Comments on: What Causes the Rheumatoid Arthritis Fatigue?

By: Becky

Becky — Sun, 22 Apr 2012 21:02:09 +0000

I was diagnosed with RAD in Aug. of 2010.( My first symptoms began on June 10th 2010) I started Enbrel in Sept. 2010. Relief was almost immediate which was somewhat of a surprise to my Rheumy because my CCP level was over 250 -off the charts.
Because I was having an increase in symptoms she put me on Methotrexate , starting with 3 tabs, then increased to 4. I still was having mild symptoms so she increased them to 5. Thats when my symptoms escalated ESPECIALLY the fatigue –which had been a very mild issue. I went back to three tabs last night.So far today, none of the horrendous exhaustion and fatigue. For me, Methotrexate seems to be the culprit. Of course it could just be the disease, but the fatigue and feeling Really bad starts the day after I take the Methotrexate and eases later in the week.

By: Jessamyn

Jessamyn — Sun, 22 Apr 2012 04:55:25 +0000

I am a nursing student. I am not positive, but I believe the fatigue experienced by RA patients is due to the fact that the ERP (erythrocyte sedimentation rate) is increased during inflammation. So, during chronic inflammation like that experienced during RA, a lot of red blood cells, or erythrocytes, are lost. This means, among other things, that there are fewer red blood cells available to carry oxygen to the tissues. This results in hypoxia. So it seems to me that the fatigue is actually a symptom of hypoxia due to inadequate oxygen deliver because of anemia caused by the increased destruction of red blood cells by the body.

By: EmilieCole

EmilieCole — Mon, 27 Feb 2012 01:43:37 +0000

This was exactly the question I was asking myself today. I agree that this is almost more difficult a symptom to deal with than the pain. It is hard to explain to anyone else this feeling of being “unplugged” from your energy source and how previously simple every day activities take so much out of you that you want to return right to bed after just getting started. And many of the medications used to fight RA, like prednsisone and methotrexate, seem only to make fatigue worse. I certainly hope one day to feel my “get up and go” hasn’t departed for good.

By: Kelly Young

Kelly Young — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 00:10:05 +0000

Most people don’t take medication for it, but some doctors have tried as you see here – also there may be supplements, even vitamin deficiencies that can end up being part of the puzzle – every single little bit can help with fatigue or brain-fog.

By: ladyj

ladyj — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 21:36:50 +0000

And yes fatigue is probably one of the worse symtoms – especially when you have to work. Where do we stand as far as disability goes or getting permission from employers for a nap:)

By: ladyj

ladyj — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 21:32:33 +0000

I had no idea they made something for the brain-fog. This is only my second post. I just found the site yesterday and can’t stop reading. It feels so good not to be alone – with the “RAD” Thanks to all of you and your post and May God Bless each of you!

By: Belinda Langley RN

Belinda Langley RN — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 19:00:03 +0000

I started taking a med for brain fog about a year ago. My doctor said that he takes it on mornings after being on call. Because I am a shift worker, it was covered by my insurance. I take Nuvigil and one of my colleagues takes Provigil. I only take 1/2 tab before I go to work. (a whole tablet seems to cause a headache) It does seem to help and though they say it doesn’t interfere with sleep, it does with me if I take it too late.

By: Hobnob

Hobnob — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 15:53:26 +0000

It is important for me to stick to my Fatigue rules:
* Early to bed an rise at same time daily
* Eat healthy breakfast an hour after rising
* Have a double-shot cappucino between 11am and noon
* Eat protein packed lunch at 1pm (forget being overweight – that’s just a side-effect of having RA
* Take some gentle exercise as outlined by physiotherapist
* Try to get an hours nap after exercise
* Try to get out for a ‘walk’ to get fresh air & vitamin D
* Use Internet to keep in touch with fellow RAers
* Take enough pain-relief (stick to the prescribed doses and ensure I have enough Oral Morphine if needed.

By: dldg

dldg — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 03:05:19 +0000

Kelly…my pain is partially under control because of the meds, and it is SO much better than before I started treatment. I guess pain in one form or another is a constant in our lives, it’s just some days are worse than others. I lived w/ FMS for years before it finally morphed into RA, but it seems like the least effort wears me out so dog gone much. A simple thing like “doing” the Mall with my sister for a couple hours exhausts me! I know one of my problems is the fact that I try to do too much. I’m sure you’re familiar with that particular malady! It seems to me you are a real go getter that pushes through fatigue and pain to do what you need to do. Maybe many of us who have RA are afflicted with that problem. We remember who we “were” and want to keep being that person. But I guess that is for another, more philosophical, discussion!

By: Kelly Young

Kelly Young — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 23:51:24 +0000

Saying which is worse pretty much depends on the experience. When you have non-stop pain that never drops below a 6 or 7, it’s hard to say the fatigue is worse. But in others, the pain is much less or even those like you said you are actually “pain free” at times – of course the fatigue is worse. It varies by patient and in the same patient over time. Maybe change is some relief. I don’t know though – my pain is constant. At least my fatigue is not.