Reply to an Answer

In response to:

Sorry it took me a while to get back to you but my computer has been on the fritz and I've not had a chance to check my email or this website in a while. I'm glad you saw a doctor but sorry they couldn't give you a definitive diagnosis. I had the same problem at the very early stages and was taking both Plaquenil and a pain reliever. The difference once I got them in my system was amazing and it sounds like you have had similar results. Good for you! I have to tell you that the fatigue and, "foggy brain" is something I still deal with though I'm now on infusion meds too. It is much better but I don't think I will ever be at the energy level I had prior to RA. I think the fatigue is the worse part of RA. I recently had bloodwork and a dr. visit and my numbers are down and my rheumy is happy with the decrease in my joint inflammation but the fatigue is still something that lingers. It is definitely better but I can commiserate with you. It really throws a monkey wrench into your life because it affects every aspect of your life -- work, social, exercise time, family obligations, and most importantly fun time. Hopefully you will get a firm diagnosis and then will be in a position to decide on more effective meds that may help this most tenacious and difficult aspect of RA. Try not to get too down with it since feelings of depression and melancholy will only work to increase fatigue. Be careful though -- don't drive if you can avoid it, take frequent breaks -- the days of completing your entire "to do" list in one day are most likely a thing of the past. Divide tasks up into small chunks. And don't let anyone, "guilt you out." In other words, listen to what your body is telling you. No one knows how you feel better than you do. You’ll find that most people don’t really understand that this kind of arthritis is very different than osteoarthritis – the common, “wear and tear” arthritis of old age. Be kind to yourself. Don't expect to get it right or accept this new normal right away. It takes years sometimes to figure out that things have changed. I wish you all the best of luck and will be praying for you. Best wishes, Cynthia

Subject:

Comment:

Display Name:

Note: This Display Name will be publicly visible on your SharePosts, your profile on this site, and the rest of the Internet. To maintain your anonymity do not include personally identifiable information (such as your name or email address) in your Display Name, SharePosts, or any other public postings on our site.

Role:

Email Address:

Password:

Confirm password:

Type the letters shown in the box to the right:

Accept Our Terms of Service

Please send me news updates, top features and
highlights via the MyRACentral.com newsletter.
View sample.

Email:

Password:

Remember Me:

Note: All clinical content on this site is physician-reviewed, except material generated by our community members.

Featuring Content From:

By using this service, you accept our Terms of Use. Please read them. The consumer health information on MyRACentral.com is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for any medical conditions. You should promptly seek professional medical care if you have any concern about your health, and you should always consult your physician before starting a fitness regimen. Copyright © 2005-2009. The HealthCentral Network, Inc. All rights reserved.

We comply with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here.

Sign in

MyRACentral.com

Reply to an Answer