Is this common? fatigue and joint pain / cold hands and feet

[Keepfighting_]

On my 3rd month of treatment for active TB, currently on Rifampin, isoniazid, and b6. Looking at 6 months of treatment, maybe 9. I feel fatigued all the time, even with good sleep, exercise, drinking lots of water, eating whole foods and probiotics— like this general feeling of unwell and tiredness. Is this normal? I talked to my nurse and they said some people experience fatigue and others don’t, since we all acclimate to the meds differently. I would like to know if others have experienced this strong fatigue? My joints also started giving sensations / tingling and some pain this week so they’re changing my b6 from 25mg to 50mg. Im worried it’s something else that’s causing this or hoping it’s just the meds.

I am also taking these supplements : turmeric, vitamin D3, k2, a, c, e and magnesium (at night). I am adding b12 today to see if it would help with the fatigue.

[Glosboss]

I'm not a doctor but it might be worth seeing if you can have a blood test for liver function just in case you are reacting to one of the drugs.

[Keepfighting_ in reply to Glosboss]

Hi- we’ve done blood tests and liver function is good. I’m not nauseous/ no stomach pains so they don’t think it’s that. I’m adding b12 and they’re upping my b6 so hopefully that helps. I sometimes overthink and worry it’s something else but I’m fighting that and keeping a positive mind.

[Glosboss in reply to Keepfighting_]

TB treatment requires strong ABs but they are worth persevering with. You have come a long way - keep pushing on and you will get there.

[Keepfighting_ in reply to Glosboss]

Thank you for the encouragement and taking the time to respond! Yes I will keep on pushing. I mentioned the fatigue and cold feet two days ago to my nurse and they said they’ll increase b6. Thanks again for the support!

[HelenC Partner TB Alert]

Hi Keepfighting_

these side effects all sound quite typical of TB treatment. I am glad you are speaking to your nurse about them as they should be able to give advice on managing them - which may include other medication that will help. It is important that you also tell them about the supplements you are taking, if you haven't already. TB medications can interact with supplements and actually cause more side effects - so do take care.

With luck, you are already halfway through your treatment - so hang in there.

Best wishes,

Helen