Re: Anemia/Fatigue

[Guest guest]

Hi Marsha.

 

I know exactly how you feel with that awful tiredness.  That is one of my

biggest problems with my RA.  My Rheumy has me rest each afternoon, even if I

don't fall asleep.  I am always afraid of ruining my nights sleep.  I have

learned to not do too much at one time.  I learned this the hard way.  I make

a daily plan for myself each day when I get up.  I have had to learn to pace

myself ( that was hard for me to do ) so I don't get so worn out.  This has

worked well for me. If I don't get something done that I wanted to, I just do it

the next day.  I have become easier on myself.

 

In the past 6 years since getting RA, I have had 3 blood transfusions, do to

being an anemic.  I never had the problem ever in my life until I got RA.  I

also took strong Iron pills for a year until my blood work came back good.  I

have a very poor Thyroid conditon since the age of 10.  I am basically tired

all the time.  I have my blood done every 2-3 months so my PCP can monitor

this.  2 years ago I fell at home and broke my hip.  Off to the hospital, and

the ER.  While there, they told me I was severly anemic, had Pneumonia, and a

103 degree temp.  My Orthopedic surgeon was a wreck because I had to have a

total hip replacement.  He waited 2 days, and I was still that sick.  He said

he had to do the surgery no matter what, even as sick as I was.  I was a wreck

and figured it would be lights out for me, high fever, Pneumonia and needing a

transfusion.  I made it through and had the transfusion a day later.  I felt

better after that.  I

had to stay in the hospital until the Pneumonia was gone, and could not start

PT right away. I finally recovered, which I was very thankful for.

 

I am in a medicine induced RA remission for the last 1  1/2 years.  I hardly

know I have it.  My blood has been good so far.  I am glad your dr. is on top

of things for you.  I hope you feel better soon, and I do know after getting

blood, you can see the diff. immediately.  I wish you well. I know the

tiredness is awul, but you will feel better soon.  I am a strong advocate of

resting each day, no matter what.  When I go home North, I rest each day and my

2 little granddaughters are on the bed with me.  I play some games with them

and also read to them.  They both know, Gramma has to rest.  They just love

being on the bed with me!!  Me too!!!!

 

Good luck and please take good care of yourself.  My prayers are with you.

 

Hugs,

 

Barbara

Sunny S,W, Florida, 78 and breezy.....Hey Debs...I hope your side is nice like

here. Love you,

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                   Barbara

From: ladymarsden <mardar@...>

Subject: [ ] Anemia/Fatigue

Date: Wednesday, February 2, 2011, 3:33 PM

 

Hi, All -

I'm writing to ask about anemia and/or fatigue. I am just incredibly tired all

the time, and sometimes it's just all I can do to take a shower and wash my

hair; then I've gotta sit down! I know that both RA and the methotrexate I take

contribute to fatigue, but my question is - what to do about it??? I am also

very anemic (well, that's helpful, don't you think? presumably " anemia of

chronic disease " ). My hematologist is going to give me 2 transfusions of a new

iron replacement drug (Feraheme) in the next 2 weeks. Have any of you had this,

and if so, how does it do for you? Feel better? Side effects? Would appreciate

any info. I'm just praying for a little energy!

Thanks, and stay warm -

Marsha (in Louisiana, but it's frigid here too!)