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Autoimmune Diseases and Fatigue
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.
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@ dear lioness yes, there are times that I am bedridden. I force myself onto the broken wheelchair and make it to the refrigerator
Then later in the day to the car and am on my way to the doctor or to the grocery store. Then out away the food and collapse into the bed. To tired to eat. But there is tomorrow.
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2 ReactionsBless you Peach your not letting it win that's what is important
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2 ReactionsPeach is right I've wondered myself how they be so cruel and call themselves nurses or whatever in the medical field
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1 Reaction@ Dear Lionness Thank you, Peach
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@lioness You are right about that. People often ask me how I stand to live with my lung disease (particularly when I have infection flare-ups). To me, I always feel grateful that I don't have worse things going on!
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2 Reactions@lioness, There must be something in the air. I spent this whole last weekend on the couch. I had a pinched nerve in my lower back. I couldn't even walk without excruciating pain. I went to the chiropractor today. So, we will see...I hope your's gets to feeling better soon.
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2 ReactionsThanks it took about 2weeks but I do feel better
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3 ReactionsI hope you feel better from pinched nerve ,the referral service denied me from seeing my chiropractor ,Ive been seeing one monthly for a birth defect today they Sent me a survey so I told them I,'ll see if it changes
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3 ReactionsI have been diagnosed with chronic fatigue immune dysfunction, post-concussive syndrome, Post-traumatic stress disorder and now retro-peritoneal fibrosis. Dr.'s are afraid of me due to my complications. I am being referred to the Rochester Clinic by my primary care physician and Motility specialist. I have made and lost fortunes on Doctor's and prescription medications. I am Disabled and nearly btoke .I have MediCare and a MediGap supplemental. I am told to call twice weekly for an appointment until one becomes available. I'm confused (easily). How do these work? I haven't traveled much and unsure of circumstances.. How do I arrange transportation and housing (assuming I'm not a full time in-patient for the duration).
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