Fatigue is one of the most common symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, and it is sometimes the first sign of inflammation. Fatigue can make it harder to concentrate or deal with pain – it can even make people feel helpless. Like pain, fatigue is a signal that something is wrong. Coping with fatigue can help you feel better.
Fatigue may be caused by inflammation, overdoing routine activities, medication side effects, stress, depression or a combination. Poor sleep and nutrition, and absence of regular exercise also may also contribute.
Feeling tired all the time can lead to stress and depression. And, if you become physically run down, your immune system will be less able to fight infection and illness. By setting priorities, making smart choices and conserving your strength, you will still be able to do most of what is important to you.
Pinpoint causes of your fatigue
Your fatigue may be caused by physical, emotional and environmental factors. Environmental factors such as high noise levels, temperature variations, and even daily hassles such as dealing with traffic and waiting in line can make you feel tired.
Keep a fatigue diary
Keeping a fatigue diary can help you discover the causes of your fatigue. Note the times of the day or week when you feel fatigue and what seems to trigger it. Sometimes you may see an obvious solution to the problem. For instance, you may blame overactivity when you feel tired, but by reviewing your diary you may see that your fatigue is a sign of increased disease activity.
Ask your doctor
Rheumatoid arthritis fatigue due to inflammation is often more easily corrected than fatigue that results from stress. The inflammatory cytokines (protein molecules) that are released in RA are the same chemicals that are released if you have a severe cold or flu. Your doctor can treat this type of fatigue by prescribing higher doses of your drugs or another drug to control the body’s inflammatory process. Once inflammation is under control, fatigue usually lessens.
It is also important to consider other potential sources of fatigue that your doctor can reverse. An example is anemia, which occurs when the body has too few red blood cells to transport oxygen effectively. One type of anemia, also called “the anemia of chronic disease,” is often seen in people with RA. Effective treatment of arthritis usually resolves this type of anemia. Another cause of anemia is blood loss from stomach ulcers, which may require iron replacement and other treatments.
RA is an auto-immune diesease. Your body immune system for some reason starts attacking healthy cells, that is why you keep getting everything down the pike.
You need to stay away from sick people, or wear a mask if you have to be around the youngsters at work...tell them its so YOU DONT GET SICK! I hate to make the reference, but it's like an aids patient...they have NO immunity, and ours us RA folks have a very low immunity as well.
Best of luck to you!
Christmas kicked my butt this year. My 15 y/o daughter got quite ill and had to have her gallbladder removed. I spent a few nights sleeping at the hospital with her and it started a downward spiral in my symptoms. I take Enbrel, Methotrexate, prednisone, provigil, high blood pressure med, thyroid replacement, pravastatin for high cholesterol.
It took a long time to get properly diagnosed because my RA is called serologiclly negative. That means that none of my tests are outstandingly positive. I couldn't get a referal to a Rheumatologist until my knee blew up like a balloon. He diagnosed primarily on the MRI results.
I didn't even know how much pain I was in until it went away. It was like being unlocked.
My advice to any one is see a good rheumatologist. Fight to get the medications you need. Do not be afraid of the new drugs, they can be amazing. I told my Dr. that I refused to be disabled and he said OK! I am having a bad flare right now and feel discouraged, but if you read the actual research, remission is possible!
I have always moved at light speed and I still have two jobs but I am realizing that I need to slow down.
Hang in there!
I am 32 years old and was diagnosed with RA last year after a long time of trying to figure out whats wrong with me. I am always tired and weak and can t even sleep. I feel restless all the time. I started ENbrel couple of mounts ago and it works I did feel better the first couple of weeks i started it. I am now sick again and can barely get up because I stooped Enbrel after some problems with insurance approval. Enbrel is short term but it helped me lot with the fatigue the pain stiffness and energy. I know that enbrel is expensive and some insurances won t cover it but try and ask your doctor. If you can t afford Enbrel try to contact ENBREL.com website and they will help. You need to take enbrel with metotrexate and folic acide. I am not on steroid again because I had to stop enbrel.
I just wanted to share my experience maybe I will help someone. I know what it feels like. No one understand how we feel even if you explain it.
I wish best of luck to all.
I you need to contact me my e-mail:
samiajawab@yahoo.com
I was very shocked when Robben called four days after i sent Dr. Hunt the items money. He apologies for all he has done wrong and i am very happy that we are together today because he proposed to me last night. I will advise you contact ancientremedy1@gmail.com because he has done wonders in my life and i believe he can help you out in any problem
Tessy
Oh, and pray - I'll leave no stone unturned and it's served me well in the past.
you can also reach me at my email shoatscolleen@yahoo.com
I keep an exercise chart and aim to exercise a certain number of minutes every week. I pay myself a penny a minute for every minute I exercise. If I reach my goal that week, I throw in an extra buck or two. It's amazing how quickly it adds up and how much of a mental boost I get from it as well. A one minute walk counts. Stretching counts. Everything counts. I searched the internet and found dvd's for exercising while sitting in a chair. Chair yoga by the Stronger Seniors series is great. It's a 50 minute routine, but can be done in much smaller segments as a time.
Exercise doesn't have to be what other people subscribe to. It has to fit each person's life and circumstances. It helps me live better and sleep better.
I'm very frustrated right now. I was diagnosed with RA, osteoporosis, and osteoarthritis at the age of 34, needless to say I freaked out. I recently turned 47 and have a full life as a working professional with a lot of interests and goals. I inject Humira and take other meds. I may have fibro.
I try to look to my Mom who is 65 as an example of someone who copes well with a lot of diseases besides RA. She was diagnosed at 29 and didn't have the same drugs as we do now. She's had 10 major implants, I think genetics keep her going with her positive attitude.
I, on the other hand, have more of my Dad's disposition. I've always been an over-achiever and still try this lifestyle until the RA kicks my butt with either extreme fatigue or infection.
My list of doctors tell me to pace myself.... I can't, I have 2 switches: on and off. I love it when I'm going and doing and experiencing all life has to offer... however, pain and fatigue overcome my mental goals.
So why am I posting this? Because I know there are others out there with these issues. And there is no solution at this time. I don't want to go on disability, I don't want to stop going 24/7... I'm afraid my body will eventually make these choices for me though.
I currently have what may be Giardia, I had Shingles last August, I had MRSA in 2008. Good grief, I feel like I need to live in a bubble!
So that's my story and it doesn't include a few other health issues. One thing that keeps me going is the memory of my youth and being a healthy child. For that I am truly blessed.
To people that are young or recently diagnosed, keep the faith... there have been dramatic changes in meds since I was diagnosed. To those of u who are not getting any treatment at all, please do so. This is a disease that must be treated to stop further debilitating damage.
Thanks to all for listening...
I can relate to your fatigue. I'm on a treatment for RA for the past 20-something years and I remember having episodes of fatigue when I had to drop everything and sit down for an hour or two because I just wasn't able to function! He tortured me with thos vitamin B injections and told me to exercise. (I couldn't even walk - so tired!) About 4 years ago I moved to a different state and had to change my doctor too. When I told him how bad my fatigue could get, he asked me a bunch of questions and diagnosed fibromyalgia. Now I'm taking Lyrica and my energy levels are really great! Can't complain! I'm not saying that you have fibromyalgia, but there could be something else that he didn't address yet. PS - I even joined a gym 6 months ago! :)
My doctor doesn't want to take me off of Methotrexate because he thinks that other medications are unproven and potentially dangerous and also thinks that it's working for me because I don't have very much joint damage. Does anyone have any suggestions for how to overcome fatigue? Exercise did help for a while, but it's really challenging to find the time given my busy schedule. Thanks!
I have also been diagnosed with RA a little over a year ago. I started with Methotrexate, Folic acid, then added Plaquenil. I had a year of living in pain continuously, trying to work, kids and come home to a house that needed picking up. Prednisone shots kept me moving. Plaquenil was added and now it the pain is not so bad but the fatigue is unforgiving. I don't know how to help myself with this. My family and friends just think I am tired all the time. It is way more than that, as all of you know. I want to be able to do the things I use to do and have energy and move without pain lurking in the shadows....it's so sad. :(
If you can't work because you are in too much pain, let your doctor know! Three, sometime Prednisone is your friend. Even at a low dose, where the side effects will be less. It really is the quality of life that counts! FOUR, RA medications like Enbrel, Humira and Methotrexate decrease the progression of RA. RA is very progressive disease, it destroys the joints and fuses them, which may eventually require joint replacement. FIVE - the most important - STRESS is a factor in the illness - my doctor told me that stress affects RA by as much as 50 percent. Basically, do what you have to do to get SSDI, get Medicaid or a relative to help you pay for the medications so you can function, reduce stress, find a doctor who will help you. As I said, it's the QUALITY of life and stopping the progression of RA that are most important!
I am walking the track @ the Y w/ several inches of cushioning & found this has really helped w/ my recovery. I like to think that while I'm @ the Y, I'm a "recreational athlete". Unfortuantely @ the Drs. offices, just a patient. Endorphins really kick in @ the Y! So never give up!
I also have arthritis through most of my body. It just seems we all share so many of the same symptoms when inflammation is such a major issue in our bodies. I have been going to the gym for five yr. My drs. have told me I NEED to go. Well, my drs. aren't the ones feeling my extreme pain & fatigue & I truly do feel that I have made my health issues worse with the exercise.
Everything is such a struggle just to get up to go somewhere, let alone to have to do something physical like I've been doing & know I have been overdoing it exercise wise. Even just the water aerobics have exhausted me. I finally gave my notice that I am leaving. My drs. won't be happy, but perhaps maybe I will be able to "find myself" just a little to reclaim a house that looks as if I care one more time. Never having an oz. of energy & being in such pain puts me in despair.
The dr. gave me some pain meds to try, but like with everything else, they have their side effects & going to have to see if I can find other alternatives. All any of us want is some comfort zone on a daily basis & that just eludes all of us it seems. Thank you for letting me vent & you are not alone. I may not have RA, gratefully, but many of my symptoms are the same as yours. Gentle hugs to all of you.
I have found I am in this place at this time for a reason far bigger than me & if I am obedient day by day & watch for the opportunities provided--I am able to help & learn through my pain & fatigue
when this article poopped up. How grateful I am for the "wake up" call to seriously look at what might be causing the tired feeling and not sweep it under the rug. When I read the comments I know am blessed to have OA but that I must "pay attention" to the signs of my body-tiredness, irritability and depression. So thanks to all of you for providing such serious comments that surely help umany to know that many are sharing such similar concerns. I pray for all with such difficult conditions and encourage you to "stay in the fight" and keep sharing your experiences so others will also be informed and encouraged.
Thank you.
Also, for about 10 years, didn't relate it to my poor grandmother who suffered so much for years and now I walk like she did and understand how she suffered. My husband at the time just made fun of me and told me I was faking it to get out of working. This attitude filtered down to my older children.
I had a sixth child the next year and it was a very difficult pregnancy not helped by being 40. I couldn't walk the length of the grocery store.
This all continued to progress and I gained weight from inactivity and now, have many other symptoms including 2 eye diseases, thyroid problems, digestive problems, everything hurts all the time, My memory is going, have sound and light sensitivity and I have lots of pain in my breasts which I don't think is related but haven't been to a doctor is years cause I don't have any insurance. I did go for one issue and it cost $660 for 10 minutes. I can't sit at a desk and work without severe neck pain. I can't stand having to live like this.
After I broke up from my husband, I worked for 4 years just to provide a home for my kids. I was in terrible pain and fatigue everyday and when I got home would sometimes yell at my kids. They resent that now. After my ex screwed with the support enough that I lost my house, I quit my job and have only worked one temp job since then. My unemployment is about to run out and I don't know what I'll do because I know I can't physically even handle an office job.
Eleven years ago, I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia, Sjogren's syndrome, connective tissue disorder, by a rheumatologist. He attempted a myriad of medications to curb the pain, exhaustion, etc., but nothing worked. After about a year, he retired, and due to where I live (the boonies),there were no other specialists in this area, were available to pick up my case.
When the pain became so unbearable, I was forced to a pain clinic, and when through years of misery from side-effects of certain meds. Finally, another pain clinic doctor prescribed a low dose of morphine, twice a day, and the pain is now bearable. However, after I was initially diagnosed, as per the above, my general practitioner conducted blood tests, and discovered that my thyroid was not working properly. This problem began about a decade ago, as well.
My thyroid seemed to work, then stop, then start, then stop. My g.p. prescribed a high does of synthroid, and it made be quite sick to my stomach, so he told me to stop taking it, but did not lower the dose or prescribe any other medication for this problem. In fact, he told me that stomach upset was "unheard of". Not so, as per my pharmacist, and new doctor (internist).
So many things happened to me since the initial diagnosis a decade ago, that my thyroid was not a priority. I was diagnosed with breast cancer, for the second time, during this period, as well as chronic myelogenous (sp.) leukemia. So, my thyroid was pushed to the back burner, and none of the five doctors I was seeing, said a thing about addressing that particular problem.
Over the next few years, my g.p. suddenly left the area, with ninety days notice, and I was blessed to be able to see a new, and wonderful internist, who is addressing my thyroid, and other issues, properly. I am back on synthroid, a low dose, and I do feel better, but not like I used to, a decade ago.
As most know, fibro is an umbrella condition, and the initial rheumy also discovered arthritis in my neck and shoulders. It dawned on me, last month, that my fatigue may not only be the result of a non-functioning thyroid, but also the result of Sjogren's, arthritis, and fibro combined.
I also discovered that due to radiation treatment for breast cancer, it is possible that because I am a woman, over 50 years of age, and did receive radiation for cancer, that this is the proximate result of my failing thyroid.
My point here is that I also never seriously considered the effects of arthritis on how horrible I feel,...completely exhausted daily. I discounted it, as I ignored the thyroid problem, but I now realize that I need to find another rheumy doctor, and address not only the arthritis, but the Sjogren's.
It's exhausting to be me, but this magazine has helped me to put things in perspective. I had the misfortune of continuing to see a g.p., who was not a very good doctor. I was overwhelmed with all of the developing health problems, but he should have known better.
Thankfully, I read this magazine, regularly, and am now more aware of not only the over-lapping symptoms, but I am now aware that each one needs addressed properly, by the proper specialist.
Thank you "Arthritis Today". If not for the articles I read here, I would not be as educated as I, evidently, need to be in order to attempt to regain my health.
I think the lesson I learned is, if you do not have faith in your doctor, see somebody else right away! I had this nagging feeling of doubting my g.p., for years, but failed to make the necessary change. I will never, ever do that again!
listed.
Thank you
I have made a lot of changes in my diet. For some reason I have become pretty much gluten intolerant, so I eat very little, if any. Rediscovered oatmeal for breakfast, greek yogurt with some fruit for lunch, then something with protein for dinner. THis has been helping me feel better some. I have junk ocassionally ):
Trying to walk at lunch, doing housework, etc.
I am really getting worse and I know it , but am changing as my body does, trying to adapt and not think of the things I cannot do now that i used to just finding other things I CAN do. GOd BLess all of you and I pray for your pains and problems
Tonie
I take methotrexate...but its not enough. I'm tired all the time! And I'm tired of being tired. People just don't understand what it's like, I just don't have the energy to do anything anymore. I'm also on another med...I can't remember the name right now, but it's 4 horse pills daily. They upset my stomach, but what else can I do? Not take the meds and have the flare-ups?
I tell the doctor how tired I am, he either doesn't listen or doesn't understand. The last doctor I had would say, "ah your probably just depressed...get over it". Well, I got over him and found a new doctor. But the fatigue is the same...always there.
The meds I'm on seem to help with the flare-ups...they're the worst. Especially when they come in my shoulders, you can't lay down cause it hurts, you can't sit up and lean back cause it hurts...at those times you just try to sit as comfortable as possible, sleep in the comfy recliner and cry.
i too have ra and i am already so tired of this i could (and do) cry about it. i have found out a lot of the things i have read here sound just like me.i was diagnosed 9 years ago and since then my pain my fatigue andmy flare ups just drive me crazy.i think the flare ups are the worst.they have literally put me in bed for days at a time. i am very active and this really takes it toll on me.i am 55 years old and cannot see a dr.because i have no ins. and the state i live in does not have sny gov. aid with insurance because i dont fit the criteria.so o well i do my best to deal with the flare ups and fatigue.i am so glad i found this site because i really thought that i had just gotten lazy as i got older but now i see that it really is a very real part of ra..i have a wonderful daughter that comes to help me when i cant raise my arm far enough to take my shirt off or wash my hair i live alone so it sometimes it gets really hard to deal with. i had a flare up in my jaw once and couldn't eat for a couple of days only liquids and yes i feel like i have the flu. sooooo tired. i do not get to take any meds because of my ins problem so i just deal with it the best i can. i too fight depression every day and that is not any easier to deal with it as the ra. i do feel better just knowing there are others out like me although i hate it for each of you. may god bless each and everyone of us.
This is a really hard disease to go through, if anyone needs or wants to talk, my email is megz89@gmail.com.
I am 34 and got Ankylosing Spondylitis 4 years ago. My disease is very similiar to RA except I also get it in my spine. My younger brother also got AS 2 years ago. We are lucky to have eachother to get through it. Here are some things I told him when he first got it to help him, hopefully it will help some of you too. Epsom salt baths make a big difference.You may not feel like getting into the bath but push yourself you'll thank me. Take a long sock (tube sock) fill it 3/4 with regular white rice or what ever you have on hand. Tie the top of the sock and put it in the microwave for a minute or two. Put it where ever you have pain, it retains it's heat for about 20-30 minutes and that is the perfect amount of time to keep heat on one area. Stay distracted, even if you don't feel well, stay in touch with friends; watch funny movies; play games or cards; read books. Don't just watch tv it isn't stimulating enough, a few hours is ok not all day. Lavander lotion, tiger balm (you can over dose on tiger balm so don't use it every day, Arnica cream massage it on the joints that hurt. Stretch several times a day, hold each stretch for at least 30 seconds. You can even stretch in bed if it's hard for you to get up. Wear a brace when doing activites that might hurt you. When I clean my house I wear my back brace and wrist brace. Don't over do it. Break chores up and do only what you can. For example if you can only unload half the dish washer don't beat yourself up, take a break and finish when you can. Don't do nothing because you worry you can't finish. Take naps, sleep helps heal your body and it always helps me with the pain. Drink camomile or sleepy time to help you sleep at night if the pain is waking you up. If you are suffering and having a very bad flare up it helps me to stop thinking about myself and I pick something to suffer for. For example hungry children, I pray that my suffering with pain will some how help them. These are a few of the things I do. I know pain can be very scary and hard to cope with I hope some of my suggestions help you and remember I'm praying for you, you aren't alone. I'm sending you all a big hug! Sincerely, Bridget
I have RA for the past 6 years and am still not on meds,but I spent a lot of time at the naturopaths office and feel 90 percent pain free.
Good luck with it, it is not fun to live with but there is hope...which is all we can ask for.
I'VE HADE RA SINCE I WAS 19. I AM NOW 51. I MADE UP MY MIND YEARS AGO (AROUND AGE 24) TO STOP TAKING SO MANY DRUGS. WHY? THE DRUGS WOULD ALWAYS MAKE ME WORSE. PLUS I WAS TOLD THERE IS NO CURE FOR RA. I TAKE IBUPROPHEN AS NEEDED BUT NOTHING EVERYDAY. i HAVE FOUND LIKE WITH ANY HEALTH PROBLEM, GET ENOUGH REST, DON'T BE STRESS, BALANCE DIET, AND NO MATTER HOW GOOD YOU FEEL NEVER NEVER OVER DO IT. I KNOW THIS WORKS BECAUSE I'M DOING BETTER THAN PEOPLE WHO HAVE BEEN ON MEDS FOR YEARS.
i was diagnosed with ra 4 days ago after being in and out of hospital with the pain of my hipps and back for ten months.im only 26 and im very wurried for my future ive been given arcoxia and will be given another drug when i see the doc in a few months,also my stomach gives me alot of problems cramps,pains,throbbing,swollen,constipation,the runs etc.every day is a constant battle for me with chores,work etc.ive recently been suffering with depression and seeing a counseller,ive been trying to get my head round this.ive been told im only in the early stages of the deasease although ive had the syptoms for years but have slowly got alot worse and then things came to a head in september when i woke up and couldnt lift my leg without a tremendous pain.i went to hospital and passed out in a and e,i spent a week in hospital.i no i have to carry on and fight through the pain,its just so hard.Certain foods are meant to help the syptoms and losing wiegh is meant to help.im 5 foot 10 and a size 16 so i should defo loose wieght.if anyone can help me or has any tips id like to hear from you :D
I have read alot of your messages and find I have alot of the same symtoms. I have ostioarthritis in my neck shoulders ankles and left knee. I had an injury to my neck over ten years ago but doctor did not worn me abut oa so i carried on as normal and was only told last year that the pain i was in was ostioarthritis.
Like alot of people i am the one people came to when they needed help family, friends workmates ect. But find now that the boot is on the other foot Im lucky to get a phone call or visit from them. I have learnt the hard way to look after my self and my husband and let other people do the same thing.
I know I sound bitter but Im not, just realistic. I count my blessings everyday and go easy on my self when its a bad day and woop it up on a good day I refuse anti-depressents from my doctor as I want to meet this thing head on and fight it every inch of the way using self help such as yoga, cider vinegar, glucosamine sulphate and positive thinking. Ive passed exsams while Ive been off work and hope to eventually get back to work only if its part time. I wish everyone well and dont let the bas**ads grind your down.
I have had RA for 14 years. I have always been a perfectionist when it came to my family. I always had to have the perfect Christmas, Halloween, Birthday, etc. for my kids and husband. That meant staying up late at night to get things done, working a full time job, helping out a terminally ill father (now deceased), helping out my mom whenever I can, etc. I always put myself last and I really think that had a lot to do with RA coming on. Family and friends have always looked to me to help out with whatever and I very rarely said no. I was always there for whoever needed help. I also went through a very difficult and long separation (5 years) then divorce, my son was going through puberty during that time and he rebelled big time and got into trouble which put the stress on big time. I had to sell my home since I couldn't afford to pay for it myself and have been living with family ever since (5 years). I mention all this cuz I really feel that stress has alot to do with RA flareups. I just turned 50, am divorced, was layed off work and have been unemployed for 2 years now with no income. Talk about being depressed. I was on Methotrexate for years but then had to get off it due to it affecting my liver and now I am on Orencia. It seems to help but i still have flareups and my RA doc just upped my dosage. It seems like the week after I take it, I am really tired and with no energy. The other three weeks I have noticed a difference but not quite there yet. I too have difficulty sleeping. I know I have sleep apnea, but have to go for a sleep study test to make it official. Besides the sleep apnea, I have difficulty falling asleep. I think I subconsciously stay up late at night cuz i wait til I'm exhausted so I can fall asleep right away. If I don't do that, then I lie awake thinking of all the negatives in my life and definitely do not want to do that. I alternate between being happy for the small things in life to being very depressed which I keep hidden from my family and friends. They don't want to hear about the depression, especially since they have all been privy to the past 10 years of my life. I WANT to have a life. RA is bad enough but when you have no income, no vehicle, and no prospects for income, I feel like I'm in a black hole. Okay, I'll stop now. Thanks for letting me vent.
I have been reading all of your comments and stories. I am 24 and was told today that I have RA. I am really upset by this and still in shock. I have no pain but received a blood test as I am always tired and exhausted. The blood test has shown positive to RA. Can I ask how it started for you? Like I said I have no pain at the moment but I have been struggling with fatigue for years which has been very difficult to manage. It is also hard as people don't seem to understand how I feel on a daily basis. I work full time as a social worker but I do struggle with the fatigue.
Any tips to help with the fatigue? My doctor is referring me to a Fatigue Specialist as this is my symptoms at the moment, but I have a feeling that nothing can be done for the fatigue.
Any info or advice would be very much appreciated as I am feeling very upset by it all at the moment.
But I do know one thing, your ATTITUDE is everything. It is ok to have those low days or even weeks. All you can do is ride the storm. But you cannot afford to stay there forever. Count your blessings and keep counting until your spirits are lifted up. Take time out (I'm pointing at myself) and love yourself. God bless you all and good luck!
I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia 15 yrs ago. I was also diagnosed with a movement disorder, which I have since learned was not a movement disorder. I have psoriatic arthritis. It was found because I injured my hip by hitting it on a chair and my orthopedic doctor could not get it to heal. He then noticed that I had significant swelling in my joints. He did xrays for arthritis and found osteo in my fingertips but no where else. But because the swelling was so apparent he tested me for RA those came back negative also. Then sent me for a bone scan and low and behold I have mild to moderate osteo arthritis in all of my joints. Now to answer why a perfectly healthy 40 yr old female has that much arthritis. Then he asked the key question,.,. do you have any unusual rashes. My forearms have been raw and scaly for about 2 years, thought I was allergic to the cleaners we use at work. also had a rash on the back of my head in the hairline and was told it was a chemical reaction to bug spray and hair products. Now I had an answer Psoriatic arthritis. He sent me to a Rheumatologist who tested me for PA came back neg but since the signs were there started treatment. On the next test and all since then it has been there. I have a wonderful medical team. 2 here and 2 180 miles from here. I take a ton of medicine. I am now 43 years old finished raising my 6 kids and now have 3 granddaughters. I work full time overtime and have a side business. Yes I am exhausted but my Rhuematologist had me do a sleep study and I found out I rarely go into REM and never go into deep sleep. I also have mild sleep apnea. I will not say everything is perfect in my life I have days where morning stiffness last for an hour or two. I have days when I am so tired I can barely function. I have days when I feel like no one else is going through this. I also have friends and family and co-workers who have learned the days to comfort me and help me out and the days when to kick me in the butt and not let me give up. Just remember dont stop. for those of you with RA my daughters best childhood friend has juvenile RA and she will tell you the same thing. Good doctors, Good family, Good friends and a Good attitude go a long way. I am now having digestion problems probably caused by one of the medications. But it is okay my doctors are on it and I dont know what kind of strings they pulled but got me in to gastroentological clinic that takes months to get into in days. Just remember when things seem as bad as they can be. God or whoever or whatever you believe in would never burden you with more than you can bare. There is a lesson or a reason for everything even if it is just so you are able to help someone else.
Oh yeah forgot to mention. They found precancerous polyps in my Colon in November. They did remove those. Talk about dodging a bullet. If you just need someone to sound off to I am on facebook. just put a message that it has to do with arthritis or this post. I am an emergency dispatcher I make a pretty good sounding board
I just reread my story I submitted to you to help you know you are far from being alone with these diseases. I failed to enter that I to was one of my dear mother's care giver in her need for constant care as her alzheimer's progressed to where she couldn't even walk or feed herself. But she was still my mother and I'm glad I really tried to make here life as pleasant as possible. My four kids went to see her regularly and even helped if necessary. So many things in life can be so hard but you have to stop and smell the roses and know that you are doing the best that you csn. What you are doing is living life and that is what is most important. I'm thankf haul to God for my life, my children, husband, dad, my mother for the 74 years that I had her, and the rest of my family. I'm thankful to god for all that sweet, good people out there. And it wouldn't hurt to pray for something to make this stuff go away. One day at a time is all you have to do, and if that is hard, one hour at a time. Concentrate on what is necessary, and divide tasks up and only do one task at a time. I know you with small children and infants are busy since I have four children (21, 23, 26, and 29). When I got RA, my youngest two boys were in first and third grades, my daughter was in sixth grade and my oldest son was in eighth grade. It was hard to get to their sports activities, keep up with the house, cleaning, groceries, laundry, cooking; even getting the occasional takeout was exhausting. So laugh when you can. I love comedies; one of the funniest movies I've seen is the Honeymooners. I'm going to go online and order my family and my dad a copy of it. Take good care of yourself; you belong to you. Take happiness where you can; no matter how trivial it may seem. There's nobody in the world just like you, and you deserve to take care of your illness with a good rheumatologist, talking to him and letting him know what's going on with you. Keep a journal so you can show him or her what's going on about the pain, sleep, and fatigue. He'll know more then if the meds he or she has you on are working. Don't ever, ever give up on yourself.
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2.test urine with a pool test kit for lack of magnesium, calcium, body ph
3. cider vinegar to redistribute calcium
4. 6 fish oil capsules day/will take 3 months to take effect
5. 2 c. milk before bed for melatonin that will help make human growth hormone during deep sleep cyle and repair body tissues
6. zinc, coconut oil to kill viruses of ra
7. potassium
8. brocolli and B12 for energy
i was diagnosed in 2007 with ra i started with chronic back pain then it started spreading to my ankles swelling and aching as tho i had a bad sprain etc.
kept going to drs he just put it down to multiple joint pains as im not a thin person but stocky , in the end he decided to send me for blood tests , which came back positive for ra ,,
im on all the tabs now plaquenil , sulfaasine and methotraxate and co codomol ,, i have about 2 good days a week then im off my feet with severe fatigue swellings pain in joints what really hurts me is that i cant run around with my young son and grandson i feel old lots of times i get so angry with myself for stupid things like dropping things its nice to share this with ppl as i know there are thousands who suffer and be nice to talk to them ,,
thanks for taking time to read this xxx
My neck and back are pretty well toast. Injuries when I was young and indestructible proved that I wasn't (indestructible, that is). I now have both Degenerative Disk Disease and Degenerative Joint Disease and was scheduled to have fusion surgery on 3 discs in my upper back - lower neck area until my neurosurgeon moved out of town. I have pretty much run the gamut of available medication for pain and have found the most relief with fentanyl patches and various opiod pills (currently hydromorphone). Nothing really completely kills the pain, and I think that is probably the root cause of my fatigue but the fatigue has always been the worst part of the RA for me. I was ADD/HD as a child with emphasis on the HD and I really hate being tired all the time. Of course all of this illness, along with husband #4 turning into an alcoholic (I really know how to pick 'em, don't I?) has caused me to lapse into some pretty severe bouts of depression, which has also required medication. Needless to say, I'm on a first name basis with my pharmacist, along with most of the pharm techs and clerks. Husband #4 has EXCELLENT health insurance, bless his heart and that relieves a lot of stress for me too. What this all comes down to is: LIVE ONE DAY AT A TIME! It's all that we are given. I recently started having falls for no apparent reason and am going through umpteen million tests with a wonderful neurologist. The fact that I may have either a seizure disorder or TIAs (itty bitty strokes) has really given me a dose of mortality that none of my other medical crises have. I have realized that we only are guaranteed today and right now. Not tomorrow, not 10 minutes from now, RIGHT NOW. Just live it. Thanks for reading my ramblings.....
http://www.drweil.com/drw/u/PAG00361/anti-inflammatory-food-pyramid.html
I have been on a no-sugar, yeast, dairy, gluten diet for about a year and it has greatly helped my pain not to mention losing 15 pounds without even trying! Eat lots of garlic, rosemary and tumeric. I was just put on Methotrxate last week but my pain was managed quite well before I went on the meds. Good luck to everyone! Hang in there.
Osteoarthritis - both knees & ankles, probably hips as well. Surgery to remove cartilage a little over a year ago; age 45. I am someone with a website of my own dedicated to people with disabilities, would love a banner to put up on my site for OA.
Meds cost a fortune; ouch. $179 a month is a bit (grin) more than the $8/mo. the VA wants for the things they can treat me for.
Civilian docs through Medicare, with associated paperwork and, 'enrollment periods,' that don't seem to recognize that people have health care issues all year round. AARP medical plan with no prescription drug coverage, health care reform at a stand still, and who knows? Maybe even knee replacements in the picture before too long; sigh.
Fun, fun, fun.
Tom.
Roseanna's miscarriage may not have been caused by RA but some RA medications can be a problem. I'm currently about to start on Humira but I can't take Methotrexate with it because I'm also going to a fertility clinic. As of a couple of days ago I stopped taking Plaquenil because it is no longer working. On Monday I spoke with my rheumy and he said Plaquenil can affect your cycles and can can prevent implantation. Seeing as my first fertility appt was on Friday I'm hoping I'll have more luck now without the Plaquenil! As for her cycles, chances are it's still her body recovering from the miscarriage. It can take a few months for your body to get back on track from that and maybe longer to heal with the RA. One reason she has probably been sick since then is because pregnancy can minimize RA symptoms but from everything I've read after the baby is born the pain will come back and often gets worse than it was before the pregnancy.
Good Luck
I also have arthritis which does not have the RA factor in my blood, though the symptoms are the same as RA. I have been on Methotrexate for a couple of years and it is brilliant.
Yes there are side effects (as there are with most medications including steroids) but these are monitored by routine blood tests. However there may be other reasons your doctor is reluctant to prescibe Methotraxate so I recommend you are referred to a rheumatologist as they specialise in this condition and would be able to explain the different drugs avalible to treat arthritis. Its a bit unfair for your doctor to refuse Methotrexate because they feel there are too many side effects, they are not the one who has to live with the condition. Good luck.
I was diagnosed with R.A. 16 years ago and at 51 I still feel mentally like I am in my 30's,,, sadly, my body will not allow it. Everyday is a battle, but please keep your mental outlook strong and keep happiness in your heart. It is practically impossible, I know. The number one thing is TAKE CARE OF YOUR BODY AND THE MESSAGES IT GIVES YOU. IF YOU MUST STOP WORKING AND GO ON DISABILITY, THEN BY ALL MEANS DO IT. Do not worry what others will think,,,,, the pain with R.A. is bad, but a Rheumatologist will help! After several years and different meds, we found my combination. What now works for me....I am on Humira, Methotrexate, and pain meds when the pain gets past the 0-10 point. If it were not for the insistence of a doctor who had me see a Rheumatologist 5 years ago, I cannot bear the thought of what today could have been like. Please, I hope someone reads this and finds out the necessary help and understanding medical personnel specializing in R.A. will give to you.There is hope and help! Have family members go with you to occasional R.A. check-ups, the doctor WILL help them understand your limits and abilities. I can go on and on, I will stop now. I hope this babbling has been help to someone who thought no hope was what life has to offer since being stricken with R.A..
Remember, TUNE OUT people who do not know, no matter what the relationship.
My condolences on your miscarriage--it is truly a loss and I wish you peace in working through it. From what I know personally, and what I researched before I had my son, RA shouldn't be an issue in getting pregnant. Your thyroid issues probably have more to do with fertility problems than RA. My advice would be to see your OB, a fertility specialist AND an endocrinologist (all working together) to get your cycle and your thyroid issues under control. Best of luck to you.
I'm so sorry that you've gotten double whammied like that. It sounds like you've reached your limit emotionally and need some help dealing with the lifestyle changes you've been dealt. I have RA and my grandmother has lupus so we collectively understand your pain. I get so angry sometimes, wanting the life that my friends and family have. I watch my sister cook a meal for 4 kids, clean the kitchen and do a load of laundry in 2 hours and I'm so envious. I have to prep my meals in the morning so that I don't have to be on my feet for so long later. It takes me at least 2-3 hours in the kitchen in the evening to get my 16-moth old fed, and the kitchen cleaned up afterward. I haven't the stamina for silmultaneous chores. It makes me feel inferior when people are asking why I haven't done this or that and I have no other answer but that I'm tired. I hope that your diseases are being treated with the aggression so that you can keep a good quality of life. You deserve that. I hope things get better for you.
I can certainly empathize with you. I've had RA since I was 7 years old, and its been a long road. I'm 30 now, and I have a 16-month old. The best advice I can give you is to stop trying to do it all. Don't give up, but remember that pace is your best friend. Don't ecpect to be able to be that Super Mommy machine that takes care of house, home, school, kids and work with the same ease as your friends and family do. Then take a deep breath and tell yourself that its okay. If you've had a sleep study done and feel that you're in need of a CPAP, that may be a solution. Honestly, the more sleep I get, the less productive I feel. It makes me more tired than when I just wake up tired and go with the flow of early a.m. inflammation and grogginess. I recommend that you take a look at your diet and try to cut out as much gluten as possible. Also, whole food vitiamins have really made a big difference in my energy/stamina level since I started taking them. Also, talk to your doctor about treating your disease with aggression to fight off the inflammation and slow the progression of the disease. If your disease is under control, you'll feel energized like you can almost taste the normalcy that you did when you were a kid. Hope this helps! Take care of yourselves, everyone!
i just feel like giving in on those days and it is hard to convince myself otherwise. it's rough, debilitating and chronic. it is hard to convey what it feels like or even compare it to something.
i am tired... plain and simple.
My name is marlena i am 25 years old i have been struggling with ilnes for a very long time 2 year ago they informed me that i have fibromyalgia. Then 6 months ago arthritis and deteriating disc in my back. I have a 4 year old son an 8 year old daughter and 12 and 15 year old step-sons my children are very active and i find it very hard to keep up at night i either cannot sleep at all and am exhausted the next dat from lack of sleep, or seem to sleep sound but wake up feeling worse that i had from no sleep. This is all very frustrating i feel i am to young to be having so many problems and cannot get any answers to try and help the situation as much as i try to stay strong for me my husband and my kids iys becoming quite hard. Just dont know whta else to do.
You must find a good Rheumatologist who can prescribe the right medication for your stage of Rheumatoid. The rest of your symptoms should resolve or at least improve with the right meds. I have had RA for about seven years and am currently on Methotrexate and Humira. They work really well for me. I also do regular water exercise as this keeps my joints moving without impact.
I have rheumatoid arthritis and believe it started after second child was born (I have four). The Doctor prescribed anti-depressant because they did a sleep test and I was not going into REM sleep. If you read about RA you will see that anxiety and depression are also symptoms of RA. I thought it was due to small children etc., but now believe it was because of RA that I was not sleeping. Hope this helps you.
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