Fatigue and RA

 

Question  I was diagnosed with RA at 19 and have had pretty good luck over the past 12 years with the help of wonderful rheumatologists who have overseen my use of Methotrexate and Humira. It's only been within the last year that I am abnormally exhausted. Sure, I'm a mom of a 5 year old and 2 year old, work full time and take no prisoners when it comes to the day to day grind, but who doesn't and who isn't? Is there some sort of plateau that one hits with their energy levels? I can't seem to shake the fatigue and am starting to wonder if it's a normal part of RA. Thanks for all that you do! Jennifer
 
Answer 

HI Jennifer,

Great question and hard to answer.  We tend to think that if the RA is very well controlled (like yours sounds like it is), that fatigue should be resolved as well. However, things are never that black and white.  Lots of RA patients continue to have some fatigue even when their disease is well controlled.  However, if it is any consolation, the fatigue I had when my kids were young was the worst I ever experienced -- and I don't have RA !!

Last update: 09:22 AM Wednesday, April 8, 2009

Related Questions: