How can I beat the fatigue?

Pacing oneself is a biggie. For me, it helps to write a list of what I hope to accomplish in a day, and be very realistic as to what I'm able to do.

Sometimes alternating physical work with short rests helps, too. I try not to nap during the day (at least not sleep), but just relaxing off and on with a good book, listening to music, some prayer time, a hobby, etc. is calming and sometimes gives me a second wind.

Not overdoing it is the key. If I do, I sure pay for it later!

I don't use any specific supplements for this, but I know others have mentioned them.

Hope you have a good day! :)

Wow, that has to be tough! Hats off to anyone who is on the job while dealing with fibro (especially 'on the job' outside the home).

I hope others who work outside the home weigh in here and are more helpful. Sorry I can't do more to help, but you surely have my sympathy.

Hope you keep posting. I'm sure someone 'out there' has good advice as to how to deal with fatigue while at work.

Wish you the best!

Hi, Nooneknows, and welcome! I find that magnesium malate and vitamin D3 help with fatigue as well as the pain issues of fibro. Many are deficient in these and that can cause more pain and fatigue. I also find walking to help with my fatigue. Of course I'm not working full time either. But even a short walk will give me energy.

I would also suggest that you not take a 2-3 hour nap when you get home. If I nap, there is no way I can get to sleep at night. I realize you have to be tired but try to eliminate that for a few days and just head to bed a little earlier and see it that will help you sleep better at night. I have myself on a sleep schedule. I go to bed and get up at the same time every day. I don't even need an alarm now. My body has adjusted and know that when I lay down in the bed, it's time to go to sleep. I do have the TV on even though they suggest not to do that. It's an old habit my husband got me into. But yet, I am usually asleep in about 15 minutes even with the TV on. I will shut it off when I get up to use the bathroom at night. So give this a try. It might really help with your fatigut.

Be sure to read Fibro 101...the first thread on the forum. There are good links about fibro and you will learn a lot there. There are links about magnesium malate and vitamin D3 and how it works in your body, too.

I'm looking forward to getting to know you better. Don't hesitate to ask questions because we are here to help you. Hope to hear more from you soon.

Sherrine

Thanks for all the replies! My eating and pop drinking could definitely need some work. I will try my hardest not to nap after work for a few days but since I get off work several hours before my wife.. I get bored and lie down lol. As far as exercise, I walk so much at work. Our parking lots are far, my building is literally gigantic and I work up and down stairs all day. I get my fair share of walking, climbing and other activities at work which is probably why I get worn out so fast.

For the past 8 months or so, pain medication (norco 5mg/325mg 2-3 a day) and soda has gotten me through the day. I've also recently started lexapro and it has killed my apetite.. I've been forcing myself to eat. My doctor is trying to cut me off the pain meds and then I don't know I'm going to do.. He's very against narcotics.

Try B12 vitamins for a natural energy boost.

Don't lay down when you get home. Sit down and put your feet up for awhile.

I've been working full time since I came down with this disease. At first it was all I could do to get through the day, but the last two years I've been doing pretty well. This is what works for me:

1. No regular narcotic medicines. I took Vicodin around the clock for six months, 1/2 pill every 6-8 hours. Then there was a mix-up between my doctor and the pharmacy and I had to stop cold turkey. It was the worst weekend I've experienced. I've since learned that your body gets used to the drug and when it starts to wear off your pain will actually increase more than it would be if you'd never taken it. I still take it occasionally, but I'm very careful to make sure it is never a regular thing again.

2. I take Savella, Malic Acid and D-Ribose. All three each help a little and together they help quite a bit.

3. Exercise, I can tell by what you write that you get quite a bit of exercise and it might not be an issue for you right now. I do Tai Chi and it has helped my balance, muscle strength and it even helps my mind because for that 45 minutes I'm totally focused on my movement and not distracted by all the little thoughts in my head. It is low impact, and at the level I'm doing it, not aerobic. But it really helps me.

4. Acupuncture...this was a life saver for me. My muscles were so tight that my thighs felt like they were made of plastic. Now my muscles are trained to relax immediately when my acupuncturist begins treatment.

5. Diet, I discovered that I'm allergic to cows milk dairy...and that I probably don't have IBS after all. I've also given up gluten and that seems to be helping with my foggy feeling. I don't drink soda at all. I don't have aspartame or MSG in my diet at all, both of those increase my pain. I don't drink coffee after noon.

6. Sleep hygiene: I don't nap, because a nap will interfere with sleeping later. I try to get up at the same time each day. I try to make sure the last hour of my day is without computer, TV or any other screen so my eyes adjust to night time.

What shift are you working? When I worked 5 am to 2 pm, which required me to get up at 3:15 am...I was a MESS. It wasn't until I switched to 8-4:30 that I seemed to get my days and nights settled and i was able to create regular habits. If you are working an early shift, can you switch to a later shift?

Hopefully some of this will help. It sucks when you feel so awful and all you have the energy to do is sleep and go to work.

One step (goal) at a time is a good way to go. I think too often we all take on too much at one time which overwhelms us. You sound like you have a great plan--way to go!

Best wishes and keep us posted.

Hi. Has anyone been told or tested to have CCSVI ?

Its a blockage of veins around neck and heart causing fatigue.
I am so fatigued and told I may be able to have the surgical treatment to open veins

I have systemic infections like most CFS FMS and Lyme disease patients. I have all of them and treated successfully and am off all pain meds now !!! My severe pain has been remedied by treating the infections.

But fatigue lingers and I was given the ultrasound test which I watched myself and my veins are blocked.

One third of blood flow goes to brain and back to heart
If it's blocked it has to backflow or try to force through other areas and causes slow down of body and fatigue.

Makes sense. But still not sure about procedure

Trying to research causes.
It's said infections cause biofilms which over years attach to veins and build up and they like jugular veins due to environment. I watched the test live and its scary to see all that in there.

I have has a slew of all the infections known to cause
The pain and fatigue in all these illnesses and I came here looking to see if anyone knows anything about how to combat fatigue and the root cause.

Thanks for any ideas.