Psoriatic Arthritis

bikergirl Living With It Active, 50 year old teacher Send Message Subscribe: bikergirl

Wednesday, July 01, 2009
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I have had Psoriatic Arthritis for about 6 years now, and currently on Methotrexate and Enbrel, along with Ambien to help with sleep at night. I ride my bike everyday, eat healthy yet still suffer from a lot of fatigue. Anyone have any helpful suggestions? I just turned 50, and otherwise healthy for ...

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fatigue
Hope
Wednesday, July 01, 2009 at 02:01 PM

Take vitamin D supplements I take 2000 iu a day. I find that it is very helpful. I also got off the meth and that helped alot. I didn't realize that it was making me feel like crap, but it wasn't working for me 100%, I now take arava and its great. I would try the D irst.

re: fatigue
bikergirl
Wednesday, July 01, 2009 at 02:04 PM

Thank you--I'll look into it. I did have a lower dose of Methotrexate, but when I had my last Dr. appt, it was increased because of more pain in my joints. I would love to go off it as well, but the pain keeps coming back when I try to quit! Ugghhhh!

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Pinky
Thursday, July 02, 2009 at 12:41 AM

Hi...my Dr and I think i have Psoriatic Arthritis as opposed to strictly RA. I am no longer fatigued as before and was just wondering why not, when i read your post. i also think it's because i take the vitamins (D, C&E, multi, Flaxseed) and am on Enbrel and Plaquenil. The meth affected my liver, which made me tired. not sure how often you're getting bloodwork done, but i would look at that.

re: Untitled Comment
bikergirl
Thursday, July 02, 2009 at 12:53 AM

My Dr. has me doing blood work every couple of months and so far nothing has come up.

I can relate
Patti B.
Thursday, July 02, 2009 at 11:35 AM

I was diagnosed with RA about 4 years ago. The fatigue is the worst part. At 59, I still work full time, take care of a household, swim 4 times a week and by the end of the day, I am exhausted. My best suggestion is to listen to your body, when you feel it becoming tired, rest; even if it's just to take a 10 minute break from whatever you are doing. I'm working with a psychotherapist who has taught me breathing exercises that really help. Also, I have found, putting on meditation music and simply closing my eyes to listen, helps.

Take care.

Patti Brown

fatigue
bucko27
Friday, July 03, 2009 at 08:21 PM

biker girl - When I read your post I was impressed that you are riding your bike every day. How far do you ride? I love to ride my bike but find that if I ride too much, I get very tired and have to go to the couch for a day. Watch that you don't overdo it. As we age our bodies need more time to recover form vigorous exercise. A certain amount of fatigue comes with the territory.

Steve

re: fatigue
bikergirl
Friday, July 03, 2009 at 09:08 PM

I have a set route and force myself to go 8 miles every morning. It does make me tired, but any other exercise, I do not enjoy very much, and this also is easier on my joints. I don't get much done the rest of the day, but I have the summers off so this is just something I try to do to keep up my spirits. I don't overdo it.....its just long enough to get my cardio up and going but not so long that I'm dying to get it over with. I have always been an outdoor person so it has been worth it for me. I'd much rather play tennis anyday but can't do that to my joints..so this is second best to me.....

re: re: fatigue
bucko27
Saturday, July 04, 2009 at 08:35 AM

BG- So are you a teacher, eh? That is what I did for a career. I taught for 32 years in upstate NY. A great calling and I enjoyed every minute. Now I am sort of retired and spending time in NC. I agree that biking is a great way to go. I also try to do a little swimming when I can. I quite often ride my bike over to work on my boat at the marina here in NC where I live. Interestingly enough, it is about 8 miles round trip. I do just fine but have discovered if I do it EVERY day, I get worn down and experience overwhelming fatigue. This will force me to the couch for a day or two in spite of my need to "get things done". One of the things I must remember is that life doesn't go on "just normal" and that I have to make a few compromises to maintain optimum functioning. Each of us is different but you might want to experiment with your bike schedule a little to see if it is contributing to your fatigue factor. Have a great 4th and go for a ride today!

Steve

re: re: re: fatigue
bikergirl
Saturday, July 04, 2009 at 11:54 AM

Steve, thank you for your input! I really appreciate it! I have worked with the bike scheduling as such and skipping days hasn't seemed to affect my fatique any. But your advice is taken and I will still try and do what is best to find optimum energy......thanks again. A fellow teacher....it is a great calling and I too have loved all of it. I teach 3rd grade and it is the perfect age for me! I have been at it 20+ years and I think I'll stay at it for awhile longer!