Dear Cathy, I am 86 and you have explained what is happening to me. I started my aches and pains 12 months ago and they have seriously damaged my life. I will get my children to watch your video, because although they are kind to me I don't think they fully comprehend the seriousness of my problems. PS: in spite of an uncomfortable body I am hoping to break the 90 barrier. Also, Cod Liver Oil reduces my pain levels.
Thank you for sharing. I’m trying to help my wife. It’s hard for us that don’t have RA to always get it, so hearing you is so very helpful. May God bless and keep you.
Sometimes I wish the tiredness and depression was all in my head, but arthritis affects me in ways I probably don’t even realise. It was a hard video to watch because it makes the problems I have real. I have lost friends and lose touch with people because it’s hard to maintain contact. When fatigued, it’s difficult to muster up enthusiasm to do anything and the brain fog can really hinder the ability to have conversations, particularly on the phone. I have lost the confidence to call people as I can seem uninterested, distracted and dull, but that’s just the tiredness and the ensuing lack of ability to focus. I don’t visit friends anymore because it takes too much energy to travel and engage in most activities. It’s hard not to withdraw when the arthritis is bad, because I fear disappointing or boring people. I don’t work and I rarely get out of the house. Arthritis is a rotten disease. It has taken a lot from me.
It's the autoimmune inflammatory arthritis that is the rotten disease because it affects your whole body. I have psoriatic arthritis and, like rheumatoid arthritis, it's not the same as old age, wear and tear arthritis.
I’m working a desk job with rheumatoid arthritis, but it is still very hard - the train makes my knees and ankles swell if I can’t get a seat, I nap during break and I usually end up crying at some point during the day.
Hello Cathy and everyone here. I am so moved by this video, I do hope Cathy that you have found some help or support. I don’t (yet ) have severe RA but I have it in some joints, plus I have polymyalgia rheumatica and OA as well as several other chronic illnesses. You have expressed so well how I feel. Good luck and hugs to you xx
Cathy, my body goes through a two week phase of high-energy followed by a crash where I spend a (roughly) two week period, about 90% of the time bed ridden. The fatigue is monumental and difficult to justify as you've explained in your video. I was diagnosed very young and have struggled w/ periods of chronic fatigue my entire life. The worst part was my RA specialists denial of fatigue being symptomatic with RA.. Needless to say, I dropped her immediately and am seeking other avenues for treatment. I wish you well and hope you are able to find relief.
You are so right about the fatigue. It’s so bad. You are so right about it being much more than attacking joints. My RA attacks my eyes and I get Iritis or anterior uveitis. The first time it happened I lost my eyesight for over a month in both eyes. I was fortunate that I had a great ophthalmologist and rheumatologist that worked together to treat it. It Thank you for this video
Your comments have validated my present experience so much you have no idea how thankful I am. The hour by hour comment was the clincher. Exactly. My husband watches my different joints undergo changes several times a day.
thank you cathy for explaining how i feel all the time i struggle with psoriatic arthritis, tiredness is constant. on a good day i can be quite a cheery chap but on a bad day its debilitating physically and mentally, far too many bad days though, i try very hard to hide this from those around me so not to be a burdon or seen as a lazy and miserable old git. at 56 years, i also lost my job to this horrid desease 8 years ago now. i dont qualify for any help or benefit assistance as this desease dosnt seem to exist within the dss system, yet it is well known in the medical field and prevellent in society. having this is bad enough but to be treated like a lazy shammer with leprocy just destroys my confidence in humanity. my last major skin and joint flare up 2 years ago was at 75% of my body. ending my own life had become a consideration and is still never far from the back of my mind. i wish society would consider this as a form of organ cancer and take it seriously. my nickname is victor meldrew as i am always being compared to this charector.
I'm so tired today , I'm 54 years old and exhausted. I don't even see a rheumatoid specialist till January 2023 . The system has failed me for 4.5 to 5 years .
Thank you Cathy. Can't believe that I've only just found you all. Use RUclips every day although I just spend hours watching 80's popstars and cat videos in order to cheer myself up.
This brought me to tears....I hate that others go through this, I truly do, but I'm also sitting here hating myself for the useless person I am and it just get worse...trying Humira now as methotrexate which I was one for a couple years, made my throw up almost constantly, even when I did it as injections...and Humira doesn't make me sick which I am SO thankful for, but the pain and stiffness are getting worse and I know this med isn't supposed to cause tiredness, but this level of fatigue.....walking to the bathroom is too much, breathing feels like I takes more effort then I'm capable of. My family are so sweet and try so hard, but they can't grasp this level of fatigue...it isn't tiredness, they think maybe its the Humira though this med isn't supposed to do that...maybe it's just not working for me so my ra is constantly flaring....but I can't keep a thought...this, just this hasn't taken me forever of redoing it as I loos my thoughts or start to tip over in exhaustion. I broke my back long ago and have tremendous pain since 16 with that...I've been on meds forever and I'm very strict with myself and in over 30yrs I've only have to up them once and then go back down to normal, but every single doctor seems to only want to blame me and my meds, as if I don't understand how I feel on them. I'm just so tired....like in this video, feeling the need to over explain...so then you just pull in completely because its too hard and they nod while still not understanding and telling me they do cuz they have or their parents have a bit of arthritis in a knee or hip too and that if I just exercise more it'll be better....I know they want to help, truly I do, and I truly appreciate that they want me to feel better....but honestly, all I want is to feel better too but I'd love, love to be understood and not have ,even my doctors, make me feel like I'm failing in every way. I already feel it, have all my life, its been a rough life in all the awful ways life can be rough for young kids, then other stuff added on and then the accident and then all this....please don't get me wrong...I know that SO SO SO many have it SO much worse and please don't think I'm trying to undercut that at all because I'd give you all a hug if I could and just let you know that I'm here to try and listen. Its just a bad moment so I babbled more then I should and I'm so sorry. It just gushed out. I'll suck it up and keep moving forward because, well, what else can we do :) so...sorry for sounding like a baby...I hate sounding and feeling like a baby...normally I can hold my crap, physical and emotional, together better then this...just one of those days. But, just so others knows we all have these days...I hate it in myself, but I'm always happy to be there for others if possible, so, just know you're not alone. I gotta go cuz I'm worn out and can't rewrite this darn thing again :) ❤❤
I have psoriatic arthritis. Methotrexate helped me for 18 months but then it affected my liver. Humira helped me for a year but then I was diagnosed with bronchiolitis obliterans, requiring supplemental oxygen at night. My docs weren't sure if the lung disease was caused by my autoimmune disease or if it was a rare side effect of the biologic, so now I'm on Cosentyx. My psoriasis has pretty much cleared with the biologics and I do believe they are helping somewhat with my pain issues, but I'm always at some level of pain and the fatigue and cog fog are always present as well, and often debilitating. The hits just keep on coming! 🤷♀️
For me having RA the worst thing is the fatigue, and my specialist keeps gaslighting me about it. If I sleep at all I wake up absolutley exhausted and have to lie down for a few hours during the day. It sucks and people do not get it, especially the Dr
I been through exactly what you have my family didn't believe me. They where calling me a hypochondriac. I start my biologic treatment in three weeks. After hearing you I'm wondering if they will work. I can't take Methotrexate because I have been having trouble with my liver also.
I’ve been told the depression is part of I’ve been told by a rheumatologist and mental health professional that the RA disease process that produces cytokines can cause depression. That’s why sometimes antidepressants don’t help as much as they might in someone without RA.
Dr.Bruce Fife recommends swishing coconut oil in the mouth on an empty stomach for 12 minutes each day/ The coconut oil captures bacteria viruses in the mouth that go through the pores in the teeth into the body. The oil is spat out after 12 minutes. Having less of these disease agents entering the body gives a chance for the body not to be overwhelmed by bacteria etc. that cause the rheumatism and gives it a better chance of ridding the body of that which causes rheumatism and arthritis.
Just on verge of been diagnosed after both knees been replaced twice already at only 42. Hands, shoulders and esp now elbows are killing me. On oxymoron 20mg tablets daily for the pain. My life is dictated by it now.
Hi James, sorry to hear this. Many people with RA do find that once they find a medication that controls their RA, they are able to live as they had before. Please feel free to call our helpline if you'd like to chat more: 0800 298 7650 (Mon-Fri 9.30-4.30) Many thanks, Katie-NRAS
Omg I think I have this. Pain has been terrible and I'm so tired. I'm taking prednisone today and pray it works. I can barely be on my phone due to finger and wrist pain.
Hi there, sorry to hear this. We recommend going to see your GP and ask to be referred to a Rheumatologist who will do tests and assess you. In the meantime, check out the 'What is RA' section of our website where you can find out further information on diagnosis: www.nras.org.uk/what-is-ra- Hope this helps, Katie-NRAS
Dear Cathy, I am 86 and you have explained what is happening to me. I started my aches and pains 12 months ago and they have seriously damaged my life. I will get my children to watch your video, because although they are kind to me I don't think they fully comprehend the seriousness of my problems. PS: in spite of an uncomfortable body I am hoping to break the 90 barrier. Also, Cod Liver Oil reduces my pain levels.
🌺
Thank you for sharing. I’m trying to help my wife. It’s hard for us that don’t have RA to always get it, so hearing you is so very helpful. May God bless and keep you.
Wow! Cathy told my story! God bless all of us struggling with disease. ❤️
Sometimes I wish the tiredness and depression was all in my head, but arthritis affects me in ways I probably don’t even realise. It was a hard video to watch because it makes the problems I have real. I have lost friends and lose touch with people because it’s hard to maintain contact. When fatigued, it’s difficult to muster up enthusiasm to do anything and the brain fog can really hinder the ability to have conversations, particularly on the phone. I have lost the confidence to call people as I can seem uninterested, distracted and dull, but that’s just the tiredness and the ensuing lack of ability to focus. I don’t visit friends anymore because it takes too much energy to travel and engage in most activities. It’s hard not to withdraw when the arthritis is bad, because I fear disappointing or boring people. I don’t work and I rarely get out of the house. Arthritis is a rotten disease. It has taken a lot from me.
It's the autoimmune inflammatory arthritis that is the rotten disease because it affects your whole body. I have psoriatic arthritis and, like rheumatoid arthritis, it's not the same as old age, wear and tear arthritis.
Same. It is a lonely, painful disease that robs you of so very much. I'm sorry, you are not alone.
I’m working a desk job with rheumatoid arthritis, but it is still very hard - the train makes my knees and ankles swell if I can’t get a seat, I nap during break and I usually end up crying at some point during the day.
Hello Cathy and everyone here. I am so moved by this video, I do hope Cathy that you have found some help or support. I don’t (yet ) have severe RA but I have it in some joints, plus I have polymyalgia rheumatica and OA as well as several other chronic illnesses. You have expressed so well how I feel. Good luck and hugs to you xx
Cathy, my body goes through a two week phase of high-energy followed by a crash where I spend a (roughly) two week period, about 90% of the time bed ridden. The fatigue is monumental and difficult to justify as you've explained in your video. I was diagnosed very young and have struggled w/ periods of chronic fatigue my entire life. The worst part was my RA specialists denial of fatigue being symptomatic with RA.. Needless to say, I dropped her immediately and am seeking other avenues for treatment. I wish you well and hope you are able to find relief.
Wow! Everything you had said is NOTHING but the TRUTH!! Stay STRONG! I am going threw the same thing.
You are so right about the fatigue. It’s so bad. You are so right about it being much more than attacking joints. My RA attacks my eyes and I get Iritis or anterior uveitis. The first time it happened I lost my eyesight for over a month in both eyes. I was fortunate that I had a great ophthalmologist and rheumatologist that worked together to treat it. It Thank you for this video
Your comments have validated my present experience so much you have no idea how thankful I am. The hour by hour comment was the clincher. Exactly. My husband watches my different joints undergo changes several times a day.
thank you cathy for explaining how i feel all the time i struggle with psoriatic arthritis, tiredness is constant. on a good day i can be quite a cheery chap but on a bad day its debilitating physically and mentally, far too many bad days though, i try very hard to hide this from those around me so not to be a burdon or seen as a lazy and miserable old git. at 56 years, i also lost my job to this horrid desease 8 years ago now. i dont qualify for any help or benefit assistance as this desease dosnt seem to exist within the dss system, yet it is well known in the medical field and prevellent in society. having this is bad enough but to be treated like a lazy shammer with leprocy just destroys my confidence in humanity. my last major skin and joint flare up 2 years ago was at 75% of my body. ending my own life had become a consideration and is still never far from the back of my mind. i wish society would consider this as a form of organ cancer and take it seriously. my nickname is victor meldrew as i am always being compared to this charector.
I'm so tired today , I'm 54 years old and exhausted. I don't even see a rheumatoid specialist till January 2023 . The system has failed me for 4.5 to 5 years .
Thank you Cathy. Can't believe that I've only just found you all. Use RUclips every day although I just spend hours watching 80's popstars and cat videos in order to cheer myself up.
This brought me to tears....I hate that others go through this, I truly do, but I'm also sitting here hating myself for the useless person I am and it just get worse...trying Humira now as methotrexate which I was one for a couple years, made my throw up almost constantly, even when I did it as injections...and Humira doesn't make me sick which I am SO thankful for, but the pain and stiffness are getting worse and I know this med isn't supposed to cause tiredness, but this level of fatigue.....walking to the bathroom is too much, breathing feels like I takes more effort then I'm capable of. My family are so sweet and try so hard, but they can't grasp this level of fatigue...it isn't tiredness, they think maybe its the Humira though this med isn't supposed to do that...maybe it's just not working for me so my ra is constantly flaring....but I can't keep a thought...this, just this hasn't taken me forever of redoing it as I loos my thoughts or start to tip over in exhaustion. I broke my back long ago and have tremendous pain since 16 with that...I've been on meds forever and I'm very strict with myself and in over 30yrs I've only have to up them once and then go back down to normal, but every single doctor seems to only want to blame me and my meds, as if I don't understand how I feel on them. I'm just so tired....like in this video, feeling the need to over explain...so then you just pull in completely because its too hard and they nod while still not understanding and telling me they do cuz they have or their parents have a bit of arthritis in a knee or hip too and that if I just exercise more it'll be better....I know they want to help, truly I do, and I truly appreciate that they want me to feel better....but honestly, all I want is to feel better too but I'd love, love to be understood and not have ,even my doctors, make me feel like I'm failing in every way. I already feel it, have all my life, its been a rough life in all the awful ways life can be rough for young kids, then other stuff added on and then the accident and then all this....please don't get me wrong...I know that SO SO SO many have it SO much worse and please don't think I'm trying to undercut that at all because I'd give you all a hug if I could and just let you know that I'm here to try and listen. Its just a bad moment so I babbled more then I should and I'm so sorry. It just gushed out. I'll suck it up and keep moving forward because, well, what else can we do :) so...sorry for sounding like a baby...I hate sounding and feeling like a baby...normally I can hold my crap, physical and emotional, together better then this...just one of those days. But, just so others knows we all have these days...I hate it in myself, but I'm always happy to be there for others if possible, so, just know you're not alone. I gotta go cuz I'm worn out and can't rewrite this darn thing again :) ❤❤
I have psoriatic arthritis. Methotrexate helped me for 18 months but then it affected my liver. Humira helped me for a year but then I was diagnosed with bronchiolitis obliterans, requiring supplemental oxygen at night. My docs weren't sure if the lung disease was caused by my autoimmune disease or if it was a rare side effect of the biologic, so now I'm on Cosentyx.
My psoriasis has pretty much cleared with the biologics and I do believe they are helping somewhat with my pain issues, but I'm always at some level of pain and the fatigue and cog fog are always present as well, and often debilitating. The hits just keep on coming! 🤷♀️
This should be a PSA other people don't get it. Thank you ❤
PSA -- public service announcement -- not to be confused with PsA -- psoriatic arthritis LOL.
For me having RA the worst thing is the fatigue, and my specialist keeps gaslighting me about it. If I sleep at all I wake up absolutley exhausted and have to lie down for a few hours during the day. It sucks and people do not get it, especially the Dr
I been through exactly what you have my family didn't believe me.
They where calling me a hypochondriac. I start my biologic treatment in three weeks. After hearing you I'm wondering if they will work. I can't take Methotrexate because I have been having trouble with my liver also.
I’ve been told the depression is part of I’ve been told by a rheumatologist and mental health professional that the RA disease process that produces cytokines can cause depression. That’s why sometimes antidepressants don’t help as much as they might in someone without RA.
god bless you.
Dr.Bruce Fife recommends swishing coconut oil in the mouth on an empty stomach for 12 minutes each day/ The coconut oil captures bacteria viruses in the mouth that go through the pores in the teeth into the body. The oil is spat out after 12 minutes. Having less of these disease agents entering the body gives a chance for the body not to be overwhelmed by bacteria etc. that cause the rheumatism and gives it a better chance of ridding the body of that which causes rheumatism and arthritis.
I have Sarciodosis arthritis . I definitely understand . I am going through the same problems . I hope that you feel better 👍👍👍
Just on verge of been diagnosed after both knees been replaced twice already at only 42. Hands, shoulders and esp now elbows are killing me. On oxymoron 20mg tablets daily for the pain. My life is dictated by it now.
Hi James, sorry to hear this. Many people with RA do find that once they find a medication that controls their RA, they are able to live as they had before. Please feel free to call our helpline if you'd like to chat more: 0800 298 7650 (Mon-Fri 9.30-4.30) Many thanks, Katie-NRAS
Omg I think I have this. Pain has been terrible and I'm so tired. I'm taking prednisone today and pray it works. I can barely be on my phone due to finger and wrist pain.
Hi there, sorry to hear this. We recommend going to see your GP and ask to be referred to a Rheumatologist who will do tests and assess you. In the meantime, check out the 'What is RA' section of our website where you can find out further information on diagnosis: www.nras.org.uk/what-is-ra- Hope this helps, Katie-NRAS
NRAS_UK thank you.. Will do
Yeh that's how mine started you need to get diagnosed so that you can start on a proper treatment fast. That way it won't get worse.
The looking ok can feel unbearable. Or people saying how well I look! I say that’s the steroids.
Does anyone take Adderall for fatigue?