I am not new to RA, but have questions that just don't make sense to me. I know that my doc said that RA causes fatigue, but I'm wondering what causes flare ups and how other people experience them. I have not had a flare up that was as bad as the first time it happened...it lasted months, I had horrid swelling from my knees to my groin, in my feet and my hands felt like a clydesdale had sat on them...

They still get stiff, but I seem to be experiencing ongoing fatigue right now but it's not obvious enough to tell if it's from the RA or am I just being lazy? My joints are hurting a little mroe, mostly my hips and a few spots in my back, but it's not nearly as bad as it's been.

I also have other health problems, narcolepsy, hypothyroid (post RAI) and a few other things that I refuse to allow my doc to write in my chart!:D I have enough problems thankyou...quit sticking more in there.

I have been trying the natural route since my mom died last year and have felt better, but lately I'm exhausted again. I just started a new job, I have a 4 year old with Aspergers and an 11 year old, both boys, and I'm turning into a spud! My couch has a lovely dent in it the size of me!

I don't want to go back on meds, I almost lost my eyesight due to one last summer and it made me ill for several weeks when I began taking it.

I'm just at a loss as to how to identify what is caused by what and what I can do about it.

I want to start exercising, but lets be honest, I'd have to get off the freakin' couch first and that just doesn't seem likely to happen! Someone, anyone, any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thankyou.............Angel

Hi,
I am so sorry that you are experiencing such fatique, I have severe RA and am finally on a new medication called Orencia which is an infusion once a month along with pain medication regimine that is working! Please talk to your Rheum. there are so many medications that can really help, it is just a matter of finding the one that is right for you. I tried many with no help than I started this one 2 month ago and I am feeling better. Most Drs. don't believe in giving pain medication along with the Rheum thereapies but for me it is helping tremendously! I also am in the warm pool at the rec center and
have PT. There will be times when you need the rest, listen to your body and when you need ro rest then rest, don't feel quilty because depression can set in when there is so much pain. This board is wonderful it allows us to vent and for others to helpus through the tough days. Don't sit there in pain
talk to your doctor and if they are not receptive then find another. I wish you the best!
Debbie

Hey Angel...

I, too, have a best friend in the couch! It's very hard to motivate oneself to exercise when its close to 100 degrees outside! Let's face it...its hard to motivate oneself to exercise period!

Have you tried any yoga or pilates? Gentle stretching and pretty gentle on the joints once you find the exercises that you like. The problem is you have to experiment with the positions that you can do. Sort of trial and error. Do some research and see if it interest you.

Take care and good luck!
Joe

Another problem I'm having is brain fog...I can't seem to stick to something unless it's spelled out in triplicate in idiot terms! I feel as if I need someone over my shoulder reminding me to do everything and it's driving me insane. I was doing so well at the beginning of the summer, but that has seemed to change and it's aggrivating me.

I feel like a lump, look like a tater!:p And to top it off, the last several weeks, when I eat, I feel nauseated and not only get to the point I don't want to eat, I'm too tired to eat...ya know, takes too much dang energy to put the food in my mouth and then have to go to the effort of chewing and swallowing!:D I am at the point where I'm lucky to be able to breathe and blink at the same time...okay, that was seriously overly-dramatic, but I'm sure many of you understand.

I also don't have a rheum, as I have no insurance and can barely pay the bills as it is. We don't qualify for help because we are just above the income brackets that will allow for any aid, yet not enough money to pay for this out of pocket. I already pay for too much out of pocket and have to cut costs wherever possible. It bites.

Anyone tried any natural remedies that have worked to perk up the energy? I have tried ginko (no luck), no doz and took a nap, etc. I just don't know which health problem to tackle first. The pain isn't too bad right now, it's just the fatigue and brain fog.

Thanks for the help...it's much appreciated.

I have RA and was very anemic along with it. Once I got my anemia back up and in the normal range I could tell a big difference in the way I felt. More energy and even slept better. So you might need an iron supplement if you are anemic.

Hmm. I'm only 15 and I know I just get really tired and exhausted sometimes and just want to sleep and sit around...esp. when I was in school and sports...I do think it is fatigue from my RA. But sitting around on the couch when I have a flare-up makes me stiffer and my joints usually loosen up a bit when I start moving around and doing stuff. But they still do hurt. Hey now I use Iceland Health Joint Releif Formula with Omega-3 and Iceland Collagen GHA...thats more specifically for joint pain but they do sell Maximum Strength Omega-3 which is good for increased energy, better memory, and arthritis pain and inflammation relief...blah blah blah blah and all this other good stuff. $50 a bottle though.