HealingWell
Search Close Search
☰

Battling Fatigue

Support Forums
>
Rheumatoid Arthritis
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply
❬ ❬ Previous Thread |Next Thread ❭ ❭
Posted 8/6/2011 9:27 AM (GMT 0)

I am new to the forum and I was wondering about changing from mtx b/c  of my weekends are being spent exhausted in bed.  I know it is the mtx because I skipped a dose and felt like a normal person all week.  I understand that my doctor is doing the best he can.  But the fatigue is what is holding me back from getting on with my life  - i.e. a job, a normal social life, and just enjoying life.  I would love to not spend days sleeping off the side effects of mtx. - UGH!  Or fall asleep during a conversation and wake up hours later.  UGH, UGH  Does anyone have suggestions on what to do about the fatigue?

Posted 8/6/2011 12:46 PM (GMT 0)
I was reading and found that mtx sometimes works better when combined with other medication like enbrel, imuran, cytoxan. Maybe your doctor can add one of these and lower the dosage you take. Maybe you won't have to take it at all. I'm on enbrel and celebrex. I know that mtx is one of the most potent medications to combat RA but maybe some combination can also help you feel better.
Posted 8/6/2011 4:04 PM (GMT 0)
I am on Enbrel and mtx. I have been putting off calling his nurse (she has a challenging personality) but to put the question should my mtx dosage be adjusted. I feel so much better without the mtx. Yes, I still have some of the aches and pains. But I have a bag full of weapons to respond to the aches and pains. I listen to my body and know when I need to escalate the pain treatment to the doctor's office. But the fatigue has been an ongoing issue - before I was diagnosed I knew something was wrong because I was SO tired. But with the mtx it is if I could just close my eyes and go to sleep even if I am in the middle of traffic. Not a good thing. Thanx fo the response and the encouragement.
Posted 8/6/2011 4:22 PM (GMT 0)
Have you tried plaquenil? It really helps my fatigue issues.
Posted 8/6/2011 5:54 PM (GMT 0)
Maybe you could ask your doctor to adjust the doesage or maybe ask about
just taking the mtx every other week, that might also help...get an
appointment and talk with the doctor.
Well wishes to you...
I never had a lot of fatigue with the RA, but once on the
mtx I sure do have a lot more fatigue... but it's not so bad now
that I don't take the mtx every week....
Posted 8/6/2011 6:41 PM (GMT 0)
Joy - my rheumy has given me plaquenil but I have not taken it because I have been labelled 'suspicious for glaucoma', my dad had it. With everything else that is going on I did not want to escalate another problem. It is something to consider. It may be worth me seeing my eye doctor. He did not encourage or discourage me from taking the plaquenil. Also, when entered "RA World" I was trying to take as few drugs as possible. I may need to revisit the decision.

Charteux - great suggestion to do it adjust the dosage and do it every other week.

Thanks so much to everyone for the feedback
Posted 8/6/2011 7:41 PM (GMT 0)
I take it and I was diagnosed with open angle glaucoma years before I took it. I figure since I'm on medication for the glaucoma already and I see the eye doctor regular it will be okay.
Posted 8/6/2011 7:55 PM (GMT 0)
I am not on any medication for the glaucoma just being "watched" and I am seeing the eye doctor regularly.

Thank u Joy, u have given me some things to ponder.
Posted 8/6/2011 10:03 PM (GMT 0)
I take Leucovorin about 8-12 hours after methotrexate. This is supposed to stop some of the side effects. It may help with fatigue. I was getting mouth sores, nausea and fatigue. It has helped.

Albizia
Posted 8/10/2011 1:10 AM (GMT 0)
If anyone wants to try a natural approach to this use cinnamon capsules and raw honey.
They work together to battle the fatigue. I use 2 capsules and 2 tablespoons of honey in the
morning and 2 more in the afternoon. I rarely have issues with the fatigue anymore.
Nana Monster
Posted 8/11/2011 2:38 AM (GMT 0)
to Nana: does the cinnamon bother your stomach? I started adding to my toast and fruit but noticed it made the reflux act up? any sug?
Posted 8/11/2011 9:32 PM (GMT 0)
I'm lucky and the cinnamon doesn't but the cayenne pepper pills do. I usually eat a little, then
take the pills and eat some more. For acid reflux try essiac tea. I know several people who use
this, my man included and it works well. It takes care of the acid reflux and helps to heal the
damage. It consists of slippery elm, burdock root, turkey rhubarb and sheep sorrell. Awesome
stuff.
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply