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Rank: Newbie
Groups: Registered
Joined: 1/14/2010
Posts: 5
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Hi all
I have been feeling so well for a few months, which I think has lulled me into a false sense of security. All the drugs I am taking are working so well so it has come as a bit of a shock to be feeling so grim over the past few days.
I am in no pain with joints etc but I am just so tired. I wake up in the morning after a lousy night's sleep and just want to stay in bed. My energy levels are non existent and every time I sit down (which is frequently at the moment) I fall asleep. Is this a side effect of RA, one that I have not had before?
Also my eyes are 'gritty' and I keep on putting drops in the eyes which has an immediate effect but doesn't last long. At first I thought I had a bug, but nothing has evolved. My appetite is ok still but mentally I am really down at the moment. Sorry to be a misery.
Any advice?
Jill
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Rank: Advanced Member
Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/4/2009
Posts: 2,127
Location: Thornton Cleveleys
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Hi Jill Welcome to the forum but sorry to hear that you have RA. You are in the right place for lots of helpful advice and friendly support  I'm Lyn, had RA for 22 years and run the gamut of medications and surgical procedures! Currently on Enbrel, MTX, Prednisolone, Naproxen and a basket load of other bits and pieces! What are you taking at present? Pleased to hear that the drugs are working well for you but you do seem to have hit a sticky patch. Fatigue is a classic RA symptom and something most of have to cope with at some time. It could be that you are anaemic, another RA companion, and may be worth getting this checked by your GP, if it hasn't been done, as a course of iron may help. It may also be possible that you have a low grade infection which could be causing the significant tiredness. Dry eyes is another associated problem and you should be able to get something from your GP to help with this. Sometimes the over the counter preparations aren't sufficiently strong enough and as you say the relief doesn't last long. Please don't think you are a misery; this disease is all encompassing and can easily knock you for six and usually when you least expect it! Worth a visit to your GP to mention these problems and hopefully he can offer some help. Keep posting Jill and let us know how you are doing. Look forward to getting to know you better. Lyn x
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Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/3/2009 Posts: 1,582 Location: Oxfordshire
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Hi Jill,
I am sorry you're having such a hard time with the RA.. RA can cause dryness and soreness of the eyes. I have had this for a while and it isn't pleasant.
Anemia is also a symptom of RA so it is worth having the iron levels checked properly as there are about five different irons. It causes all kinds of nasty problems but mainly tiredness and jittery feelings.
Love,
Amanda
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Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/4/2009 Posts: 856
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Hi Jill -and welcome to the forum.
I went through a phase of having terrible fatigue when I was first diagnosed, but after a while it got better, and it hardly bothers me now. In the early days, just going out in the evening was enough to wipe me out for a few days. Like the others have said, it's all part of having RA. I saw my GP and was tested for folic acid- turned out I as deficient so I have been put on a supplement which has helped. Also- it's perfectly natural to feel down with RA as it's such a big change to have to cope with.Good to hear that the meds are working and the pain has subsided though. I can't comment on the eyes as I've never experienced it. I agree ith the others- it's worth talking to your GP.
Take care
Maria x
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Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/3/2009 Posts: 1,081
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Hi Jill
Sorry to hear that you are suffering from the dreadful fatigue. I find this the hardest symptom of all to deal with. I'm a bit rubbish at it actually:) so am afraid I can't offer any advice on how to deal with it. I also have very dry eyes and use Viscotears. I hope you start to feel better soon.
Julie
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Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/3/2009 Posts: 3,006 Location: Timperley
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Hi Jill
I'm like Julie - can't "do" the fatigue bit either. We're all different but I have had the fatigue from day one and it's never gone away, even with the correct meds. Most people, though, find it eases a lot with the corect meds, and I really hope you find this to be the case.
Take care
Love Jeanxxxx
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Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 2/18/2010 Posts: 1,098 Location: farningham kent
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Hi All
I m pleased the fatigue issue has come up, and was wondering if it was just me that I just don t have the energy at all. The up side being that I now sleep really well, which is something I really appreciate. I will now have a word with the GP on next next visit, 3 wks, about folic acid etc. I know this is said so often, but without all the support and helpful advice on here I really don t know where I would be now. Thanks to your all !
Love Julia x
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Rank: Advanced Member
Groups: Registered
Joined: 1/14/2010
Posts: 118
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Hi jill please do not feel bad about feeling down and tired at the moment that is all i am feeling. And it is causing plenty of fall out at home!! It is the nature of the beast and a very dreadful beast it is to. I hope that you will be feeling better soon Love Melanie
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Rank: Newbie
Groups: Registered
Joined: 1/14/2010
Posts: 5
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Hi everyone
Thanks so much for all the advice and kind thoughts about the fatigue that I have been experiencing over the past few days. I have been resting for a couple of days and (touch wood) are feeling a bit brighter. The eye problem has decreased as well so I am hoping that whatever I have been experiencing has run its course.
I am under no illusion that it will not reappear at any time but for the moment am feeling brighter.
It really helped just to be able to put my thoughts and feeling down on paper, so to speak! So once again thanks for raising my spirits when they were pretty low.
Love to all.
Jill
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Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/10/2009 Posts: 653 Location: Notts
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Hi Jill and welcome. I'm glad to hear that the fatigue is lessening, and your meds are working well. I find that I have to pace myself, and make sure I rest in between periods of activity.
Don't worry about posting on here when you feel down, we are here to "listen" and help through the bad times and good. So feel free to post if you feel like it, with bad news or good.
Lyn
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Rank: Advanced Member
Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/3/2009
Posts: 854
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Hi Jill,
Glad to see that you are feeling slightly better. Fatigue is one of the worst parts of this darned condition. It might be worth a visit to the optician. They are very good at suggesting the specific eye meds which would help your condition.
Eleanor x
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