damage, immune system and tiredness!

madness1985
madness1985 Member Posts: 293
edited 5. Nov 2009, 13:30 in Living with Arthritis archive
Hello,

I am posting to find out why i seem to be getting so much damage? i have damage in one foot confirmed and the other one waiting for xrays and my finger too! I just dont get why i am getting so much damage ive had RA for one year.

The other thing is has ne one found there immune system damaged once sarting on weak medication? I crnt seem to stop being ill from a caugh to full on flu to sort thoats to ear infections .. its embrssing the pharcist nos who i am!

Finally in the past 2 days ive slept for 32hours my body is so tired and when i get up im in pain espically in ym feet & wrists. I forced myself to get up this afternoon after 16hrs sleep togo shopping as my car goes for its MOT tommorrow and i needed things! I cudnt push the trolly anyway in the end i sat in my car and waiting for my oh todo shopping! as i didnt want to use one of the w/cs in the supermarket cuz i think people will laugh at me.

xx

Comments

  • janie68
    janie68 Member Posts: 1,186
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Yes it does take it out of you does RA!!

    I cannot do the food shopping anymore or going round town, you have to adapt and accept it. I now do my shopping online which isnt the same but what can you do?

    Tiredeness is part and parcel, I could sleep for England and probably sleep for days. You have work out a way to rest (I go for power naps) but I have to juggle part-time work too so it is hard. I find going to work beneficial for me as I was off sick for a year and I'm sure I felt worse, more tired even and down. It sounds hard for you too and it will take time to learn to adapt and find coping strategies to get through the day.

    The damage you describe is normal well for me, I have a lot of damage as my RA came quite aggressively and still after 15 years will not be controlled!! Sounds like you have the same problem, you sound as though you have good support from your OH.

    Good luck

    Janie
  • tkachev
    tkachev Member Posts: 8,332
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Poor you madness!sounds like you are having a tough time.I suspect the tiredness and feeling very run down are linked as your body is fighting extra hard at the moment.I know in the first year of my R.A( started 10 years ago this week) I felt dreadful but it was different to the pain and aches I got later when the disease was more established and my joints were more damaged.At other times the deteriation has been much slower,if any at all and some joints(such as my knees)have improved and are almost pain free.
    I have also felt embarrassed when out and about,just being bent and shuffling along!
    I hope this flare will be dealt with soon as the suffering is the worst thing of all.Hope your boyfriend understands and helps you.
    Take care
    Elizabeth
    Never be bullied into silence.
    Never allow yourself to be made a victim.
    Accept no ones definition of your life

    Define yourself........

    Harvey Fierstein
  • ritwren
    ritwren Member Posts: 928
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    As has already been said, extreme tiredness is part and parcel of the disease at times. Are you on any DMARD/s they can have a huge or no affect at all hardly effect on your immune system. You mention being on weak medication is that what you mean? It does seem to happen sometimes that you can have damage in only a year, I too have fair changes on my x rays.
    Best thing to do would perhaps be to make an appointment with your GP in the first instance and maybe get an earlier appt. with your Rheumy. They may need to change your medication or dose. Do take it really easy at this time as your body is obviously needs the rest Glad to hear you have good support. Very best of luck
    rita