fatigue

philip6166

hello everyone

this is my first time on a forum, so sorry if i do or say anything silly.
i just like to introduce myself, im philip age 39 and diagnosed with ra a couple of years ago, but one of my biggest battles is tiredness and getting through each day and to function anywhere near normal , at least to do my job. i really dont want to give up my work, even though my consultant has told me its not doing me any favours. i just wondered if anyone had any ideas on how to cope??

it is good to read the messages that you have all put on, it makes me realise im not alone in this challenging world we live in, because i find ra makes me feel very alone as if no one understands how it affects every day life in general.
is there any one else who tends feel that way at all?

regards philip

speedalong

Hi Philip,
I have OA and I'm 43. I too am struggling with fatigue and work. My bosses don't "get it" either. One once commented I looked a bit wobbly; the other one wanted to check that difficulty walking and standing for 45 mins was really part of my condition (I actually have pain after 2 to 3 mins ...) Because we all tend to grin and bear it - people don't know what it is like. However there are lots of people on this forum who do. So welcome.

Speedalong

valval

hi philip the exhaustion is awfull and no one gets it my bos just says she has arthritis lol so what we all different and some days can not stand for 4 hours so find jobs sitting down but then have to get up to serve customers lol. rest when you can sundays i always have afternoon nap feel like old lady (48) but it helps me cope and i only work part time i do not know how others work full time i never catch up with house work as it is look after your self. nearly forgot welcome call in cafe any time or arthers on chit chat forum

woodbon

Hello, Welcome to the forum. I hope that you will find some help and support here, I know I do. I have oa in quite a lot of my joints. Although fatigue is a symptom of ra, I find I get fatigue a lot too.

Do I don't know what you do, sorry, but have you thought of asking for shorter hours or more flexable hours? Its a big thing for someone, I know, but is it at all possible for you to think of part-time? Also you could ask about having your workstation and chair looked at by an Occuptional Therapist to see if you need adaptions or a new chair.

It might be a good idea to talk to the Helpline here (the number at the top right-hand side.) They will be able to tell you more and send you leaflets about the help you need and whats possible to get.

Hope that helps! Glad you joined. Love Sue

skezier

Hi Philip,

Nice to meet you and welcome to the site, this lot are really a good lot. I agree the tiredness is horrible...... For me its really do a bit and have to rest and then do a bit more but its definitely hard eh? You take care and they say listening to your body is the best way. Cris

barbara12

Hello Philip
A very warm welcome to this really friendly forum,you will gets lots of support on here.
I have OA at the moment, but still being tested for RA, I am lucky that I don't work, just doing everyday task can be hard when the tiredness takes over.
I do hope you stay with us , and hope to see you posting more very soon.
Spring is round the corner, hopefully It will give us all the lift we need.
You take care
Barbara .

frogmorton

Hi Philip

Good to meet you

You are very welcome here.

I am aware that some medications are better than others on teh fatigue side - so a word with the rheumy next time might be an idea.

Otherwise it's a case of sometimes resting as much as poss - can you reduce your hours at all? Or even work form howm??

Sorry not much help

Love
Toni x

woodbon

Hi,
Sometimes it would be helpful to have something to show for the pain and fatigue. I think people use the word arthritis too much, if they pull a muscle or hurt themselves a bit, so it de-values it and people wonder why such a fuss is made about a slight ache! If only they knew!

Still, you could explain, but that gets boring. How about getting a few leaflets, they have them here, if you ring the Helpline or often they are in the doctors waiting room. They cost nothing, if left in the staff room or kitchen, people might learn something. Or just try and ignore them!
Hope all goes well, love Sue

livinglegend

Hi philip

Don't worry if you say something daft on here, we will all just have a laugh with you, not at you.

My Rheumy, when I first saw him asked if I still worked and when I said, "Yes", he sort of looked at me and shook his head. It took me 2 years of running down my workload until I had to stop. As with others, I was near retiring age so I have been able to give up.

But, I don't think your so lucky. Tiredness is one of the major effects of RA as your body thinks that you are ill and should rest. Can I suggest that you read through some of the previous threads on this part of the forum and see what others have done to cope.

Your main problem is that while you accept the limitations of RA, those around you have little experience of how you feel and expect you to get better in a weeks time. It doesn't happen, does it?

When you feel a bit down, can I suggest that you go onto the Chit-chat section of the forum and that should cheer you up a bit.

Joseph 8)

sharmaine

Hi Phillip

Welcome to the forum. I have OA in a few places and had d a total knee replacement done 4 weeks ago. Arthritis is jolly challenging and even more so when you have to work full-time.

It may be worth speaking to the help line on Arthritis Care for help and advice regarding working. You may find talking to your employer directly explaining your condition may help too. You could also ask to see the Occupational Therapist who may look at your working conditions - ie more comfortable seating etc.

I had to give up my job two years ago because of my OA - I had a long drive each day and just couldn't cope with it anymore. My OH pushed me to finish he couldn't handle me looking so exhausted!!

I would also recommend you going back to your GP and reviewing your medication. Try and rest when you can.

I believe you can claim ESA and still work. Explore all the options. Take some time out to look into how you may cut down and not lose out too much financially. There is a lot of information online.

Regards
Sharmaine



quote="philip6166"]hello everyone

this is my first time on a forum, so sorry if i do or say anything silly.
i just like to introduce myself, im philip age 39 and diagnosed with ra a couple of years ago, but one of my biggest battles is tiredness and getting through each day and to function anywhere near normal , at least to do my job. i really dont want to give up my work, even though my consultant has told me its not doing me any favours. i just wondered if anyone had any ideas on how to cope??

it is good to read the messages that you have all put on, it makes me realise im not alone in this challenging world we live in, because i find ra makes me feel very alone as if no one understands how it affects every day life in general.
is there any one else who tends feel that way at all?

regards philip[/quote]

suncatcher

Hello philip I have ra welcome to the site. hope you like it on here joanne

breane

Hello Philip and welcome to the forum. I have RA and OA and since being diagnosed I've found fatigue and tiredness has come with the disease.I'm not too bad if I keep going but the moment I sit down I find it difficult to get up and get motivated again.My consultant told me it's very important to keep as mobile as possible throughout the day and to try and work through the tiredness,not always possible though.People who are not arthritis sufferers can't understand just how fatigued we get. Take care, Breane.

madgirlzzz

Hi!
I'm 33 with RA and i have found the fatigue awfully hard to cope with I work full time to and some times end up coming home straight to bed!

You didn't say what you do but seeing as RA is classed as a disablity, your employer has a duty by law to make 'reasonable ajustments' to make your work easier for you. Can you speak to an OT or specialist nurse for RA and see if they have any suggestions as well as your doctor or consultant.

I hope you can use some of the suggestions everyones come out with, also the longer I have had RA the better i have learnt to deal with it, pacing myself, proiritising etc.

goodluck

Gayle

ichabod6

Go on a self-management course where you will be shown
techniques and approaches which will help you to cope with
your fatigue and other symptoms.

woodbon

I'm going on two pain management seminars at the Pain Clinic at our local hospital. The Pain nurse suggested it as useful. I'm not able to get a place until May, though.

Maybe your GP could refer you to a Pain Clinic if you thought it would help.

Love Sue

topgirl

HI!welcome!
my name is Kay and im 43 with RA...
I can find the fatigue just as hard as the pain...
RA is covered under DDA and your place at work will have to make reasonable adjutments to help you stay in work...
I work in retail which is very hardgoing but now:
have a chair for all tasks...
flexible hours...
More breaks...
Only you know what will help..
Having said that when the fatigue is really bad ONLY THE BED WILL DO.....
I hope it helps that there are other people who know just how you feel( often collegues dont!)
On the bright side once you get the right dose of drugs it should get better.....
Best wishes
Kay
xx

dorcas

Hi Phillip!
nice to meet you.

Lots of other peeps have given you advice about managing pain and fatigue which is great and I can't really add to.......................
but in relation to work thought this might be useful for you, in case you haven't come across this information before:

Under the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA), as a person with a condition that significantly impacts on your day to day living, you have a RIGHT to have your needs assessed and your employer has a DUTY to assist and support you...including making 'reasonable adjustments' that may allow you to continue in post.

You can also contact JobcentrePlus and speak to a Disability Employment Adviser. You may benefit from having an Access to Work Assessment (for people in work as well as people returning/ starting work who have a disabling condition)

This website has a good information leaflet on work and disability...if you go to the home page and click on the 'Publications and Resources ' link at the top of the page it'll open up to a list of topics...including 'Work and Independence' . If you click on that you'll find some really useful info on work and arther..

good luck with getting the right kind of meds and pain relief etc.. and hope things will get better for you really soon. Iris x

lizzie7ne

Hi Philip

Welcome to our forum, you will find lots of people here to help you.
I too have RA diagnosed August 08 and fatigue has always been a real problem with me, it was the first symptom I had (before the joint pain). As Dorcas mentions you are covered under the DDA (Disability Discrimination Act) and your employer does have to make reasonable adjustments to keep you in your job. Also its well worth speaking to A Disability Employment Advisor at your local job centre, they are very good and will if you want come to your place of work to advise- Their aim is to keep you in your job. Have you been referred to an Occupational Therapist by your Rheumatologist? if not then do ask to be referred, my O.T. not only got me equipment for my home and taught me about joint protection but he was great at explaining about fatigue and managing it through pacing. They can also explain and help you with benefits, e.g, Disability Living Allowance, which is not means tested and you can get it even if you are working, a healthcare professional such as an OT can help you with your application. Also have you been referred to a physio -they too are great at explaining about fatigue and how to manage it.

The helpline here do a marvallous job too and they too can help explain about pacing and exercise too, so its worth giving them a call.



lizzie

airwave

Hiya,
Sounds as though you need to review your working hours? At least until your fatigue changes?

I don't work, but still have problems running the house. A good nights sleep helps, as does just the right amount of exercise and rest. Just a matter of getting the right portions for you, at the time.

8) Its a grin, honest!

cutieclaire

Hello and welcome Philip.

Hope you are well today. One day at ta time I have to tell myself. I am still at the beginning of this horrible thing!!!! Which I call it ha aha.

I find the tiredness the worse and cant understand or accept it. I find others dont get it either which is frustrating.

Keep going and small things I surpose.

Take care and welcome again. People on here have been a god send, they are wonderful, helpful and supportive. A real support for me anyway.

Take care
Love Claire
xxxx