This is Emma's experience of arthritis related tiredness
I feel tired…
In the weeks leading up to and during a flare up of my RA usually.
Tiredness feels like…
The play/pause button has been pressed on me only. I’m moving a third of the speed of everyone else who’s just carrying on as normal.
When I feel tired I want to…
Sleep, although this doesn’t always help.
The worst thing about being tired is…
That it makes you feel lazy. One afternoon off in the middle of the week and you feel like you’ve done nothing and consequently beat yourself up about it and feel even more tired as a result.
Being tired all the time makes me feel…
Guilty, but then I rationalise. I do a lot more than most. Doing a PhD isn’t easy RA or no RA!
Things I do to help me feel less tired are…
Take an afternoon off if I’m really bad. But if it’s just mild I will go to the gym and do a spin class, usually the endorphins can pick me up and it’s very low impact so does not aggravate my joints.
Tackle Tiredness Today:
If you feel tired all of the time…
Tell your GP or your rheumatologist or nurse. You do not have to cope with your tiredness alone. There may be simple changes to your lifestyle or treatment plan that could help.
