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Do you get pain and exhaustion after exercise?

Every time I do strenuous exercise, be it exercise class or ride in a bouncy, bumpy boat or car I pay for it. I can't sleep because of pain. Then the Terrible Exhaustion takes over until i start taking large amounts of Prednisone to keep me out of the TE. Magazines, Doctors a d friends all say "just exercise" you will get over this RA stuff. Happen to you?

  1. To some extent I do. Certainly I do not have the same stamina as I used to have. I have found that moving is a self improvement activity. I am not perfect by any means, but I have found over time that movement is a good way to lubricate my joints. I hope you continue moving.

    1. Thanks for the information. When I ride in a car that is going over a very bumpy road or in a boat over rough water, I am out of commission for three or four days. It shocks me because I try to work around the house all the time. I walk whenever the body lets me. But one rough ride and I’m in.a flare. Back on Prednisone. Hope it doesn’t get you like that. Again thanks. Northlake

      1. Hi northlake. First, I'd like to point out that RA is an autoimmune disease and thus exercise will not make one simply get over it. Don't get me wrong, as discussed in this article, exercise is important in helping to keep up one's strength and control RA: https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/living/exercise-move-your-body-every-day/. You mention prednisone, but no other medications. Are you seeing a rheumatologist and taking any other medications? This article gives an overview of RA treatments: https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/treatment/. As Rick mentioned, RA can certainly take a bit out of stamina and cause fatigue. Treatment can helps some with that, but in addition there is the issue of pacing oneself. One of our contributors, an occupational therapist, wrote this guide to pacing: https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/living/shifting-gears-a-guide-to-pacing/. Hope this information proves helpful and know that this community is here for information and support. Best, Richard (RheumatoidArthritis.net Team)

        1. Thank you so much for your help. I am on Remicade infusion every four weeks, small daily maintenance amount of prednisone and hydroxchloroquine, folic acid and pain meds. A cocktail of meds. I am prescribed these by my rheumatologist, who is great.
          Again, thank you I wish you the best. Northlake

      2. Thank you for your thoughts. I agree with you. Its the physical jarring that seems to get me. Again, thank you so much. Wishing you well. Northlake

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