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Rheumatoid arthritis fatigue?

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Rheumatoid Arthritis
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Posted 4/19/2012 2:23 AM (GMT 0)
I am a 28 year old female and was recently diagnosed with RA. I have been taking Plaquenil for about a month now. My doctor told me that it would be at least 2 months for me to notice a change. I have minor joint pain, stiffness and swelling, but my major concern is the fatigue. about 2-3 days out of the week I become extremely exhausted to the point where my legs and hands tremble due to the weakness. Is this a common occurance with RA? Does anyone have any suggestions to help relieve the symptoms?
Posted 4/19/2012 12:03 PM (GMT 0)
That is a primary symptom of RA and in my case the fatigue and random fevers were much more debilitating than the joint stuff.
The plaquenil is the drug of choice for the fatigue. It does take a while though. One day the plaq is making you sick and the fatigue is killing you and you think you should ask to be taken off plaq and put on something else, then without you realizing the change you make it through a whole day without a nap and forget to take your pain meds.
Hang in there the plaq needs a bit longer to work.
Posted 4/19/2012 3:02 PM (GMT 0)
Yes! The fatigue is a never ending battle for me. I don't know how to get rid of it, none of the meds I take or have taken with the exception of Plaquenil has ever combated my fatigue.  Well, pred zaps it pretty good, but that can't be an ongoing medication for me, so if anyone has an idea on how to get rid of the fatigue, please post it.  But, do know you are not alone!
Posted 4/20/2012 1:59 AM (GMT 0)
I agree with everyone else. The fatigue of RA is a very disabling symptom. Humira cut my fatigue in half. Thank goodness! I was having to fight falling asleep on the way to and from work. I am still fatigued, though. But better.
Posted 4/20/2012 3:58 AM (GMT 0)
Thank you all for your posts. I never knew how bad the fatigue could get but feel better knowing that my symptoms are normal for RA.
Posted 4/24/2012 12:02 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Vannie,
I also am trying to deal with both RA and Fibrimyalgia. The fatigue can really be overwhelming. Also have issues with memory and general "Brain fog." how long have you been on Humira?

Vannie said...
I agree with everyone else. The fatigue of RA is a very disabling symptom. Humira cut my fatigue in half. Thank goodness! I was having to fight falling asleep on the way to and from work. I am still fatigued, though. But better.

Posted 6/19/2012 4:46 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Nicole,

Do you like to try some ginseng roots? I do not know if you have heard of ginseng, it is for improve people's energy. You could buy some ginseng slices and use hot water boil it for a few minutes, and drink the water. For each cup of water, you put about 10 gram of ginseng. Note: 1. Ginseng is a plant, so the quality could vary a lot. You want to have the good quality one. 2. When you drink this ginseng water, avoid any tea.
Posted 6/20/2012 1:10 AM (GMT 0)
Hi, timbuktu,

I have been on Humira for nine months. Now I am afraid iti s failing. All I want to do is sleep. I slept all weekend. I came home from work this morning and slept til three. I guess my blood tests will show if it is failing. This fatigue is overwhelming, so I feel for you. It is as bad as it was before my Dx. Sigh. See RD on Friday. May have to switch to Simpoini. I am seronegative, so I don't know how much help my blood tests will be for her, but I am making sure she knows just how exhausted I am this time. Prednisone doesn't even keep me up now. I am taking 15 mg at the moment.
Posted 6/22/2012 3:49 PM (GMT 0)
turn  Hang in there cause I started Plaquenil about three weeks ago and I already feel a difference.  I was so fatigued that I had to take prednisone in dose packs to get over the initial fatigue. Then the Plaquenil started working for me.  I am still fatigued but I am able to function back at work like I should.   Anyone out there know if the Plaquenil will continue to improve my symptoms or is it about planed out?  Thanks!
Posted 6/22/2012 8:10 PM (GMT 0)
psbg, full effects of plaquenil will kick in fully in two more months.
Posted 6/25/2012 12:03 PM (GMT 0)
Joy thanks so much for letting me know how long it takes to get full effect... awesome news. This forum really helps to find answers. I appreciate each and everyone of you.
Peggy
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