Rheumatoid Arthritis Support Group
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic, inflammatory, multisystem, autoimmune disorder. It is a disabling and painful condition which can lead to substantial loss of mobility due to pain and joint destruction. The disease is also systemic in that it often also affects many extra-articular tissues throughout the body including the skin, blood vessels, heart, lungs, and...
I have been on this support group page for quite some time now and have found that being tired is a common complaint. Believe it or not that somehow makes me feel better. At least I know that I am not losing my mind. There are some days when I just cannot function. At all! I however am not getting much relief from meds now. I am hoping I have some other options, but I think I am going to the next phase of biologics.
I also have joint pain but it's mild nothing compared to fatigue.
After reviewing my history, the rheumatolgist suggested chronic fatigue syndrome, did tests to rule out other conditions.
The blood test showed strong positive CCP antibodies, so she said she had to diagnose me with Rheumatoid Arthritis and start me on treatment.
Then I moved states, the rheumatologist here also added Fibromyalgia to my condition.
I'm already on quite a bit including Enbrel, but still no relief from this fatigue.
Sad part is, some doctors don't accept fatigue, cause they themselves don't know how to treat it or what do do of it, yet for me this is the BIGGEST DISABLING factor going on for me.
The last time I was at the rheumatologists, the nurse after looking at my most recent blood tests said 'well you have anemia' that could be causing the fatigue.
I knew she had no idea of what is going on with me. She kept on pushing my wrists, joints asking me if this hurts, if there is pain here. etc, etc, etc.
Fatigue for me has been a CRIPPLER, its ongoing and I've had it for years. Years before I was officially diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis.
Add to that all the inflammation. The pain. All that directly effects your energy leveland it's REAL.
You are not weak.
You are not making it up.
It's as REAL as a heart attack or a broken arm.
HUGS