Fatigue. PMR or Covid?: I was diagnosed with PMR on... - PMRGCAuk

PMRGCAuk

21,315 members40,422 posts

Fatigue. PMR or Covid?

Anonnomus profile image
9 Replies

I was diagnosed with PMR on May 6. Immediately went on 20 mg of prednisone and pain disappeared within hours, literally. I did find that I could not exercise like before, tiring quickly, and if I overdid it, I would be tired the next day or two also. Then, along came Covid two weeks ago. Tested negative 6 days ago. But I am now experiencing fatigue. Even after a good night's sleep, I wake up tired, and have little capacity to do much without quickly being fatigued. I jokingly coined a new phrase for my recovery. SOMAR.. Sit on my ass and relax!

I know that fatigue can be a symptom of both PMR and Covid. I guess my question is, has anyone else had this situation? Is there any medical information out there discussing this. I have seen that fatigue is a common issue even after you test negative for Covid, commonly lasting anywhere from 2-3 weeks, sometimes lasting a year.

Any advice/info appreciated.

Written by
Anonnomus profile image
Anonnomus
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Read more about...
9 Replies
DorsetLady profile image
DorsetLadyPMRGCAuk volunteer

Fatigue is an integral part of any autoimmune disease - so maybe have a look of this link, and consider adjusting your exercise regime to accommodate it - it not going anywhere quickly -

healthunlocked.com/pmrgcauk......

Fatigue is also part of covid, but that should improve over time, but not sure anyone can tell you how long it’s likely to last ….so just be patient and continue with your new regime of SOMAX!

PMRpro profile image
PMRproAmbassador

As well as in autoimmune disease in general, post-viral fatigue is very common. Long Covid is the 21st century version of ME, yuppy flu.

Pred is not the whole answer - it relieves the inflammation but the underlying a/i disorder is still active and ongoing. It attacks your body as if it were flu - and it continues as long as the illness lasts which can be years. How long? How long is a piece of string.

Hankb profile image
Hankb

Fatigue sadly is a part of PMR. I was diagnosed with the illness 18 months ago and was put on 20mg pred, I've slowly tapered to 7mg. I also had covid about 3 months ago.I've been suffering from fatigue for the past 12 months which is a life changer for me having been fairly active until the onset of PMR, I wake up in the morning and still feel tired. I'm able to potter around the house and garden and get the odd burst of energy allowing me to do short bicycle rides of 2 to 3 km at most.

The only advice I can offer is to adapt your lifestyle to the circumstances and rest when your body tells you that you need too. I find fatigue for me has been the major side effect of PMR, thankfully prednisone has taken care of the pain and stiffness. Best wishes.

PMRpro profile image
PMRproAmbassador in reply toHankb

Have you thought about an e-bike?

Hankb profile image
Hankb in reply toPMRpro

Not yet but it may be a good option.🙂

Missus835 profile image
Missus835

Well totally yes with the fatigue. I could sleep through the night (which I have) and still have a 2 hour nap in the afternoon. I've managed now to get my walks up to 1 and a bit kilometres, where it used to be 4 or 5. One km is quite the accomplishment and you're doing 3 on your bike. Kudos to you!! Not sure about the Covid aspect of it as I've been blessed not to have contracted it as far as I know. Either way SOMAX is what you need m'friend. One day at a time; 1 mg. at a time. Whatever it takes. Cheers!

Fifegran profile image
Fifegran

I love your new phrase! I also caught covid a couple of weeks ago, now negative, and can without doubt say the fatigue is really bad, before covid I was down to 1.75mg pred and my days were full and busy, 2-3 hour walks almost daily, gardening, I like to keep myself busy. I think my happiest time were the months on 2mg, I was a real busy bee! Now, after covid, I am easily tired, I often need to lie down on the bed for an hour or so, walks are out the question, it’s a thought to try and tackle the daily chores!The doctor said this is not unusual and will get better, it just takes time! All the best for a speedy recovery!

Theziggy profile image
Theziggy in reply toFifegran

Professor Dasgupta often keeps patients on 2mg fir many months healthunlocked.com/pmrgcauk...

HeronNS profile image
HeronNS

Depends also on what your pred dose now is. Personally I didn't experience real fatigue until I was at quite a low dose, the level at which the adrenal glands need to start producing cortisol as the pred is no longer supplying enough. If your pred dose is still above, say, 7 or 8 mg I suspect your current fatigue is more related to the covid. It does take a while to recover fully even after the actual disease is over. Yes, get lots of rest, eat healthy, and as you feel up to it go for some calm walks. No workouts for the time being! Ease back in slowly. All the best.

P.S. My husband had covid in April, and still is not back to his usual (admittedly rather slothful) state. But he does take himself out for a walk nearly every day, although walking much more slowly than he used to. He's nearly 80, so fair enough. He's practising SOMAX I guess. :D

Not what you're looking for?

You may also like...

PMR & Fatigue

Hi all, I've had PMR since last December and been on Pred for about 5 or 6 months now. Started off...
David_H profile image

Covid & PMR

Both my husband and I have just had covid. Hubby has PMR, he is on day 14 day to day but the...
Hollieby profile image

covid related or PMR

I posted on here last week My GP doesn't think it's PMR and more likely to be post covid...
simps999 profile image

COVID and/or vaccine-induced PMR

Hi everyone, I met with my rheumatologist recently and she said some interesting things about what...
sferios profile image

Fatigue prior to PMR

Did anyone experience severe fatigue several years prior to PMR diagnosis? I out of the blue could...
bunnymom profile image

Moderation team

SophieMB profile image
SophieMBPartner

Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.

Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.