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leaflet

I was diagnosed with RA in March at the ripe old age of 74, although prior to the arthritis I felt about 40 and had more energy than I knew what to do with. The RA is pretty well controlled on Methatrexate although I do at times feel nauseous and the folic acid helps. About 5 weeks ago I had a really bad attack of gastro-enteritis, finished up in hospital on saline drip. Since the RA and gastro bug, I have periods of feeling really ill and exhausted so that I just have to sit and sometimes sleep. I feel too grotty to even speak, which is not like me! Does anyone else with RA feel this way - and is it something I just have to put up with. I know I have to pace myself now.

stickywicket

Hey, Leaflet, well done you on having a chronological age of 74 & a mental one of 40. It sounds good. The downside is that this must have come as one huge shock. Still, welcome to the forum.

As to your question - I've had RA for a long time and it can be very, very debilitating. As can gastro-enteritis which you seem to have done in spades. My guess is that this double whammy has just flattened you. I'd guess, with your attitude, this will hopefully be temporary but, if in doubt, check with your GP.

I hope you'll soon feel more on top of things again. Meanwhile, stick around with us.

Poppyg1rl

Hi Leaflet,
Welcome to the forum! although it is a shame you have had to join us in our arthritic battle!!
I have PA (very like RA only with psoriasis too) and can understand the exhaustion you are feeling, it's not nice. I'm also on methotrexate, folic acid, Sulfasalazine, celebrex, tramadols, and an anti tnf injection called enbrel, the drugs help and I'm hoping that the new injections will start to work very soon.
As for pacing yourself, well, I tend to race through life as much as I did before...only now I get a couple of days of payback if I've really pushed myself but I won't stop, glutton for punishment me
Welcome again, love and hugs x

valval

welcome it is normal for this to happen and not nice at all you will not have kept your meds down so arther will have had a little play he does enjoy sneeking out when your back is turned try to rest when you can and if does not pass with in the week ask your gp they will do bloods to see what going on good luck hope your meds control things again soon for you it so frustrating when head says yes and body says no you get so exhausted you feel like you will colapse if you do not lay down and rest i know it awfull but should get better with the meds good luck val

frogmorton

Hi leaflet

good to meet you. I love your username Do you deliver them/print them??? sorry nosey, but l am intrigued :oops:

I do go thorugh bouts of extremen tiredness and exhaustion and feel quite rough almost fluey.

Usually this goes with a flare and does pass after a number of weeks (for me)

If it carries on too long it may be worth discussing with your rheumatologist/nurse if you see one?

Love

toni xx

barbara12

Hi Leaflet
And a very warm welcome to this lovely forum, I am 61 and have OA, It will take time to recover from the gastro, , you will have to build yourself up again.
Has for the RA I think that all the Arthurs make you tired from time to time, I do feel for you, and hopefully you will soon be back on your feet.
Why not pay a vist to your GP and explain everything...and hopefully they will be able to help
You take care and here some hugs from me (((((()))))

julie47

Hi Leaflet
welcome to the forum

Gastro enteritis and Ra together will have really knocked the stuffing out of you no wonder you are not feeling too good and tired.

I hope you feel better soon
Take care
Juliepf x

dachshund

Hi Leaflet.
welcome to the forum ask any question you want somone
will know the answer.
i have oa we all help one another.
joan xx

dreamdaisy

Hello leaflet, it's nice to meet you. The meth will have the effect of reducing your immune system, it's a rather heavy-handed way to stop your body attacking itself with the RA, this means that those of us who are on it (and other meds too) are much more susceptible to infections, they can hit us harder and take longer to clear. RA itself can also make one feel very tired - and not only when it is flaring: our stamina is hugely affected and things we could once achieve without a second thought suddenly become a matter of great planning in their execution - the mantra that one has to learn is 'Do a bit, rest a bit. Do a bit, rest a bit.' Tiresome and frustrating yes, but also helpful in making sure we can preserve what little energies we have. I began my versions of this dross at the age of 37, by the age of 42 I had discovered the absolute joys of a guilt-free afternoon nap! I hope you are feeling reasonably well today. DD