Hi All,

I wondered if anyone can advise me, you know the story with my dad, well I have been at his house all week and very busy and extremely stressed. Yesterday I found myself exhausted and my legs were sort of achey and tired, I can't put into words how this felt but I was glad when I got to my bed. They felt the same this morning, even after a long lie. But I took most of the day for myself, and relaxed in my spa bath for a time and felt a bit better after that. I also got cream from my daughter for tired legs, this helped too. Plus I had a stockinette which I was given from the hospital, I cut it in two and put it on each lower leg. It was fine when I went over to see dad later for a while but I feel it again now and it is wearing me down a bit. I felt something like this when I was first diagnosed but I was never sure if it was fatigue.

A few weeks ago my life was peaceful, now it has turned on its head and I am stressed and run off my feet. Really hope this leg thing is not going to be a problem to me.

Thank you for reading.

Lorna x

Hello Lorna

Sorry to hear that your legs are playing up. I do think it is the extra work you have been
given with with looking after your Dad and the stress this is bringing. I do get achy legs
and feet if I have been on my feet too long. The only way it subsides is to elevate my
legs totally.

Try and rest if you can and please be careful.

Rose

Hi Lorna, I know the feeling too, sort of as if I'm trying to walk through treacle and i just long to lie in bed and let the matress take the strain. I can cry from fatigue sometimes too. Whoever finds a remedy for fatigue will be my hero forever.

Hi Lorna

It sounds like it could be 'Restless Leg Syndrome' which is a very common travelling companion in people with RA and related diseases. I get it frequently and especially when I have been gadding about. It can produce unpleasant side effects, most of which you don't seem to have fortunately. My GP prescribed Amitriptyline, which he recommended as a drug which helps to settle the nerves. I took it until recently but have given up as I seem to have acquired a number of side effects from the drug! I'll sit with my feet up more often!!

However, with all the stress you are under it could be fatigue, and possibly the early signs of a flare. I think if I was you I might get an appointment with your GP, or better still Rheumy Nurse, just for some advice and reassurance.

Hope things improve soon Lorna,

Lyn x

Hi All,

Thank you for the replies, I saw dad yesterday evening after a lazy Saturday, I really spoiled myself. Today I have totally did the bare necessities and sat most of the day with my feet up. I did not get up till lunchtime and have really taken things easy. I prepared a meal earlier so I was off the hook the rest of the day. My legs feel a little better and I have kept in contact with dad by phone. My brother and his family were up this evening so he has had company, and feels quite good in himself.

Ken is still not well. He spent the day in his den listening to his favorite music and Mhairi was happy playing the guitar and listening to her music in her bedroom. That left me to please myself so my afternoon was spent watching movies on Sky armed with a lovely glass of Grenache Rose and now I am about to have another. I normally sleep very well and waken feeling refreshed but the wine will make me even more sleepy tonight

I have been to hell and back this week stress wise, but I can slow down when I need too. I live in fear of ever being as bad as I was again. I felt the legs were a warning so I have acted on it, I am also seeing the doctor tomorrow so I will mention it to him. I have spoken to my brothers to help a little more and not leave it all to me. Hopefully they will help a bit more. Dad is a bit better and he is quite capable to manage in between.

Off now to enjoy another glass of Rose

Thank you for your kindness

Lorna xx

Hi Lorna,

Glad you've been able to have a relaxing day with plenty of time to spoil yourself, just what you need!
I hope your brothers will give you a bit more help now that they have seen what the stress can do to you!
Hope your husband gets better soon too.

Love, Doreen xx

Hi Lorna,

Hope your legs have settled. I still ocassionally get restless leg syndrome it is a really annoying condition especially when you are really tired and the legs are playing up. I found that a cooling gel from the body shop wasn't too bad or just put a cold flannel on them.

I know life is very stressful for you at the moment but so pleased that you understand your body well and know when to slow down.

Stay strong.

Anne x

I too have suffered this - and like Kathryn - find the only way it stops/reduces - is to lie flat!

I know - a bit difficult in the middle of the day but gladly for me - I have only suffered at the end of the day but have had to 'retire early' to be able to cope! very restrictive on the socialising front

It really is very uncomfortable and yet another thing we have to deal with!!!!