What My Rheumatologist Suggested For Fatigue

By Steff Di Pardo

2 min read

Fatigue is my worst enemy. I almost never stop talking about how tired I am, and I’m sorry if you’ve ever had to experience it. It’s not my fault, though! I really am always exhausted! I’m prone to daily naps and early bedtimes. That’s just what my life has become lately.

When I first mentioned it

I first mentioned my fatigue to my rheumatologist back in December, so about 10 months ago. He didn’t really say much, which I attribute to him not knowing how truly bad it is. He told me to try doing more cardio, to which I agreed, but secretly thought he must be crazy.

How could I possibly do cardio every day, when most days I could barely get out of bed? It was also December, and things like biking or running were out of the question.

What I decided to do

I knew my best friend had an exercise bike, so I decided to ask if I could borrow it for a little while. They let me keep it! So I decided to try to bike a little bit each day, but before long, the holidays arrived and that kind of flew out the window.

I did notice that the biking helped my fatigue a little bit, but not enough for me to continue doing it, obviously.

The second mention

I talked to my rheumatologist over the phone a few weeks ago and mentioned the fatigue again. I’d started a new biologic and was in the hopes that it would help me out with the fatigue. It did on and off, but again, not enough to not be napping regularly.

When I mentioned the fatigue to my rheumatologist, all he suggested was doing more cardio. I figured that this is my only hope for right now, so I reluctantly decided to try it again.

What I’ve been doing

I’ve been trying to do yoga every other day and biking on the days in between for about 2 weeks now. I’m noticing that my confidence is up, for one. I feel a lot better about myself when I’m exercising regularly. I know that from before, though, I used to love working out.

Apart from my confidence, I’ve been feeling a little bit better fatigue-wise. I think this will only get better the longer I do it. I don’t need naps as frequently, although I do still nap. I'm not feeling as body-heavy as I did before, either.

Keep in mind

Please do keep in mind that I am an ankylosing spondylitis patient who is unable to work, and lives at home with her parents. I feel very lucky to be able to test these things out and nap when I need to or spend a day in bed when needed.

I know not everyone has the same luxuries as I do, as well as some of us can be in flares which would make me unable to work out. I've been doing the best I can with what I’m given.

What have your rheumatologists suggested for fatigue, and what has worked for you?

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Member
My B6 , vitamin D and magnesium were low. I supplement now and that helps a little. I also take glutathione for chronic fatigue syndrome. I didn't think it helped until I ran out for 3 months. Now I appreciate the 20% energy boost. I'd check with your health care worker about this and potential low vitamin levels.
mark55 Member
Resting, maybe dosing, as relaxing a little when feeling tired but I try to avoid laying flat down and sleeping. Knowing limits, do not exercise if feeling i flamation and pain therefore I can never exercise before noon I actually have to be up and about toddling around for a few hours, then maybe walking as in shopping a d then when I feel loosened up enough I can stretch it out and exercise. I can not do any thing anymore that is not ergonomic such as cross trainer, water exercises, or rollerblading. But again limits, because once I get going I can go fir hours feeling great until I am unable to sleep that night sweating it all out, and barely walk the next day. Take it easy go slow don’t get down on your self.
CharleneB Member
I have found that taking a B-100 capsule in the morning really helps my fatigue throughout the day, although I only take it on days when I really need it, or otherwise my body seems to get used to the effects. For example, I work (doing telemedicine) on Tuesdays and Fridays, so I take one on those mornings and it really helps me get through the day. Completely safe, as B vitamins are water soluble so do not get stored or become toxic like the fat soluble ones can. Otherwise, no doctor has ever given me any ideas to help the fatigue, other than the ones mentioned!
Lawrence Rick Phillips Moderator & Contributor
Honestly nothing. His advice mostly is sleep more, eat less, exercise more, listen to your wife. I know he feels those things are pretty standard. Now I need to add a pitch for my wife. I can have her call everyone each day to tell you what she wants you to do if wish. Sher would of course charge $100 a week. I know you may think that sounds like a lot. Oh trust me her fee here is way more. Just saying. rick - moderator.