Any suggestions for lessening fatigue associated with lupus?
445263
I suffer from the effects of lupus also. Your energy level is a hard thing to deal with, believe me I know. I personally do what I can when I am able. Have you talked with your doctor about it? My doctor gave me this same advice. "Do what you can when your level is up and rest when you need to". You have to allow your body to catch up. Sometimes when I over do it I end up in bed for days. Each person is different. I hope you have a good relationship with your doctor or doctors like in my case. So, when things change with your body's' health you can get the best advice for you. I would love to talk sometime, since we have the same disease. I know from my own experience that talking helps.
214279
I've been on some pretty heavy doses of steroids in the past, the toughest part is preventing yourself from eating everything in the house!  Try and cut down on the salt and processed foods (incredibly high in fat and salt).  Look for alternatives to flavour things like pepper, lemon juice, spices (I went through a Curry phase). This still may not prevent the typical symptoms of steroid use like Chipmunk cheeks and a round tummy, some people just exibit those symptoms.  Just keep an eye on your weight, try and eat healthy, and don't let Lupus stop you from being active.
13655
You will get over it.\nUnless I was misdiagnosed, herbs, minerals, supplements, and refusing to think about and succumb to fatigue works wonders.\nBest to research and find your own regimen.
817976
Fatigue is one of the symptoms of MS, and your not alone in feeling fatigued when in the sun. \n\nDo you keep up your fluids when out side? As a lack of fluids would certainly increase your fatigue levels, also do you apply a sunscreen?\n\nI worked with a lady who had has MS, she would also would become fatigued when very hot, she would also try to avoid being in the sun, as much as possible, partly because of the fatigue, and the sun exposure (she would not feel her skin burning). \n\nI would put her into bed for a rest about 2pm and take her back out about 5pm. I would leave 3 bottles of water for her each afternoon, and would have to replenish them when I returned to make her tea.\n\nTake care
464367
Hi. I have lupus too and also am on Plaquenel. \nDon't keep scrubbing your face. That will only make it worse. Use a gentle moisturizer. I use on by Mark. that is very light. Maybe try using a gentle cleanser like Cetaphil too.
730800
Absolutely.  I have systemic lupus among w/other health problems.  Science will be able to learn a lot from my cadevar.
391029
me, too. It has been going on for a while now. I actually fall asleep at work sometimes, or am close to being in physical pain trying not to.\n\nI asked for help on here too, and got lots of good advice--the best I thought was that I should get more exercise. I bet that really would help. Only problem is==>too tired to start. When I get home all I want to do is crash.\n\nI have been thinking about going to the doc to rule out anything like diabetes, or thyroid probs, or hormones, or God forbid, cancer, lupus, etc. There are SO many physical causes for tiredness including depression, chronic fatigue syndrome, allergies, and so on.  So I guess we need to see first if we are otherwise healthy, and then see if we can find an exercise partner to make us shake a leg. I hear that once you really get into an exercise routine, the tired feeling goes away.\n\nI am willing to try if you are.
1064399
Ibuprofen.  Plenty of water intake. \nActive rest (that means not sitting on your duff all day. Go about normal activities. Do housework.)\nGet a massage.\nTiger balm or some other kind of topical muscle relaxant.
232943
I have had much success. I use a product called Ambrotose, it's a glyconutrient and it has helped me with my lupus a great deal. I can go out in the sun without having to cover up, i haven't had a flare up in years. My hair is stronger and thicker, my skin has cleared up and my immune system is stronger so I don't get sick as easily or offten as I used to.It's great stuff.
99570
anemia..insomnia...diabetes...\n.infections (flu...etc)..low metabolism >>>>>>>>>\n\nTackling fatigue\n\nFirst and foremost, you need to ensure that you lead a healthy life. This means a good diet, exercise and plenty of sleep. \n\nVitamins and minerals are necessary for many of the body's processes, and a healthy diet ensures your body can function at its best. \n\nIt may sound strange, but lack of exercise can increase feelings of fatigue. If you're not used to doing exercise, long walks are a good way to start. Exercise that involves all the major muscle groups is recommended, eg swimming...\nif it continues...consult a doctor! besT of luck
742532
Wow you're lucky.\nDepends, how much do you weight? \nIf you're at a good weight but still tired, treatment for fatigue could be a chance in exercise regime or diet. Maybe more outside activity - \nIf you're underweight and fatigued, eat more. \nIncrease omega-3 consumption. Increase Lean protein consumption. \nSoy products are like dreams :)
791519
Exercise helps, but watch what exercise you do and how much you start out with. I took a 9 week yoga class. I felt horrible pain while doing the exercises. Afterwards my muscles would sigh in relief. Sometimes I would hurt for days afterwards.\n\nI've found that I do better with other types of exercise. Walking short distances. Swimming and exercising in a pool for 5-10 minutes. \n\nMy friend, who is a fitness instructor, told me to drink plenty of water while exercising and to avoid yoga until my muscles are stronger. \n\nIf you have sleeping problems, I'd suggest a good foam or memory foam topper for your mattress. I've been prescribed SSRIs in the past when my sleep problems were at their worst. Sleep clinics can help find out if you have a certain sleeping disorder.  \n\nA pain management clinic or specialist might help. Rheumatologists can be good, but some I haven't had luck with.\n\nSupport groups like fibrohugs also can help. \n\nHot showers and soaks in the tub help some. Hot tubs can sometimes be too hot for me, but the ones at the right temp. relax my muscles.\n\nMy blood sugar gets low throughout the day, so I keep healthy snacks at work. I also make sure to have protein and two veggies in my dinner.
311074
Try sublingual vitamin B12, available in most health food stores and on the internet.  B12 is considered the "energy vitamin" and may help with the fatigue and dizziness.  I have T minor, and B12 helps a lot.  Regular B12 tablets (the kind you swallow) aren't as effective.  The sublingual B12 (the kind you dissolve under your tongue) gets into your blood stream more efficiently, and you'll benefit more from it.
627085
I also have SLE Lupus....I get the sores/hives on my scalp mostly. What meds are you taking? Are you a stay at home mom? Steroid creams do help and yes, stress makes it so much worse. Use a sensitive skin face wash and use a steroid cream prescribed by doc. Take good care of your self and get the book Healthy Healing...lots of good advice for Lupus symptoms. Try to go on a detox for a week...this makes skin clearer and helps muscle pain.\n\nHope this helps. Email me if you want to know more about the book. I can email back everything the book says to do.
693704
Im so sorry that your mum is suffering from this very cruel debilitating condition.\n\nAs I know you will be aware lupus affects so many internal organs so working out if this is lupus related is not easy, as the painful neck could be down to usual wear and tear etc. Musco skeletal injury, back pain, knee pain etc often presents itself as neck and head pain.\n\nHas she thought about a neuromuscular consultation?   to eliminate the chance that she may have accumulative strain through holding herself stiffly? The fact that the pain is worse when she slouches seems to point to it being a lower back problem?  (We are all really good at standing on one leg if the other one hurts therefore damaging the good leg etc)\n\nA neuromuscular therapist could show her how to relax, how to move in pattern, and how to recognise when her everyday movements are taking her into pain?\n\nGood luck to you both
183504
Hi. I have systemic lupus and my pain sort of varies. Sometimes I feel really good. Sometimes I feel horrible. I have aching that is sometimes accompanied by a low fever. I take Ibuprofen and go to bed. Rest is one of the best things for Lupus. The joints that it seems to affect the most on me is my hip, knee, and shoulders.\nHope this helps :-)
891825
Have you thought about filing for Social Security Disability?  And then I would also contact you county health and social services department.  They may be able to get you on your state medicaid program.\n\nI have Lupus and APS....it isn't fun.  So far I haven't been in the hospital this year.  First time in a long time.