So very tired - is this a gorilla?

applerose

I have RA - rumbling away in the background (a medical term my rheumie uses ). About 3 weeks ago, I suddenly became very tired. Found myself dusting and ironing at work (I'm a housekeeper) with my eyes closed a few times. I have also been going dizzy at times, especially if I look down, turn suddenly or when I close my eyes. I have been leaving work early so I can sometimes have a nap in the afternoon. My GP has given me amitriptylene to help me sleep and to help my neck as I had suggested to him that the RA might be bothering my neck because it was much stiffer and crunchier than usual. I started them a week ago and am now sleeping 9 1/2 hours a night but still very tired during the day and still hitting a brick wall mid-afternoon.
I thought I understood about gorillas before when I felt I couldn't do some things I was used to doing but I've never felt so tired and unable to function before. Is this what it feels like to have a gorilla to carry round?

stickywicket

I really don’t know, Applerose. I’m in the fortunate position of having had my RA under good control for over 10 years now and I struggle to remember the real tiredness.

However, my gut instinct says that this isn’t normal RA tiredness though the fact that you’re managing to work throughout might make it more extreme as might (I guess) the amitrip.

I do think the dizziness needs investigating though whether it’s RA-related, an ear infection, BP problem or whatever. GP or rheumatology helpline – your choice :roll: (I’m sorry about that but you are a sensible lady and I’m sure you know it makes sense.)

elnafinn

Hi Applerose

Tiredness and dizziness can be side effects of amitriptyline.

Elna x

barbara12

Hi Applerose..like Elna says it could be the amitriptyline...I dont get the daytime tiredness now but I did in the beginning..I take then at 6.30 in the evening to go to bed at 10...it must be awful having to go to work like this..you take care xx

dreamdaisy

Hello applerose, that doesn't sound good does it? I can empathise with the tiredness as that affects me a fair bit too, I usually have a mid-afternoon slump just as I have to start work. Housekeeping is a physically demanding job, are you able to rest at any point during your on-duty hours? I can't remember what meds you are taking for the RA, amytryp is a strong one but I wonder if bio-rhythms may be the culprit? DD

applerose

Thank you for your replies. I went to the GP because I was tired and dizzy so before I started the Amitriptaline. I think maybe it's that making me sleep so much overnight. I'm not on any meds other than paracetamol as needed. I've to see the GP again in 3 weeks to see if the Am has helped. I can't really rest while I'm at work but can pick and choose what I do so save ironing for when I feel most tired. I finish at lunchtime 2 days a week. So glad I don't work all day every day. Not been quite as bad today so, hopefully, the meds are kicking in.

bubbadog

Hi applerose, as some have suggested, I'm taking amitriptyline and it does make you sleepy in the day and sometimes it also makes you a little dizzy and sometimes double vision. It's just some of the side effects I'm afraid that are listed on the leaflet.

applerose

Thanks Bubbadog. Yes I noticed those side effects were listed in the leaflet. I was really tired and dizzy before I started taking them. That's why my GP prescribed them. To help me sleep and to help with my neck mainly. I feel a little less tired now and am not getting so dizzy so looks like they might be helping. Do you take them for arthritis?

charleeh

Hi

I can recommend green tea in the afternoon, it gives me a little pick me up making me feel a bit fresher and uplifted. And getting out in the sunlight for 10 minutes can help me wonders to feel a bit more fresher, I feed the wild birds in may garden, so filling up the feeders helps me be out doors for 5 mins. (although, the sun is pretty non existent at the moment!!)

I sleep for a minimum of 9 hours a day, if I don't it can make my Sero negative arthritis (which is more or less RA) a lot worse. I have been known to sleep 12 hours straight during a flare. I think its part of the package unfortunately. Naps can help as long as they don't disrupt your sleep pattern too much, sometimes I can fall asleep in the afternoon then not be able to sleep at night and therefore ruin the next day

I can also recommend lavender temple rubs, it helps me relax better when I sleep. And a hot shower before bed, it makes my sleep more er... duno the word to use, like more satisfying or rest-fulfilling maybe?

Hope you feel better soon,

Best Wishes
Charleeh

applerose

Thank you Charleeh. I keep trying green tea but can't get used to it. I should really persevere. I walk to and from work, about 20 minutes each way, and am outside for at least half an hour each day. Really looking forward to the weather getting better so I can get out in my garden. You sleep 9 hours a day? Wow. I normally sleep about 8 hours but, at the moment am having about 9 1/2, maybe due to the meds. I know what you mean about the shower before bed. I find that very relaxing too and I do get a better night's sleep. Lavender and camomile together promote better relaxation and so help you to fall asleep.