Fatigue

Thanks so much for reaching out with your question! I certainly understand your frustration with the fatigue. In addition, here are a couple suggestions about managing fatigue through your treatment plan: https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/living/managing-ra-related-fatigue.

We're glad you're here and encourage you to continue reaching out anytime you have a question or experience you'd like to share! All the best, Tamara

I thought I was the only one! I didn't realize fatigue was part of my RA. I have to work physical 10+ hour shifts but after about 3 or 4 hours (no matter how much rest) I almost can't go on. I'm only 54 and still have a ways to retirement. I was going to talk to my doctor about it but I don't want to be prescribed some kind of addictive, mind numbing meds.

Hi Chic1,

I'm sorry to hear that your symptoms are causing you these challenges, and I can most certainly relate. I do encourage you to talk to your rheumatologist, as it's possible there is a treatment plan that could improve your quality of life. While pain medications are a part of some people's RA treatment plans, rheumatologists strongly prefer to prescribe medications that decrease the occurrence of symptoms, rather than treating them after they already take place. In fact, my rheumatologist won't prescribe pain medications for me, so nothing I am on is addictive or impairs my cognition ("numbs my mind"😉.

Another important reason to discuss the severity of your symptoms with a rheumatologist is because RA is a degenerative disease, meaning that, untreated, it gets progressively worse over time. Once joint damage occurs, it cannot be restored. However, there are medications that can prevent it from taking place in the future.

In addition, some people are able to decrease their symptoms through non-medication methods such a decreasing stress, eliminating certain foods from their diet, and alternative therapies. While there has not been a diet or alternative therapy that helps every individual with the disease, some people have had very positive results.

Here is some information about treatment options for RA, including both medical and alternative therapies: https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/treatment/. Here is information about diet and nutrition: https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/diet-and-nutrition/.

Please continue to reach out any time you have questions or experiences you'd like to share. I hate that you're having a hard time, but am glad you're part of our community and hope we can be of some support to you.

Gentle Hugs, Tamara

Lately, fatigue has become my biggest issue. I'm sitting here with tears in my eyes because I feel so much depression. Not long ago I had 4 days of feeling better and more energy. My husband and I went for walks, and I actually felt like doing things (such as simply going out to eat). No one I know understands, which makes it harder. I can tell I'm spiralling down. Seems like everything I eat is wrong, and my diet is wrong from what I read. I also have lactose intolerance and gastritis which limits me even more. I've seen 2 nutritionist, but they haven't been effective in helping me. I tell myself I'll figure it out, but I don't know who to turn to. I've tried to figure things out on my own, but my mind just can't comprehend it all. I'm really tired of fighting this battle after almost 20 years. Wish I could help, but I can't help myself. Donna