Fatique

Hey , thank you for reaching out here. The fatigue is absolutely horrendous, isn't it? I'm sorry it affected your anniversary vacation 😢 I hope you and your hubby were still able to enjoy the trip.


The main thing that helps my fatigue is resting, which I appreciate isn't always practical. I have also had some improvement in my physical stamina with treating my PsA (I'm taking methotrexate). Are you on any treatment for your PsA at the moment?


I'm hoping others will chime in here with their suggestions. You may also be interested to check out the following forum discussion: https://psoriatic-arthritis.com/forums/how-do-you-deal-with-immense-fatigue Hoping you're able to rest today, should you need to. Hugs! -Catherine, Community Moderator

Hi, thanks so much for replying. I have been on so many meds that we didn't know what was causing what so I have actually almost weened of most to restart. I was on methotrexate, Humira, solazophyrin, hydrochloriquine, Nsaids, Lyrica and about 3 or 4 other all at the same time. They have just not managed to get me under control.

I think, first it might be helpful if you enlighten us on what your treatment consists of. I honestly don't have problems with fatigue anymore, since getting on a good biologic, except for major flares. And I haven't had a major flare since beginning an IL-23 inhibitor. But I also follow a strictly regimented meal plan, and I stay active. I found out a long time ago that having this disease means no longer being able to partake in whatever culinary vices i once enjoyed. Nor was I able to imbibe in alcohol, nor use tobacco. Ironically, being a former smoker and heavy drinker prior, having Psoriatic Disease may have actually saved my life, since I gave up cigarettes and booze. I'm also in the best physical shape I've been in since being in the Army. But, when I was first diagnosed over ten years ago, I was a mess. I could barely walk to the end of my driveway without pain in my knees and feet. I couldn't get through the day without a two hour nap, and I couldn't go out in bright sunlight without my eyes burning and aching. In 2015 I stopped drinking, stopped smoking, stopped feeling like this disease was the end of the world for me. In October of 2016 I ran my first half marathon, and I've now run 25 since (as well as numerous 5k and 10k races). This all has been due proper disease management. The medication is only a small part of that. Diet and exercise is the biggest. A diet consisting of whole foods, eliminating overly processed foods, red meat, alcohol, sugar, processed carbs, and eating lots of fresh fruits and vegetables has been immensely helpful in managing my symptoms.

Before I was diagnosed I was on a strict diet set up by my endocrinologist as well as no alcohol and I have never smoked. I used to be very active before this I did, running, ballet and outdoor activities. Once diagnosed the medication they put me on just spiralled my system into weight gain. I picked up 30kg in a year. Now I have gone of most meds, the only meds I am on is 60 Arcoxia, 40mg Pantocid just finishing the tablets, Inderal 40mg and I am still on 50mg psyquet which I am weaning off (huge weight contributor). From tomorrow my whole household and friendship group is going clean for 8 weeks and I intend to stay on the clean eating, no alcohol etc again as I have strayed will not lie about that. Oh and I am on 1 a month Ketamine infusions which is helping immensely so I will stay on that. Once I have done the cleaning eating I will slowly add on meds again with help of my endocrinologist as he needs to make sure whatever we do helps me loose all this wait and doesn't contribute to it. My Rheumatologist unfortunately has not been much help as she wants the weight gone but wont change meds. I will do blood work this week so I have a baseline and then again in 8weeks to see if food and lifestyle alone has helped. Obviously how I feel will also be a huge indicator. I do have a question though. My endourologist said my inflammation is caused by interleukin 6 and therefore the Humira and biologics my Rheum had me on would not have helped me as it doesn't treat interleukin 6. Any thoughts?