Guest guest Posted May 22, 2008 Report Share Posted May 22, 2008 OK golden, Breath...... Yes the fatigue is part of it. I am tired all the time. I went from needing about 4 hours sleep a night, for most of my life to needing at least 9 plus and at least one nap per day. Because PA is auto-immune your body is working hard all the time even if you aren't. It feels like it's fighting something all the time and it is. Itself mostly. Depression meds will also increase your tiredness. The aches and pains suck, today for me it's my back. It makes cleaning my house tough, but, I'm gonna do it anyway. Did you ask your rheumy about x-rays? There is not always any easy way to tell how the joints are doing so bending etc, it often the way to go. I am currently only taking advil but have an appt. with my rheumy as I feel it may be time for me to up the defense mode. Find something everyday to make you smile and hold onto it until the next thing makes you smile. Also, look into accupuncture for the depression. Wish you well. Penkoff <girlfriendgeneration@...> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 22, 2008 Report Share Posted May 22, 2008 Fatigue is VERY common to people with PA. I used to do very well on 5 hours sleep per day - since I developed PA I require 9-10 hours. If I get less than that, I am not only very fatigued but it also seems to invite a flare. During flares, I'm even more fatigued and just plain sleepy. How long have you been on the Enbrel? Is it helping? Once you find a med that really helps, it tends to help with the fatigue as well. Your rheumy may not know exactly what is happening with your joints without xrays, but she does know what WILL likely happen to them unless you treat the PA agressively - you will experience further degeneration of your joints. My rheumy does not bother to take xrays except for my very first visit. You new rheumy will probably get your baseline xrays from your old rheumy. Depresseion is also common to people with PA. Don't feel bad about that, either. Is there a reason you are taking the Tylenol rather than some other NSAID? Most rheumys don't recommend Tylenol. welcome, sherry z Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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