Hi All

Over the last couple of months I have been suffering from chronic fatigue. I can sleep for England but still get up every morning feeling absolutely drained. I had to go and see my GP last week for a medication review and mentioned how tired I felt. My joint pain has also been increasing over the last few weeks to the point I dread getting out of bed in the morning as everything hurts all the time. I am on my third anti-tnf, Methotrexate and lots of other medication so I was wondering if the anti-tnf was no longer doing its job. I was also wondering if I am starting to go through the Menopause as I was 50 this year. My GP suggested that firstly she would do some blood tests, including checking my Vitamin D levels which I last had done 8 months ago.

On Friday I had a phone call from my GP who said that my Vitamin D levels were almost non existent and I need an urgent very strong course of Vitamin D. She said this could be the cause of my extreme tiredness and also the joint pain. So not everything may be down to RA.

I must admit I very rarely get near the sun (when it is out). Since starting Methotrexate I have become extremely sensitive to the sun and have to wear factor 50 most days and even on winter days as I also suffer from rosacea.

Just a word of caution if you are suffering similar symptoms and have not had your levels checked.

Jackie
xx

Hello Jackie
That is really interesting.
Sorry you have bad fatigue.
When I was first diagnosed I bought vitamin d tablets for the winter, when they ran out I didn't bother.
It is really interesting factor for me to have a chat to rheumy nurse next week.
Take care Jackie.
Sending you gentle hugs
Jane
Xxx

Hi Jackie

I'd done a little research before seeing my Rheumy chap. I'd read about RA and vitamin D. I was prescribed 'One-Alpha' vitamin D and quickly noticed an improvement with the fatigue issue, not gone completely but much better. I now never miss my vit D pill each morning and get sunshine whenever possible.

I hope the intense vitamin D therapy will help you as much as it did me.

Fingers (metaphorically) crossed. x



Angie

Hi All

Thank you for your lovely replies. Not an uncommon problem by the looks of it.

Jean so lovely to see you posting again. I am pleased that your knee operation has been a success and was so glad to see you have been attempting a little walk.

I very rarely post on the other forum as I don't feel comfortable after being shouted out by another member. I pm Amanda regularly and read all of your posts avidly.

Fatigue a little better today. The worst pain at the moment is in the ribs under my right boob. I was fitted with a bra at M & S without the underwire but even this is not helping. I feel as if I want to knock my rib back into or out of position as it hurts so much. Luckily I have a physio session tomorrow so will mention it and see if there is anything I can do to help.

Take care

Jackie
xx

Hi Jackie, great to be in touch again. I'm gob smacked that you were shouted out of the other forum. I've missed loads on there as I'm not always up to using the iPad. So sorry this happened to you. I'm getting more mobile and can now get into the car which is wonderful. Nine weeks in hospital plus 6months in a toe to groin plaster cast minus a Knee just about finished me off but I'm tough! Take care xxx

I took vit D for a while and it did help :)

Pole polished Paula and ready for action. Need some new tassels though ; ) are u OK?

I've even stuck glitter on my pole dancing wellies, Anne. They look amazing! Waiting for Jenni to choose me some new tassels ;)

tassles?

heeehhehehhehe

thanks Jackie,

very interesting as we take fatigue as part and parcel of RA.

i will either ask my GP or at my next Rheumy appointment, fatigue is the main thing i suffer with RA wise .. so i can't complain, but if it could be improved then it's worth asking about.

Suzanne x