fatigue

[comanchesue]

Hi everyone,

Why do we fatigue easily and why the joint/muscle aches?  I have a new book coming and have searched on line but haven't been able to find out the why.

[HL in NY]

I'm not a medical person, but to the best of my understanding, we are fatigued because our body is fighting what it believes is a big infection. Same way we get tired when we're coming down with the Flu. Sadly, the 'infection' is our own cells, which our body is mistaking for invading cells.

I'm not sure why we get joint/muscle pain. I know inflammation has something to do with it, but I don't know if it's our antibodies attacking the moist parts of our joints or exactly what. But it sure does hurt- I know that.

Hope that helps,

Heather

[Leisa]

I don't know why we hurt so bad either but today i'm in enormous pain. Went to see my GP and i will start another round of prednisone followed by starting Cymbalta. I'm on the placquinil 400mg which does help with my R.A. and some muscle fatique but does not control the really bad days or weeks that i have. So i'm praying the predinisone helps jump start me to feeling better! I hope you feel better soon.

[comanchesue]

Fatigue from the autoimmune process makes some sense.  I also have autoimmune hypothyroidism so I'm familiar with autoimmune, although sjogren's is much more complicated.  At least with the thyroid I can understand why I felt crappy, it's more difficult with the sjogren's.  I don't like "new" feelings of crappy and they freak me out a little becasue i don't know whats going on or what to expect :-(

Have you found a really good book that explains all thats going on?  I've read "A body out of balance" and was pretty disappointed.  I have ordered
the SJS handbook (updated) and should get it wednesday.   With the thyroid, the book The Thyroid Solution by Dr. Arem was a godsend.  It explained so much. 

On the other hand, sjogren's is pretty mild so far and I shouldn't complain because I don't have nearly the complications that others here do. 

Thanks to both of you for the replies.

[Leisa]

I also have thyroiditis but not taking meds for that at this time. I don't know if i should or not!? These docs don't communicate very well but i'm trying to research as much as i can. I enjoy reading everyone's comments and have learned about some very useful sights to see. If anyone has any suggestions for reading i would appreciate this. My Sjs is mimicng M.S. I am not a very happy person now. Thanks to all and i wish the very best to everyone who suffers from this at times dibilitating disease.

[lynnmarie219]

Hi all!

To get some more ideas on what books to read..try clicking on the Books/Reviews link on the top right hand side of the page. Here you will find several books and what people thought after reading them..its a good start! 

Happy Reading!!!