Fatigue. PMR or Covid?

[Anonnomus]

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.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk 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 Ambassador]

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]

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 Ambassador in reply to Hankb]

Have you thought about an e-bike?

[Hankb in reply to PMRpro]

Not yet but it may be a good option.🙂

[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]

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 in reply to Fifegran]

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

[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.