How do you deal with fatigue that accompanies autoimmune disorders?

Whatever amount of time you spend on a task, even dressing, spend twice as much time resting.

It took having cancer for me to realize the difference between being tired and fatigue. You can't sleep enough to make it go away. I've learned to slow down and pace myself. I also have a great therapist. She explained the spoon theory to me and I've adopted it. You start each day with X number of spoons. Each task requires a certain amount of spoons. When I get low on spoons, I give myself permission to stop. I usually treat myself to a face mask, a cup of tea and a treat. If you push yourself past the point of having zero spoons, you will definitely regret it. ❣️

Have your doctors checked your platelets to see if they are low? This is from the Mayo Clinic:

"Myelofibrosis causes extensive scarring in your bone marrow, leading to severe anemia that can cause weakness and fatigue. Bone marrow scarring can also cause you to have a low number of blood-clotting cells called platelets"
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/myelofibrosis/symptoms-causes/syc-20355057#:~:text=Myelofibrosis%20causes%20extensive%20scarring%20in,often%20causes%20an%20enlarged%20spleen.
This is from the Ironwood Cancer & Research Center:

Boost Your Platelets With Nutrition
"Your platelet count determines whether you experience symptoms."
https://www.ironwoodcrc.com/boost-your-platelets-with-nutrition/#:~:text=Almond%20milk%20and%20Soya%20milk,production%20of%20cells%20like%20platelets.
Eat well and rest when needed. Many hugs.

What I learned or figured out ie.
listen to your body.
If you get tired rest.
Lay down turn on TV radio, or quiet things down.
No matter what time of day for 30 minutes or so. Do not time your self.
Get something to drink or eat. You might be running low on food and drink.
Record your intake.
Learn who you are and your body

I wish I could give you 5 stars for this advice! And post it as a banner in every group that has fatigue as one of the hallmarks of the condition or disease!

@meredithes As Americans, we have always been taught to be "PRODUCTIVE" and for many of us, we measure our worth by how many things we get done in an hour, a day, a week... Let's remember that are bodies are finely tuned and not yet fully understood organisms, and when one little piece malfunctions, the effects can be startling.

The first thing I learned when I had a serious illness that sapped my energy for several years was that you need to let go of some things you used to think you "have to do." If there are others in your household, assign tasks. If not, figure out which ones don't need to be done as frequently, or that you can skip entirely. Hire out the heavy stuff, or the tasks you hate most.

But don't ignore the MOST important thing - good nutrition and hydration. Simple meals are fine, but make sure to get plenty of protein, veggies and fruits. Protein shakes, fruit/veg smoothies with protein powder added, soups (make enough to freeze for several meals) even quality frozen meals from the grocery store. Lost of water, herbal teas. Ans I could not do without my morning cup of coffee - the caffeine helps me wake up.

The people here are giving you great advice. You might find it helpful to read about the "Spoon Theory" here
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/how-do-you-plan-your-day-and-conserve-energy-are-you-a-spoonie/
And ask, ask, ask - we have all been where you are.

@sueinmn thank you thank you thank you so much! Everyone in my family works VERY hard and the “not being productive” thing has been extremely difficult for them to understand. I also have bipolar disorder which also zaps my energy too. You and @everyone in this support group has made me feel validated and like I’m not worthless human being.

@searcher1 yeah, everything is low. This month my hemoglobin is at a 10.5 which is good for me. Normal range is from 12-14.

Those close to me just don’t really understand and I also wanted some other advice on things I can do to help myself.

Lay down And manage activities (not easy) I applied for and finally received social security. If you are still working, that's hard. I had a supportive manager and team

@bdebarge2022 I’m waiting to hear about my disability benefits. I had them before after I had an anoxic brain injury and I applied for a reinstatement last June. I’m a social worker and working got really tough. Thanks for your thoughts.

Hi. There’s so many great advice and information. The only thing I can think of is making sure that you get a good night’s sleep and having routine exercise.
I hope these help. Take care.