Running on Empty

Motivate one's self to get up in the morning. Get ready for work, even though it feels like I've not slept. Put a smile on at work, pretending that all is fine. Make it up the stairs, even though it takes effort. Body doesn't want to move forward, the mind is all foggy, and an inner voice commands attention - "I want to go home and lay down!" Go to a colleague who gives you coffee - but to no effect. Convince one's self that it's only an hour yet before I can go home. Decline an invitation to go shopping after work. Exhausted, I come home and lay on the couch, worn out from the day. A couple of hours later, I gather just enough energy to heat up some food. Would like to do some creative work, but am too fatigued and foggy to do it. Ready to go to bed at 7, I force myself to stay up until 9:30. Fall asleep ok but sometimes wake up with pain. Wake up again, feeling unrefreshed....
Weekends help a bit if I take it easy. Enough energy to start the week, but it seems like the "gas tank" is already nearing empty on Monday. How to get through the rest of the week? Determination only carries so far....

How many of you have felt this way? How have you combatted the overwhelming fatigue - especially when accompanied by pain? I also have Fibromyalgia & a breathing-related sleep disorder - all things that cause fatigue. How many of you have multiple conditions that cause fatigue?

I'm getting worried that I won't be able to meet the demands of my new job. Would love some words of advice.

Yes, this is a constant issue! I took my Enbrel and MTX, like a good patient and today I still feel horrid, go figure!~ I hope it gets easier for you, but know you are not alone.

Are others on prednisone and getting relief from the fatigue? I have a Dr appt this weekend and plan to ask about biologics. Anyone have luck in relieving fatigue (besides the pain) with a biologic?

Chartreux, what do you focus on in counseling and how does it help?

I see that many people with RA are on prednisone. If the fatigue continues with treatment, I will ask my Dr. about that. So about 5 mg is typical?

I find it hard to talk to those around me about fatigue, they just don't get it. I come home from work and literally fall asleep as soon as my head hits that pillow. I sleep for an hour usually and then manage to struggle up and cook dinner, do homework, etc etc...
I sometimes don't have fatigue but I can't rely on it. At Easter I think I slept for nearly 5 days on and off before I felt recovered enough to go on with it all.
My rheumy told me to pace myself which I read as go as hard as I can while I can then sleep until I recharge my bateries!
I do hydro therapy to build my core strength and this has helped me feel more able to cope with life in general. I also tried a course where they inform you all about RA to "empower the patient", make you feel more in control of your choices.
Plus I've learnt some relaxation techniques to help me unwind if the pain gets overwhelming. Plus a bit of meditation techniques like living in the moment. Enjoying the cup of coffee, enjoying the sun on my skin- that sort of moment focus that helps you get through.
Prednisone causes so many side effects, I am still trying to get off it because its so difficult to stop, its taking me forever.
I don't know if any of that helped but thinking of you, we all struggle along pain and all, golitho