Conversation of the Week: Managing Fatigue Due to RA: Tips, Questions, & More
Hi! So this week we are talking about managing fatigue with RA. Fatigue is one of the most insidious parts of living with chronic illness and it can be a beast to manage. It is unpredictable and you never know when that exhaustion is going to hit and make you want to stay in bed all day!
It's so bad because it has three parts - exhaustion, increased energy drain, and lack of motivation. All three add up together exponentially to make things that much harder when you are dealing with the normal physical pain, fevers, and general malaise of RA.
Some of the ways I manage it are getting enough sleep, making sure I don't take on too much, and, frankly, always having at least a preliminary back-up plan in case I get hit with the fatigue hard and can't perform! I also have to remind myself that whatever I can do is enough. After all, if you can only give 40% on one day and you give 40%, then, technically, you gave it your all!
What do you think of RA fatigue? What are some ways you manage and cope with it?
I find, managing my fatigue to be the hardest part of my RA, coupled with fibromyalgia, and chronic migraines, sometimes it seems impossible to find a balance. I finally have accepted that some days will just be low days. But even on the worse days, I try to do something for me. Take a long bath, wash my face, watch my favorite show. I am learning that most of my life, I have struggled with unrealistic expectations from myself. It is okay if dishes are in the sink, or laundry sits in a pile. Sometimes it really is just one day at a time.
I think that's a great way to help offset the sharp edge of fatigue - doing something for yourself each day. I also do that and usually reserve some time after dinner for just that - doing something for me that is purely for relaxation and enjoyment. It helps both physically and mentally! Thanks for checking in! Keep on keepin' on, DPM 
Hi
. I just noticed that you mentioned chronic migraine. I don't know if you are aware that we have a sister-site for migraine at https://migraine.com/. There you can find the same level of information and support for migraine as you find here for RA. Wishing you the best. Richard (RheumatoidArthritis.net Team)
Energy drain, bingo! I’ve learned if I get half my to do list done I’m satisfied. There’s always tomorrow. Being in my late 60’s also has to do something with it. I’ve also noticed the switch from warmer weather to colder damp weather impacts my pain levels.
I think for me that the change in seasons had affected my pain as well. When it happened this year, I remembered that it had last year too! As for the fatigue, it’s wily! Just when I think that I made it through the day, it creeps up on me to remind me!
Good luck with it all!Yes, weather certainly makes it worse here as well. Too cold in the winter is bad, but I can get warm. In the summer, though, when it's hot and humid, that really makes me not want to even move! You are not alone! Keep on keepin' on, DPM
I find that smoking quality cannabis (POT)- (LEGAL, right?) is most helpful of all, after 70 years with 52 yrs. experience. No jokes here. Helps manage constant pain and enables me to move on each day.
You know, it's about to be legal here in New York and dispensaries are opening up this week I think. I always thought to give it a shot but I wasn't sure. It may be something that I try to look into! Thanks for the tip! Keep on keepin' on, DPM I SMOKE EVERY DAY AS SOON AS I COME HOME FROM WORK 12 NOON
