Autoimmune Diseases and Fatigue

Posted by JohnWBurns @johnwburns, Jul 13, 2016

Fatigue is probably intertwined with the definition of "illness", almost any illness, but with some conditions fatigue becomes ingrained into the afflicted person's being and is a feature of their daily life. Such is the case with the highest profile disorders, cancer and cardiovascular disease, but it is just as true with at least some autoimmune diseases. I have a long history of dealing with autoimmunity and the complaint that kept bringing me back to doctors persisting in finding out what was going on was the dogged lack of energy, vitality. I got guess after guess after guess and when I got the "answer" it was basically that fatigue was part of the deal with the autoimmune disease that I have, Sjogren's, as well as I'm sure many others. So what I'm asking here is if you experience it, fatigue, how has it impacted your life and how do you deal with it? Have you found anything that you are sure mitigates it?

In my case its exercise, rest, and a fairly regulary low dose, around 50 mgs (usual recommended dose 200 mg) of modafinil, which I don't take for Sjogren's but rather for "Excessive Daytime Sleepiness" linked to Obstructive Sleep Apnea. I accidentally found out that it mitigated my general weariness. I've read some solid studies that found that American Ginseng can help cancer-related fatigue but apparently it doesn't work for Sjogren's, for me at least. Since fatigue impacts a person's total life experience in all domains, any information that might lead to dampening or controlling it would be very helpful to a lot of folks I'm sure.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Autoimmune Diseases Support Group.

@oregongirl

I finally got appt with cardiologist. I just know she will be doing a cath on me. My heart is not doing well with the RA

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Good luck when I had my Cath you can watch it I did fascinating That's what this are for said fermented foods for RA @osteo this will be great and cheap if it's so.

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@lioness

You have a sense of humor and it's a must for all our problems.Research shows our body requires calcium @magnesium in all our body functions ,muscles,heart,nerves,.So I take Fibro Malic it's by Vitacost lots of what our muscles need ,magnesium,msm,malic acid diff.parts of muscles,connective tissue ,fibers I use this primarily.For creams I like Arnica gel,Epsom salt Rub also this is fairly new but Epsom salts aren't Gluten free food research suggests gluten is a problem.Vi t D3,5000 mg.Calcium use Tums at night and just before bedtime.For flare ups I drink Arnica tea get it at Rite Aid B vitamins thats about it hope some of this will help you Peach

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Your welcome this article said it will help RA@OA stands to reason it's vinegar and vinegar kills germs so won't hurt I'm thinking everyday we should have a little if your stomach grows eat some bread with it.

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@johnbishop

Hello @johnjames -- I have no experience with iron iv treatments other than knowing it's for treatment when your body doesn't have enough iron which can cause anemia. I did find a good overview on the Cleveland Clinic's website here:

-- https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/14571-iron-intravenous-iv-infusion-as-anemia-treatment

Were you diagnosed with low iron?

John

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All fermented food contains Apple cider vinegar

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@johnjames

Mentor- I have had Parkinson's for about 5 years now- my fatigued the past 6 months- I can barley move at times, my immune system was really low last year and I had a few IV bottles of Iron- which helped a little. What is your thoughts and experience with this? Thanks John James

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Hi Teresa, They keep trying to find something to help- great doctors and I thank God I have them- I've had a heart issue due to Agent Orange( My Heart Dr from the Mayo Clinic works with Vets with the affects of Agent Orange- which does affect the heart. The heart attack I had over a year ago was found to be caused by the chemicals- now it could be causing the lack of energy and whatever else. But we keep trying-right. Thanks the Lord for His strength-I have done. J JAMES

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@johnbishop

Hello @johnjames -- I have no experience with iron iv treatments other than knowing it's for treatment when your body doesn't have enough iron which can cause anemia. I did find a good overview on the Cleveland Clinic's website here:

-- https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/14571-iron-intravenous-iv-infusion-as-anemia-treatment

Were you diagnosed with low iron?

John

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Peach if you,he been on Chemo it will make you cold even when it's about day

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@johnbishop

Hello @johnjames -- I have no experience with iron iv treatments other than knowing it's for treatment when your body doesn't have enough iron which can cause anemia. I did find a good overview on the Cleveland Clinic's website here:

-- https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/14571-iron-intravenous-iv-infusion-as-anemia-treatment

Were you diagnosed with low iron?

John

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@Hi Lionness, So far I am lucky and am not on chemotherapy. Who knows! Sometimes my temperature is 102 and that day last week it was 95 with a warm sweater on. So we go on with life and try to ignore the pain with a smile. I do thank you for caring. You sound like a good person and I thank you for caring, Peach.

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@johnbishop

Hello @johnjames -- I have no experience with iron iv treatments other than knowing it's for treatment when your body doesn't have enough iron which can cause anemia. I did find a good overview on the Cleveland Clinic's website here:

-- https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/14571-iron-intravenous-iv-infusion-as-anemia-treatment

Were you diagnosed with low iron?

John

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Thanks Peach I try to help where I can take care

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@colleenyoung

John, I'm so glad you started this discussion specific to fatigue. As you know my mom suffers from fatigue and we're still trying to get to the bottom of the cause. I'm tagging other members on this discussion in the hopes that they'll share their experiences with autoimmune disease and fatigue.

@robbinr @jharsh @dawn_giacabazi @flowerbeauty @jillnc @kyjeanne @blindeyepug: John asks, Do you experience fatigue? How has it impacted your life and how do you deal with it? Have you found anything that you are sure mitigates it?

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Hi Coleen. This is a great group. I’ve been lurking so far, but I’m so curious about the fatigue factor that I wanted to put my two cents in. I’ve had Srojens for six years and In the beginning my fatigue was not too bad. However, the last year and a half has made a once fun loving, and fairly active lady into a bona fide couch potato. I had a problematic total knee replacement on October 1, 2017 so I understand that is part of it. However; my fatigue is so great, at times, that I have to IMMMEDIATELY lay down. I know I’m depressed, but I just don’t want another pill to take. I think I may have developed an ulcer due to all the antibiotics and slew of other meds I’ve taken after I had a total knee replacement. Seeing Doc about that. I also have Hyperthyroidism, arthritis, MCI, osteoporosis, huge dental issues. That’s enough of my maladies. Glad to meet you all. Marianne

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@colleenyoung

John, I'm so glad you started this discussion specific to fatigue. As you know my mom suffers from fatigue and we're still trying to get to the bottom of the cause. I'm tagging other members on this discussion in the hopes that they'll share their experiences with autoimmune disease and fatigue.

@robbinr @jharsh @dawn_giacabazi @flowerbeauty @jillnc @kyjeanne @blindeyepug: John asks, Do you experience fatigue? How has it impacted your life and how do you deal with it? Have you found anything that you are sure mitigates it?

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If I find something will let you know.

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@colleenyoung

John, I'm so glad you started this discussion specific to fatigue. As you know my mom suffers from fatigue and we're still trying to get to the bottom of the cause. I'm tagging other members on this discussion in the hopes that they'll share their experiences with autoimmune disease and fatigue.

@robbinr @jharsh @dawn_giacabazi @flowerbeauty @jillnc @kyjeanne @blindeyepug: John asks, Do you experience fatigue? How has it impacted your life and how do you deal with it? Have you found anything that you are sure mitigates it?

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Coleen. I have had RA for years now. I have been fortunate so far. BUT my perfect teeth stared cracking and falling out in pieces. Little things. I too have .my days when I am so tired. My kids beg me to go here and there. But i am old and my children grown. Being old does not set well with me. So I walk long walks everyday with my dog. If I did not have RA I would be out every night having fun.
We can't help that we have issues. But we can dream and have fun thoughts. I pray you do much better.

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