Chronic fatigue

c4thyg

I've only recently joined the forum and already had a good moan, sorry. :oops: I've been reading through lots of threads and many of you mention overwhelming fatigue and over the top tiredness. I'm wondering if this is part of immune arthritis?

I'm a little vague because I have other conditions as well so any of them could be causing the chronic fatigue. In fact I suspect that they all contribute. It's only recently that my Drs have admitted that I have chronic fatigue which surprised me. It seems that it's a lot more common than I was lead to believe.

To those of you who have chronic fatigue as a symptom, does it get any better when you manage the arthritis? I've so far not got it under control and the thought of living out all my days like this is not exactly appealing. I'd love to hear other people's opinions because I'm baffled by this.

scattered

It's part and parcel of any inflammatory arthritic condition, and is often more disabling than the arthritis itself. As you begin to get your arthritis under control it should become easier to control the fatigue.

It is important that you learn your new limits. Over-doing things will make you feel worse. By pacing yourself you will be able to do everything you were able to do before, just a little slower.

woodbon

Hello, Thats very good advice from the last person, you do need to learn your limits. Its not easy and we all, at times, have very little choice than to carry on, then you have to make sure you leave rest time for the next day and execpt that you'll probibly feel very tired.
Love Sue

yesmeducky

Hello,
As Scattered has said it is part and parcel of the arthritis. However, once the arthur is better controlled, you should see an improvement with the fatigue in time. I was so fatigued that i couldn't do anything, that was 4 months ago and although i'm not doing cartwheels, the difference is astonishing. Pacing yourself is one of the most important things you can do to help yourself with fatigue/tiredness. I tried to fight through it but that just kept setting me back, now i 'behave' myself! Hope you feel better soon.
Take care,
Heidi x

c4thyg

It's encouraging to know that there's hope. The fatigue is certainly the worst part for me. I've just had a quick nap now while my daughter is napping!! I was saying on another thread that I dread her out growing her naps because I need the time to rest. I had no idea I had chronic fatigue for ages. I thought that this was how every parent felt!! I couldn't understand how anyone would have 2 or more!!

joyful164

Hello c4thyg
and everyone

I think that, at least for this week, I have my arthritis under control.
Like you c4thyg, I have several arthritic conditions and, as my gp told me yesterday, I am a somewhat complex lady.

After visiting the pain clinic several weeks ago, when I came away feeling very negative, I put my brain into gear and started to think positive. I just didn't like the idea of taking anti depressants. I have too much going on in my life to be made a zombi with these. I now use my TEN's machine and a few Natural Health products.
At first, I didn't think it would work, but after a bit of practice (and someone's advice "Just hang on in there") I honestly think it is helping. I am finding that I need less painkillers, which in turn add to tiredness.

You have to take each day at a time, what suits me won't necessarily suit anyone else

I think another thing that has really helped me and that is coming onto this forum. You 'listen' to others and you realise that there are people far worse off than yourself for a start. It is lovely chatting with everyone and it does lift your spirits.

I feel as though I have got 75% of my life back at the present time, The first step is to get your medication sorted and finding what is alright for you and that can take some time. Don't be afraid of keeping on to your GP and consultant. It has taken quite a long time to sort my medication because of other health problems.

Ask for a referral to an Occupational Therapist . The OT worked wonders when I was first diagnosed - my hands and wrists were so painful and swollen.

Anyway, I have waffled on too much,

Great that you have joined us, good luck

joyful

valval

hi it gets better when meds kick in u have to make sure u dont over do it but went into towm the other day was walking like 48 year old not 88 as seem to a lot lately felt so much better so stick with it good luck i have oa not bad though very lucky

salsal

i think pain its self is exhaustig and makes every thing such an effort its also draining emotionally with the frustration and feeling of under achievement (well for me) so when that pain is managed and you accept you have to work around it things do improve