Symptoms after sleep
Hi there, I've just been diagnosed with PsA. I just got my first injection two weeks ago. Hopefully more injections will help me manage my symptoms in the near future. I was curious if anyone else has experienced feeling better after taking a nap, but awful after a full night sleep. I've read PsA symptoms are worse in the morning because you're joints aren't moving as much, but after my afternoon nap (two or four hours) I feel less pain and stiffness. Its really the first time during the day that my pain is manageable. It that typical? Does the fatigue get better once the medication kicks in? Thank you.
Hey
! Welcome to the community here. How are you feeling about your new diagnosis? I know it can bring mixed emotions and be a lot to take in. Please know that we're all here anytime you have questions or need support on this journey. Do you feel comfortable sharing which injections you have started on?
I don't appear to be able to nap during the day (I have enough trouble sleeping at night), so I hope someone who takes naps is able to offer some insight on this. I do find, however, that I feel pretty rough most mornings. I think it's quite common for mornings to be the hardest with PsA, although, of course, we're all different. I thought you may be able to relate to the following article from Vickie: https://psoriatic-arthritis.com/living/morning-stiffness It's great that you're waking up feeling a bit better after a nap!
Regarding the fatigue, we have heard from people who find that this improves with treatment, particularly the biologic medications. I definitely have more physical stamina since starting on methotrexate (this isn't a biologic) but I do still struggle with fatigue. It's so much better than it used to be though. Hopefully you'll start to feel much better once your injections kick in. Please keep us updated if you can! Warmly, -Catherine, Community ModeratorHi there, thank you all for the welcome & responses. I waited to reply until after my second injection. I have mixed emotions about having PsA. Its depressing to think I have a long term life long illness that I need to take medication for and if I can't get the disease under control I could become disabled. But I'm happy to have a diagnoses and medication that can potentially control my symptoms. I've been in constant pain for a good 8 months. I haven't been able to live a normal life or work. Its also been three years since my skin problems emerged.
My second injection with the bio-synthetic of Hurmira was a few days ago. I felt no relief after the first one. I started to get concerned. But I'm happy to report relief in pain, inflammation and fatigue with the second shot. I'm not 100%, (maybe 85%), but I've had a vast improvement. I don't know if I will ever be 100% again, but I can manage with this reduced level of pain and fatigue. I feel like I'm getting my life back.
I might pop back in to report on my progress and ask more questions. Thank you again.Hey
! Lovely to hear back from you - thank you for the update. I think a lot of us here will be able to relate to feeling depressed but also happy to have some answers and a treatment plan. A new diagnosis can be a lot to process. It sounds like you've had a really rough time with your symptoms. It's incredible really how many areas of our lives are impacted by our symptoms. I'm so happy to read that you've felt some improvements with your second shot of the Humira biosimilar! That is so wonderful. These systemic medications can sometimes take up to six months to fully kick in (something that our doctors often forget to mention to us), so hopefully you'll feel further improvements as time goes on. It's amazing that you've noticed a difference already! Have you experienced any side effects? Please do keep us updated if you can, and remember that we're here anytime you have questions or need support. Wishing you the very best! -Catherine, Community Moderator
It is pretty common for people with PsA to feel like crap in the mornings; morning pain and stiffness, grogginess, etc. Then, throughout the course of the day, as one moves around, the stiffness, and sometimes the pain, abates. Napping does tend to help a lot of people with the fatigue, but that varies. And, yes, you should notice a difference in fatigue levels once the medication begins to fully take effect. But, that can depend upon the type of medication you are on, the severity of your disease, and a lot of other factors. But, most of us do tend to feel less fatigued just having to deal with less pain throughout the day, regardless of whether or not medications directly address the fatigue alone. 
, welcome to our community. I am sharing an article with you about being newly diagnosed, this is one of my favorites: https://psoriatic-arthritis.com/living/newly-diagnosed-me I do hope that you find this helpful and or relatable.
The morning stiffness, pain, and fog are very hard and something that many of us experience this same thing. I love a good nap, I rest just enough but not too much. Having mastered the art of a 45 - 1.5 hour nap on my couch, I use it regularly, particularly on bad days.
Fatigue is also something that everyone experiences differently and is unpredictable with when, how, and if it improves. We would love to hear if yours improves on your medication.
We are here for you, every step of the way.
Warmly, Clair ( Team Member)
I also want to welcome you to the Community
. It is a possibility that if you can get on the right treatment your fatigue could get better. I honestly believe that the pain level we have to deal with plays a huge factor in the fatigue we have. However, I am not a doctor. Have you explained the fatigue with your doctor? If not, that would be a good place to start. Since you are newly diagnosed have you checked out the National Psoriasis Foundation website as well? They have a program called One to One that you can be paired with someone who also has psoriatic arthritis that can help support you. You can go to www.psoriasis.org and search One to One. Vickie, Team Member
