44]

The prednisone has taken care of my flare up I am symptom free but the exhaustion fatigue and sob are still horrible does this ever resolve I thought if the inflammation was resolved the rest would follow

[SnazzyD]

I’m afraid it isn’t always the case because if the autoimmune activity is still occurring the Pred is just dealing with the inflammation produced by it. So you can get the fatigue that goes with your immune system still in attack mode against it’s own body. Pred can also cause some fatigue as can adrenal insufficiency at lower doses.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Fatigue is a common complaint in autoimmune disease of all sorts. In PMR the pred combats the inflammation and so the symptoms due to the inflammation - but it does nothing to the underlying autoimmune disorder that causes it. It is just like a dripping tap continues to drip even though you mop up the puddle on the floor. The a/i disorder causes your immune system to be unable to identify body tissues as self and it attacks them, just as it would attack an invading virus in a case of flu. That chugs along in the background - making you feel as if you have flu but it goes on and on. The pred just makes the wait for the a/i disorder to burn out and go into remission a bit less uncomfortable. The fatigue - all the different sorts - must be managed by lifestyle changes and pacing. It's a balance - do too much and you will be exhausted.

Read the links here:

healthunlocked.com/pmrgcauk......

[SheffieldJane]

Oh dear! Sorry that you are not feeling great. I found, honestly, when I completely stopped fighting the deathly fatigue and incorporated rest and naps, early nights and low stress into my regime, I did feel miles better. It was when I fought it and made myself complete planned tasks that I felt a bit desperate. You are ill and you do need to look after yourself well. Prednisalone deals with the dangerous inflammation but does nothing for the underlying disease that must run its course.

[Marijo1951 in reply to SheffieldJane]

I agree with this. The deathly fatigue is one thing that the steroids can't help and, indeed, might even add to. The only thing to do is to go with the flow, but be clever and adapt things to suit yourself as far as possible e.g. get used to having a nap at particular times. I do realise that this isn't so simple for people who are still working, especially if their employers are not sympathetic. I'm always so grateful that at least I wasn't struck down until I was retired.

[powerwalk]

Some have he dreaded fatigue more than others I think. For me it has been relentless and the reason I had to finish working. Hopefully it will settle for you as time goes on. Glad the flare has settled for you. Try to rest when you can and not push yourself too far.

[sara44]

yesterday was a exceptional bad day. Flare up from hell but my md still wants to decrease prednisone I have decided I will do this at very slow increments and will change md if necessary I am not in a race at this point in my struggles I have done extensive readings and research on immune disorders and it will resolve when it resolves and pred only helps with the inflammation I have come to know my limits and am getting rest rest rest which is a key to my mental and physical health ❤️

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to sara44]

Any chance of changing doctor? Probably not at this time I suppose!

[Fasttrack]

Hi. I had this fatigue thing for about 2 years after starting pred - and then one day about a month ago, it went and hasn't come back. I assume it is because the GCA has actually gone now, whereas before it was still there? Anyway, I feel a whole lot better than I have done for 2 years, so there may be hope for you too.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Fasttrack]

What dose are you at?

[Fasttrack in reply to PMRpro]

I'm on 5mg one day and 10mg the next, and then back to 5mg the next day etc., if that makes sense!

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Fasttrack]

So effectively 7.5mg. How does your body cope with such wild swings in dose? Most people would find that really hard.

[Fasttrack]

Hi. Honestly, I notice no difference in the doses. I do take them last thing at night before going to bed - don't know if that helps.