Lupus Support Group

Lupus is an auto-immune disease in which the immune system cannot distinguish between threats (like viruses and bacteria), and healthy cells and tissue. As a result, the body produces antibodies that inflict cell damage, most commonly targeting joints, skin, kidneys and the nervous system. Join the group and find support for coping with lupus.

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Muscles & Bones
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Fatigue

StephH77
StephH77
Just need to vent a little.....I have been increasingly tired the last week or so. Exhausted is more accurate. I sleep well every night, usually 9-10 hours, (thank god my little one sleeps 11 hours!!), but I wake up just as tired if not more tired than when I went to sleep. It just feels like such a deep, bone-tired kind of feeling. Does this make sense? Have you ladies experienced this as well? If so, what helps? Now that am somewhat used to being back to work part-time, I hope that I will be able to start exercising soon, so hopefully that will help (if I can find the energy to do it!).

Still not diagnosed, but this fatigue is worrisome and makes me think it is more likely that I have some autoimmune problem. Thanks for listening!
deleted_user
deleted_user
YES. It sucks. And unfortunately (for me, at least) exercise makes it worse, especially if you over-do it. When I am feeling relatively good, I am able to go on short walks and do some basic strengthening exercises, but last week I walked with my daughter (preschool-age) while she rode her bike, and it ended up being too much and I was in a lot of pain and very tired for the next two days. Lesson learned... again... it's just so easy to do too much when you can only handle a tiny bit.
deleted_user
deleted_user
I can totally relate to how you are feeling. It's awful! Like you, I'm still not diagnosed either but the fatigue is very overwhelming and personally I find exercise makes that and my joint pain a lot worse.
Sorry I don't have any advice but just wanted to let you know that you're not alone. I hope you are able to progress towards a diagnosis soon.
tazesmom
tazesmom
the fatigue is awful,so far I have not found anthing that helps I hope someone has an idea,its one of my main complaints to the doctor,he hasn't help except prednisone and 50lbs later I am trying to stay off it,good luck,rest when you can
deleted_user
deleted_user
Have you ever had a seep study? Some people are in bed for several hours and wake exhausted with sleep issues. Things like sleep apnea where you aren't awake enough to know you have it. It can really do a number on your immune system.Some people experience waking up to go to the bathroom at night as a symptom of sleep apnea. Others snore loudly. Some people can fall asleep during the day at the drop of a hat.
(and so on)
deleted_user
deleted_user
I'm with you girl. I drive by my gym everyday and wish I would feel well enough to get to it. Sometimes I tell myself I'm going but it doesn't happen. I have not found single thing to help with the fatigue. I get a monthly B-12 shot, take a daily B-complex and nothing... Been on plaquenil 8 days now and HOPE it helps at some point. I love rockstar sugar free drinks but since I'm having heart stuff going on I can't drink them. Try a B-complex if you're not already taking one. I can't imagine how horrid I would feel without it. Hope this helps. Happy V-day!!
deleted_user
deleted_user
I'm with you. I am exhausted a good majority of the time. As someone stated below sleep apnea can be a big cause of fatigue and most people don't even know they have it. However, I don't believe that to be the case with me as my fatigue comes in spurts. I take 2000mg of vitamin C a day, a prenatal (as we are going to start trying again soon) and a vitamin B complex. I have no time to exercise right now but plan to do so starting in the spring.
deleted_user
deleted_user
Be mindful of temperature a couple degrees cooler sometimes helps.But then you get used to it so its a double edged sword.
deleted_user
deleted_user
Oh yea along the same lines, if you find a cooler room helps keep a glass of ice water handy,little sips.
deleted_user
deleted_user
Steph, sorry you are struggling. You may want to go to my journal and read my full story but long and short of it, I got very similar symptoms just after the birth of my second child. They got worse. Along with joint pain, positive ANA.....I was on meds for a few years then tried to go natural. That lasted for 10 years until 2 months ago and everything is going haywire. I am being treated with a high does of prednisone for the first time ever and it is a miracle drug for me. i am new to this site and not sure how to navigate it well.....what testa have you had done? What doctors have you seen? Sorry if the ?'s are repetitive.
Cheryl7
Cheryl7
I saw my rheumy about a month ago, same here, fatigue, heaviness in my arms, dizziness, just exhausted. anyway she ordered bloodwork, one of the tests she ordered was to check my B12 and vitamin D. The normal range for vitamin D is between 30 to 74. Normal B12 is 200-900. My vitamin D was 11.
I have talked to other lupies on another site and a lot of them were also deficient. She started my on 50,000IU of Vitamin D 1 weekly and 1000mcg of B12 daily. I do feel a difference. Hope you start to feel better!
deleted_user
deleted_user
sorry you're having a rough go..but unfortunately..lupus does have an unendeing fatigue component..not to say,you will have some better days!!I'm sure,like most,those are the days you want to run with it:)
yep,
I never feel rested here either,it's more of an exhaustive sleep,and wake from pain frequently..you must keep moving..just don't overdue things..
It's a "catch 22"..you stay in bed too long,you're sore,if you don't rest,you're sore...you will find your balance...hope you feel better soon..
BTW...I also am D deficient,and have to take the 50,000 units monthly and take a super B complex...but the rest I can't really absorb because of my Chrohn's issues..take care,edie