Extreme Fatigue

[Aligray]

Hey guys!

Does anyone have trouble with extreme fatigue? Mine seems to get worse each day. Does anyone have any advice you could give me? Thank u!

[chal23]

Hi Ali,

I think i can confidently say probably ever member on here has experienced extreme fatigue. The best advice I can give you (and whats worked for me) is lots of caffiene and to try your best to keep moving so you dont get stiff! When Im in 'extreme fatigue' mode, I try to find something litte to do to cheer me up. Lately its been looking at old pictures or laying in bed playing on my laptop! Hope you feel better soon!

Chal

[Lily]

Hi Ali,

It's one of our most troublesome symptoms I'm afraid, worse when the disease is very active. I think you will find if your doc starts you on meds to help control the lupus that a lot of things will improve to a certain extent, however the fatigue is something that will stay to some degree or another. One thing I had to learn to do was pace myself, I still have times where I forget to do that and my body doth protest :hehe: ;) but I'm getting better at resting when the warning signs go out.

love
Lily

[laker]

Hi Ali,
If you can, try to take a "powernap". If the weather is warm enough I drive to a nearby park or mall during my break, set an alarm on my phone and sleep. It really helps. I am trying to cut down on caffeine but I do have a coffee in the afternoon to get through till 5:00. I am often teased about my naps but there are days it makes a huge difference!
Laker

[Nanoflower]

Fatigue is the bane of my existence. Other symptoms come and go and I can deal with the pain, rashes and hair loss, but the bouts of extreme fatigue is definitely the worst.

I agree with Laker, Lily and Chal, pacing, power naps and caffeine helps. Too much caffeine can also create problems, so I've recently exchanged my afternoon coffee for a cup of green tea or ginseng tea and am finding that it's a great alternative.

I also make sure that no matter how tired I am, I move a little and stretch a little at regular intervals, otherwise the pain and stiffness worsens as well and it becomes a downward spiral.

A laptop, books and a stack of DVD's are definitely the way to go for me, otherwise it just becomes too depressing to not be able to do anything or go anywhere. Keep your spirits up, eventually extreme fatigue goes down a notch to moderate and becomes somewhat more manageable.

[Aligray]

I appreciate your responses so much.

The fatigue just seems to be taking over. Pain and skin sensitivity used to be my worst enemy but it seems like everyday I feel worse and there is something new. But I am trying to keep my head up! Thanks again!