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Does anyone have intense fatigue/stiff lower back muscles associated with UCTD?

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Posted 9/28/2015 6:53 PM (GMT 0)
Hello,
I was diagnosed with UCTD (homogeneous/positive ANA titer) in July of this year. Since then my 1st rheumatologist has prescribed 400 mg of hydroxochloroquine and my 2nd rheumatologist has prescribed 200 mg of orphenadrine for the muscle pain and stiffness every morning. I still notice that my fatigue remains! I only feel fully refreshed and awake on the weekends when I sleep in and get 8-10 hours of sleep.

Has anyone else experienced this? Is there a way to function for a full time job on 6-7 hours of sleep a day?!?!
Posted 9/28/2015 7:49 PM (GMT 0)
I noticed I need 10-12 hours of sleep most of the time.

When I was working full time I would go home and fall asleep in my recliner then climb into bed until morning. I never was able to figure out a good solution to the problem.

Maybe someone else has a good solution?
Posted 9/29/2015 6:48 PM (GMT 0)
I understand what you are going through, I was diagnosed with UTCD in February of this year. As like you I get extremely fatigue, muscle pain as well as shortness of breath and sometimes its really hard to function. I have a full time job as well as being a Mom of 3 active teenagers. I do function better on 10 hours of sleep but who can really get that every night. When I get home, I try really hard to take it easy but I found that hard to do with trying to keep house and work at the same time, but something had to give, so I make my kids pull more of their weight since it mainly their mess!! (I pay them of course or it would never get done :) ) Good luck and if you find a good way to handle please share.
Posted 9/29/2015 7:22 PM (GMT 0)
Auto-immune diseases are particularly stressful for the body, and you really do need to find a way to get 8-10 hours of sleep nightly. There are really no shortcuts in giving your body this time to rest and recover. You wouldn't keep eating sugar with diabetes and you shouldn't slight yourself sleep with chronic illness.

The only exception I can think of is if you aren't getting "deep restorative sleep" when you ARE sleeping -- if not, you may need a sleep study to determine what the issue is and properly address it.

Besides sleep, your body need appropriate healthy food at appropriate intervals, and regular mild exercise (like walking for 20 minutes). These 3 - deep restorative sleep, good nutrition, and mild exercise - can really keep your body in good form to keep auto-immune illnesses in check.

Best wishes,
Posted 9/30/2015 12:04 PM (GMT 0)
I have UCTD as well and I have to agree there really are no shortcuts, 8-10 hrs a night are essential. I work full time as well and though it seems like I'm missing out on things by getting those extra hours of sleep it does balance out as the waking hours are of a better quality, health wise. It's easier to function on adequate rest. I chalk it up as just one of those things I have to accept with having autoimmune disease.

I have four teens and a household to run as well. They each have a daily chore that rotates which helps immensely with the basics - garbage, dishwasher, vacuum main floor and clean their washroom. They also do their own laundry and make their own lunches for school. I don't pay them money but they get treats, they get their wifi etc and ofcourse our gratitude!! They even cook and bake on occasion and enjoy doing it. I'm a very lucky Mom and I always make sure to tell them so :)
Posted 9/30/2015 7:27 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you all so much for your input. :) I greatly appreciate it.
Sleep is such a challenge for me. Sometimes I find that if I lay in bed too long I really start to ache. My shoulders and lower back tend to be what hurts the most, it's almost as if I am unable to lay/sit still. If that makes any sense. 8-10 hours is good, but I try not to sleep past that.

I will work on getting a better sleep schedule during the work week. Some of you sound as if you have very busy lives, and you manage to get up and get on with the day I give all of you a lot of credit for doing that.

I've also realized that getting up off the couch just to walk up the stairs to my own bed is a challenge. If I want to make it on time to my job I have to plan my outfit the night before, I pack my lunch the night before, and my boyfriend helps me clean up the kitchen and collect the garbage the night before.

I have no energy during the work week to get anything done in the morning. I have learned the hard way with this.

Post Edited (Babybluegurl87) : 9/30/2015 1:31:04 PM (GMT-6)

Posted 10/1/2015 3:08 AM (GMT 0)
Hello, new here. But wanted to give you advise.i was dx. With lupus fibromyalgia and sleep apnea dad.a few other things but the fatigue was awful.
My Dr prescribed DHEA. I'm telling all of you it works wonders only 10mg..PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE just try it I'm 85-90%. Better I have energy I get up on time for work now.I've only been on it 1 month.I started noticing results the first week.
I used to have so much fatigue I would close my eyes while driving...
It's only a supplement that people with lupus works good with.
Again its over the counter.but I think the one the Dr prescribed is a better brand when the pharmacy orders it for you.plus your medical might cover it..ask for 10mg.
I don't have to sleep 24hrs anymore
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