For starters I'm taking 50 mg of PAxil a day, to help keep pain and
depression manageable.

Then even on good days, I have to force myself past the inertia point.  If I
can make myself get dressed then I make myself go outside.  Also once I'm
dressed the family considers me "fair game" for rides and errands unless I
flat refuse.  And I admit that it builds that if I'm doing OK enough to get
dressed and get out I'm more likely to carry on and do even more.  Up to a
point.

On the not so good days, lets just say I'm wearing out my jammies faster
than I'm wearing out my jeans.  I'll read for a while, watch TV for a while
mess with the computer for a while.  Maybe put some clothes in to wash
(Charlie will make sure they get dried and put away).  Try to make sure
there is a grocery list going, etc.

Even things like straightening up the kitchen, putting things in the
dishwasher and wiping off the counter takes an effort.

As for the other housework, if the sun doesn't come out and I don't have a
good day pretty soon, I'm going to have to start naming the spiders.

Jo

I've lived with the tiredness for many years Tina.  I have taken two naps a
day many times.  Now I'm down to one.  LOL

I just did what I could in-between naps.  It's amazing what can be done in
those times.

debbie m.
http://www.angelfire.com/ga2/angels1/

Tina get as much rest as you can.
(((TINA)))
janice

Hi, Tina.

   Sorry that you're having a tough time.

I began to feel a bone-deep, dragging my sorry a**  tired when my RD put me
on Sulfasalazine.  I stood it for two months, and then asked him to take me
off of it.  I feel much better now, and my energy is back.
    Could your meds be doing this to you?
Cindy R.

Tina, you might ask your doc to check your vitamin B12 levels. My RD
sent me to a neurologist to diagnose peripheral neuropathy and she is
the one who found my levels were extremely low.  Since having B12 shots
and taking pills I find I don't need my afternoon nap any longer.

Ann

Hi Tina,
I have had Lupus for years...and exhaustion is a troublesome symptom.

I was put on Prozac to help with dealing with depression/anger in
dealing with this daily.  It really helped with dealing with the pain
too.

I have days when I have to tell myself "Today I sit in the recliner,
watch TV, doze off as needed, do nothing tiring"....sometimes it's 2
days in a row...but it gets better and I can get things done
eventually.

Your body needs what little energy is left to get better so you can
get up and moving.  And I know its VERY frustrating.  Find things to
do that you can do while sitting....a craft or a good book...watch
movies or move the computer to a more useable spot?  I have my little
"clutter nest" near my recliner.  A basket with magazines, little
projects, hand held games, etc.

I will be thinking about you.....  Just rest and get better.  Don't
worry about "stuff"....it will be there when you feel better.

Janet R

Tina2, I just came across this message again.  It really hit home because I'm
bottoming out after several days of a bit more energy.  It's been nice,
though part of it was from the adrenaline rush Tuesday morn when we
discovered our hot water baseboard heat had sprung a leak overnight!  
(fortunately, not in the carpeted part of the house.  whew.)

Today, i hit the wall.  I just don't know where the day has gone and how it
has passed with me doing so little.  I've done a few things, but only by
forcing myself.  Heck, Tuesday I could even open a 2 liter bottle with my
bare hands!  Today I have to force myself to get up off the loveseat or off
the bed.  If my sinuses didn't get stuffed up and if my bladder didn't fill
periodically, I don't know how I'd ever get up and get anything done!  LOL

So, yes, we do understand and it's not about how long you've had to live with
it, it's just about how much it gets to you on a given day.