RA and Boredom
Does anyone else ever deal with the boredom that comes with having RA? The past few days I have been trying to be active, walking the dog, running errands, cooking, but today I hit the RA wall. You know the one. You wake up and you’re already exhausted. Just the thought of doing even the simple things feels overwhelming. You end up parked on the couch staring at the tv but you aren’t even enjoying the program. Or you try to read but even that takes up too much energy. For me this is one of the worst side effects of having a chronic illness. Yes, there are things I could be doing but I am just too tired to accomplish anything today. I know it’s my body telling me I need to rest and I will regret not obeying its command. It’s just sometimes with RA I feel like so much time is wasted just having to rest and take it easy especially on days when the weather is beautiful. Do the rest of you go through this? How do you handle it?
Yes, I understand that type of boredom. For me it is totally wrapped up in fatigue and feels like very low motivation. It's the days my brain and body both feel tired and achy. If it is mostly self-limiting, and just means taking a day off now and then, I just try to accept it. I rest. And try to seek out conversations with loved ones for diversion. I may try to sit outside or go for a drive. I think if it hangs on for a long time it may be a sign it is time to evaluate if treatment is adequate. It's important to note, if it settles in for awhile, it may also be a symptom of depression.
I try to make a point to getting into the pool that or the next day - it really helps me. It's taken me a long time to truly establish an every other day pool routine. I notice now when I am walking away the thought "that felt good" rises to the top of my mind. And that it feels really good after a day of rest. Exercise is so tricky for us. I know I have to expend energy to make energy, but I also need to heed the warning signs for when rest is mandatory. I'm Hoping you get the rest you need and can move well on the other days, JoHi, it’s nice to hear from someone else who knows this feeling. It only lasted a couple of days and I’m back to walking in the mornings which helps with all the symptoms even the depression. The pool always feels great! Enjoy. the pool and swimming are THE BEST! I swim pretty much every day. I tell myself even if I can’t do 30 laps, maybe I can do 20, and if not 20, I can do 10, and can do some pool yoga and stretching. The pool and swimming have saved me, mentally and physically.
I have had another autoimmune disease for 15 years before recently being Dx with RA too. My doctor told me at the time with the other disease (which also causes fatigue) to REST on those days. He told me to STOP trying to push through. Best advice ever.
Yes, I understand totally!!! Along with several other autoimmune conditions and allergies, I know that draggy, so-tired feeling. 
Hi
. Yes, autoimmune conditions love to piggyback on each other. Our patient leader Nan wrote about comorbidity overload here: https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/living/comorbidity-care-team. If you look at the bottom of each page you will find the listing of all our sister-sites, including a number of autoimmune conditions and one for allergies at https://allergies.net/. Know that people here understand the fatigue. Best, Richard (Team Member)
Yes, it is one of those things that seems to escalate: one autoimmune disease, then another. I'm running out of patience these days with very low energy levels along with this year's intense seasonal allergies (no, it doesn't rain in Seattle ALL the time😀 Along with celiac disease, fibromyalgia, Hashimoto's thyroid disease, and the list goes on, I'm just grateful for meds, IV's, etc. to somewhat control my RA.
I hear you. It's like an unwanted collection that keeps growing—one autoimmune disease after another. Who knew our bodies could be such overachievers in the worst possible way? Managing celiac disease, fibromyalgia, Hashimoto's thyroid disease, and more feels like an extreme sport at this point. At least we have meds and IVs to help keep the RA somewhat in check. Cheers to modern medicine for that little silver lining, right? Hang in there and all the best to you on your journey. -Latoya (Team Member)
