research on fatigue
I'm less than a year into this journey. In that time, I have had two bouts with extreme fatigue that literally make me feel as if the life is being sucked out of me--it completely derails my life. My rheumatologist somewhat defeatedly shared with me that they do not know a lot about fatigue and that what was the extent of the conversation. WHY NOT!? This, for me, is a million times worse than any pain/disfigurement I have experienced. Can someone, anyone please point me in the direction of valid research and/or a rheumatologist who is addressing this component of RA?
Hi kingkatekong. Fatigue absolutely may be the most insidious aspect/symptom of RA for exactly the reasons you mention - no one has a lot of information on what causes it or how to treat it. Systemic treatments that help with the overall inflammation are thought to be the best for helping with the fatigue, but again the exact link between the inflammation and fatigue is unknown. This article from our editorial team looks at the basics of fatigue and treatment: https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/symptoms/fatigue-and-weakness/. In addition, this article from one of our contributors expounds on the complex nature and lack of treatment: https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/living/ra-fatigue-complex-poorly-understood/. I wish I had some better information for you and hopefully some others in the community can chime in with some thoughts. As research further narrows down the systemic causes of RA and other autoimmune conditions, hopefully some more direct treatments for fatigue will result. Wishing you the best. Richard (RheumatoidArthritis.net Team)
