Fatigue

[malew/sjogrens]

I have never been so tired in my life. Today at 3:30p.m. It felt like I hit a brick wall. So I took a break from work and went outside in the pouring rain and raked more leaves. When I get fatigued I try to fight it. I feel if I lay down and rest, I won't be able to get back up and will be even more fatigued.

I have been on Plaquenil for two weeks now since my SS diagnosis. Any advice on how to handle fatigue? I do not believe in laying down and watching TV and becoming a couch potato.

Thanks.

[sugarbugar]

I so feel your pain!  However, I have to say I kept fighting it and I landed in the hospital with complete exhaustion.  I now take 15-20 minute cat naps that really help me.  I have also found eating an apple helps.  Hang in there, hopefully the Plaquenil will help soon.

[warmwaters]

I hear you about not wanting to give in, but tiredness and fatigue can be quite real, and you may make things worse if you push too hard.

What about a 20 minute nap, or a less energetic changeup from what you are doing - maybe something that's less physical than raking. Sorting laundry, or checking for the mail, or jotting down a grocery list?

You'll see many a story here about dealing with fatigue. You'll find with time what works best for you, but since this is relatively new for you, let me say that I've certainly struggled with "not giving in". Kept going to work even though there were days that I couldn't stand up for more than 5 minutes a time. Finally realized that I had to give in, as my body just wouldn't go any more.

I'm starting to get some results from the plaquinel now, and it's pretty good to remember what "normal" feels like.

[Babs659]

Hi.  I can relate to your pushing through the fatigue.  When I felt real bad I would force myself to walk around the block a couple times.  It was somehow very important for my mental state...

Give the Plaquenil at least 8 months to start kicking in.  Sounds impossible, but it really took 10 months for me.  I was very woozy and fatigued and swore the darned stuff wasn't working.  It's much better now.

[DragonflyC]

Can your doctor put you on prednisone for a few weeks?  It might kick the flare that you seem to be experiencing.  5 mg for two weeks tends to work for me.

The plaquenil can take a while (usually a month or two, though as Babs says, it can be longer) to really start working, but that will probably help, too, once it does.

[Epson]

Male with Sjogren's,

I haven't found anything to help with fatigue and when I hit that brick wall I must lay down or I feel like I'm going to collapse.  Not even the prednisone I was taking a few weeks ago help my fatigue.  The plaquinil did help with the joint pain and stiffness, but not the fatigue and it took a couple of months for it to work.

You really should ask your doctor why your nose is so red and swollen, could be part of your problem.

[Nans]

LOL!!!  Epson - you sure did give me a good laugh!!  Thanks!   

[Billydude]

Although I had a bad reaction to it,  many people swear by Provigil.  Ask your doctor about it.   It is supposed to help with fatique.   I think we all know about that fatique.   Its a kind of fatique that goes from your body right to your brain.  When I'm fatiqued like that I can't even formulate my words.

[ccfbarb]

I fight fatigue and joint pain all the time.  About a year ago, I couldn't decide about going part-time on my job, which can be very physical.  Well, I finally decided to "listen" to my body and cut back to "4" days instead of 5-6 days.  Not great, but definitely better.  Fatigue can affect your mind as well as your body and last winter I drove off the road because I think I just lost concentration!  I went through a whole memory battery and the final result was "FATIGUE"!  Listen to your body and rest when you can.  Fatigue is a big issue with SS sufferers.  I not only take Plaquenil, but Cellcept as well!  That's an immune suppressant.  I still suffer from the above.  I just live with it as best I can

Barb

[sewandsew]

I agree--the fatigue can't be beaten.  I've learned to just go with the flow and kick back until it passes.  Yes, for me too it hits hard at 3:30--you can set your clock by me.  For years before the dx, I forced myself to get going.  It's not worth it.  Take care of your body.

[Billydude]

Wow....I'm just up from my 330pm nap as well.   Thats the time it hits me as well!

[Bernice]

Yeap! Around 3:30 for me to, if not before! I went a few months of feeling on top of the world, but I've noticed the past week I am running out of gas. Trying to stay on top of it before it gets me totally down again and my joints and muscles deside they wantin on the action.

Today was my off day I've spent it in bed, not much for the mental side and after a while body wants up, but soon needs to lay down again.

[lynnmarie219]

I'm one who swears by provigil...my neuro prescribes it for me and it has been my lifesaver.....if I didn't take it I don't think I would have the stamina to work a full time job like I currently do! It has really helped me!

Maybe reading these posts will be helpful to some of you as well...its a fun thread I started quite a while ago....

https://sjogrensworld.org/index.php?topic=9221.0

[MusicGuy]

I feel the fatigue during slow, boring meetings.  I more or less shrug it off to just being bored and after lunch time.  When i feel it coming, i get up, move around or leave the room.  In most cases, i can do that.  I very rarely nap except in the carpool.

i'm off the plaquenil and wonder how that might change things. 

I do try to just push myself through the fatigue.  it seems to work for me. 

good luck
Dave

[Billydude]

I'm just amazed when I hear of you all that have full time jobs.   Gold Stars for all of you.  I just don't know how you do it.   Perhaps it depends on how Sjogrens has effected you.  I just know there is no way I could work a full time job.   I never know how I'm feeling from day to day and when the fatique hits there is no way to push through it.  My brain just closes down and I can't even speak.    Hats off to you!