RA and Fatigue

Is it normal to experience fatigue as a symptom of RA? I was dx over a year ago and lately I have periods of extreme fatigue at times, so much so my cardiologist had me do an echo, bloodwork and EKG (all normal) to make sure my heart is still healthy ( which it is). I can exercise 45 minutes a day on a treadmill before I have to stop due to pain in my knees and ankles, but sit still for a few minutes and I get very fatigued.

I'm new to this forum and just looking for some input. Thanks in advance.

Jon

[daisy315]

I was dx with RA in April of this year affecting only my hands and feet,I have no obvious swelling just stiffness around my small joints, I am finding the fatigue far more difficult to cope with than the pain some days all I want to do is sleep,it almost feels like constant jet lag,other days I am fine but I truly don't get many good days as far as feeling "wiped out" is concerned so I can sympathise with you on this,mine is so bad some days I wonder if I actually have CFS as well ......  

Daisy

[txsilver]

Welcome to the forum, Jon!  Glad to have you here.  Ans you too, Daisy.  Yes, fatigue comes with RA free of charge.  At times it can be the more debilitating of all symptoms.  I have it too.  I can say that the fatigue seems to get better as you get a treatment plan that works, but so far it has not gone away.  I function better, but I am not well.  We continue to tweak the drugs I take hoping for a remission.  I think it would go much better if I respected my limitations instead of pushing the envelope like I tend to do.  
What meds are you two taking?  Are your doctors working with you to adjust your meds?

[daisy315]

I am not takin any meds at present aside from painkillers as according to my Rheumatologist the only two availbale are Sulfasalzine which I am allergic to and Methotrexate which I admit to being scared of due to it's toxicity and chances of contracting something even worse than RA ....
What are your thoughts on Medication I would interested to hear what you think and whether I am overreacting to the prospect of taking MX ..... the fatigue is really getting me down now much more than the pain.

Thank You
Daisy

[transuster]

Hi, Daisy

I understand your concerns and fears of unnecessary side effects from meds. I was managed for over 5 years on Plaquenil (possible retinopathy -- so you must be see eye dr 2x / year).  But I was able to incorporate exercise into my daily routine which enabled me to lose over 100 pounds and ease the joint discomfort.  I no longer had to transport in a wheelchair.  Yes it was that bad! Ask your doctor and good luck;-)

[nixh]

Hi

Don't worry that much about the methotrexate. It does have a lot of side effects but it doesn't mean you will get all of them. I was on it for a year up to the highest dose of 10 pills per week. Only side effects I got was a bit of hair loss. Didn't leave me bold just thinned my hair. The doctor will monitor your liver through regular blood work and if there is a problem they will be able to stop it in time. Talk to your rheumy and make sure he/she explains everything in detail too you.

Good luck!

[txsilver]

I agree with nixh.  Truth is, all drugs have side effects and there are dangers with them all.  I am on plaquenil, methotrexate, folic acid (an absolute must if you are on mtx), relafen, darvocet and flexeril.  It was only after I started the injections of MTX that I got some relief from the fatigue.  The mtx pills were just too hard on me - more side effects.  
My perspective on the meds is that sometimes the benefits outweigh the risks.  Before I went on MTX, I had a very low quality of life, with MTX it is dramatically improved.
It also took going to the mtx injections for me to feel like I could exercise a little.  I am still working on that as I was down for 2 years.  I am building endurance and working on increasing my activity level.  
It sounds like transuster achieved remission which is awesome.  I hope we all get there soon.  In the mean time, do what you can and work within your boundaries.  Over exertion can throw you back into flare and doing the wrong exercises can do more harm than good.  Walking, swimming, some yoga are good options for arthrtis.
Keep us posted on how you are doing!