I think that this is one of the most important symptoms we deal with, if not the most! It. Is beyond being tired or exhausted. The feeling is like a balloon that has suddenly lost all its air... You are completely drained of energy in any capacity. You are not able to get up and walk to the bathroom without thinking about it for a while, and then talking yourself into it. Other people who have never experienced this type of fatigue have no concept what we are talking about (like childbirth). No amount of willpower or mind over matter will change anything. Exercising more, eating better, or anything that is usually recommended will not help. It's like having the flu on steroids! I have no solutions, just reassurance that you are not crazy, lazy, or indulgent....
This is real and it is a large part of this demonic disease we endure along with the pain. Everyday we are one step closer to victory over this evil RA and we will be pain free; so until then we must keep our eyes looking in faith for daily miracles and hold each other in prayer.. God Bless Every Warrior!

Oh my, Joyce Williams, me too! I've stepped on blocks and trucks that I didn't pick up after my grandson left. I often want to pick up/clean but just can't seem to gather the strength or energy.

My experience is exactly the same. I call it 'hitting the wall' most days it hits me between 2pm and 5pm. I have learned I just need to go sit until it passes. I find surges of pain can be managed this way. My body seems to re-boot if I just shut down my activity for a spell. Listening to what your body is telling you is key to dealing with what we call RA. I have decided to use my downtime to work on a couple of book manuscripts I have been working on over the years. Also, mowing lawn on my ride on mower works as well.

Susie, you are right. I babysit my 11 month old grandson and after 4 hrs. I am exhausted plus with the pain of sciatica I am ready for bed at 8'o clock and sometimes I feel that nobody understand that I mentally have to prepare myself to do anything else after he leaves like picking up everything he has pulled out or pulled down (lol). Talking about keeping active,but he's the joy in my life.

I sleep A LOT on the weekends! : )