Ohhh, tired

New to this forum, new to the dx, about 3 months, I guess. On Gabapentin 300 g TIB and now prednisone 5 mg which helped at first. But boy oh boy am I exhausted today. Took a nap, working on laundry, not up for much else and not putting a lot of expectations on self. Asked hubby to go grocery shopping and get a few precooked things, which will help. Question... might there be a trigger for a tired da.... like yesterday I had to take a pain pill, but that usually only disrupts my sleep if I take it late in the day and I slept well. I am trying to not think that all this week is now going to be a tired week but it is hard. I am getting used to seeing what my body needs, respecting it, doing what I can, and trying! to not get bummed out about it all. Any suggestions or advice welcome. I am 48, married, have 2 dogs, 2 cats, work full time, and have a slew of health issues. Two knees replaced, back pain, trigeminal neuralgia, depression, and more. But taking life day by day, using my gratitude and pacing myself. Thanks for listening. :)

Hi, Lyn.

Welcome to our community. Fatigue could be caused by many different things. Fibro is known to disrupt sleep cycles and lead to fatigue. Your meds could also be adding to your fatigue. It is difficult to tell. Sometimes apnea could be also be cause of or a part of the sleep issues. I have found pacing myself helps with managing fatigue as does keeping myself well hydrated and ensuring I get quality sleep. You may want to discuss the fatigue with your doctor to see if they are able to pinpoint whether or not it is your meds, apnea or unrefreshing sleep. Best wishes. We’re so glad to have you here with us!

Hugs,

Laurie

When I was working full time I was tired all the time. I was financially able to retire and did so.

I find that I crash after 2-3 hours of doing anything. Then I take a 20 minute break where I sit in an easy chair or lie down and drink water. Then I can go do something again although not for 3 more hours. Instead I'm good for shorter and shorter periods.

It would help you if you can vary tasks periodically. And get out of your chair and walk around the office for a few (2-3 minutes?) minutes every hour. Also stretch frequently. These are small ways you can break up your work day so that you feel better. Does your company have part-time positions?

Good luck,

Kathy



BaltimoreBaby said:

Hi, Lyn.
Welcome to our community. Fatigue could be caused by many different things. Fibro is known to disrupt sleep cycles and lead to fatigue. Your meds could also be adding to your fatigue. It is difficult to tell. Sometimes apnea could be also be cause of or a part of the sleep issues. I have found pacing myself helps with managing fatigue as does keeping myself well hydrated and ensuring I get quality sleep. You may want to discuss the fatigue with your doctor to see if they are able to pinpoint whether or not it is your meds, apnea or unrefreshing sleep. Best wishes. We're so glad to have you here with us!
Hugs,
Laurie

Thank you for the welcome. It takes a lot for me to speak up in a new forum. My sleep is pretty good, if I don't wake up by some noise or other thing, then I can be awake for a bit. The learning curve of this dx is big, what did I do?? what didn't I do? what did I eat/ not eat? sleep good or not? or is it just a bad day? I am not great about hydration, love my decaf coffee, I must admit. hee hee. I habit to be broken soon. Which doctor is your go to person for fibro? rhuematologist or PCP? Lots of questions as I learn I am sure. Thank you hon.



Kathy said:

When I was working full time I was tired all the time. I was financially able to retire and did so.

I find that I crash after 2-3 hours of doing anything. Then I take a 20 minute break where I sit in an easy chair or lie down and drink water. Then I can go do something again although not for 3 more hours. Instead I'm good for shorter and shorter periods.

It would help you if you can vary tasks periodically. And get out of your chair and walk around the office for a few (2-3 minutes?) minutes every hour. Also stretch frequently. These are small ways you can break up your work day so that you feel better. Does your company have part-time positions?

Good luck,

Kathy



Lyn88 said:



Kathy said:

When I was working full time I was tired all the time. I was financially able to retire and did so.

I find that I crash after 2-3 hours of doing anything. Then I take a 20 minute break where I sit in an easy chair or lie down and drink water. Then I can go do something again although not for 3 more hours. Instead I'm good for shorter and shorter periods.

It would help you if you can vary tasks periodically. And get out of your chair and walk around the office for a few (2-3 minutes?) minutes every hour. Also stretch frequently. These are small ways you can break up your work day so that you feel better. Does your company have part-time positions?

Good luck,

Kathy



Lyn88 said:



Lyn88 said:



Kathy said:

When I was working full time I was tired all the time. I was financially able to retire and did so.

I find that I crash after 2-3 hours of doing anything. Then I take a 20 minute break where I sit in an easy chair or lie down and drink water. Then I can go do something again although not for 3 more hours. Instead I'm good for shorter and shorter periods.

It would help you if you can vary tasks periodically. And get out of your chair and walk around the office for a few (2-3 minutes?) minutes every hour. Also stretch frequently. These are small ways you can break up your work day so that you feel better. Does your company have part-time positions?

Good luck,

Kathy



Lyn88 said:



Lyn88 said:



Kathy said:

When I was working full time I was tired all the time. I was financially able to retire and did so.

I find that I crash after 2-3 hours of doing anything. Then I take a 20 minute break where I sit in an easy chair or lie down and drink water. Then I can go do something again although not for 3 more hours. Instead I'm good for shorter and shorter periods.

It would help you if you can vary tasks periodically. And get out of your chair and walk around the office for a few (2-3 minutes?) minutes every hour. Also stretch frequently. These are small ways you can break up your work day so that you feel better. Does your company have part-time positions?

Good luck,

Kathy

Gosh, this sounds like me. I work around the house, read a book for 20 minutes. My husband is getting used to this new routine so thank you for sharing this, helps me feel less odd about it. I will try stretching more, ty for the suggestion. Can't afford to work part time. I work as a contract worker now, so if I don't work I don't get paid. Just switched to this role last year, pre fibro. Joy ! It is what it is. I tend to crash after work with a book or for a short nap after work for 30 minutes or so but housecleaning is the last thing on my list. I am getting good at cooking on Sunday for the week. Just cook for a few hours and I am just about done for the week, for the most part. Soon will be time to make a bunch of crock pot, frozen meals, that will help a lot. Any other ideas are most welcome. Water, water, water, I need to do more. Ty hon.

Hi, Lyn. Working using a process of elimination works best for me. I always keep careful track of symptoms new and old along as well as all new med side effects and discuss this with my care team. I have a combination of specialists I trust including neurologist, rheumatologist and PCP. My rheumatologist and neurologist (along with me! ) steer my care mostly. I also practice meditation and gentle exercise. Best of wishes.



And PS I think it’s possible to continue drinking coffee, I follow every precious cup with a cup and half of water to rehydrate! ;).

Laurie



Lyn88 said:

Thank you for the welcome. It takes a lot for me to speak up in a new forum. My sleep is pretty good, if I don’t wake up by some noise or other thing, then I can be awake for a bit. The learning curve of this dx is big, what did I do?? what didn’t I do? what did I eat/ not eat? sleep good or not? or is it just a bad day? I am not great about hydration, love my decaf coffee, I must admit. hee hee. I habit to be broken soon. Which doctor is your go to person for fibro? rhuematologist or PCP? Lots of questions as I learn I am sure. Thank you hon.