How To Manage Fatigue

While you may not be able to eliminate fatigue caused by your disease or treatment, there are steps you can takek to make living with fatigue easier. A list of steps follows. Information about each of these steps is contained in the other sections of this article.

• Communicate with your health care team and let them know the extent of your fatigue and how it is affecting your life.
• Conserve energy while being as active as possible.
• Exercise (even mild exercise).
• Schedule your days.
  • Plan work and daily activities with good days/hours in mind.
  • Build in rest periods.
  • Get enough sleep.
• Keep track of your symptoms.
• Decrease stress as much as you can.
• Get emotional support.  
  • Keep the lines of communication open. Share your concerns and emotions with team members such as spouses, partners, family members and friends -- even if it's only on the telephone. 
  • Consider joining a support group of people going through what you're going through. Support groups can be validating, help you view your fatigue differently, and/or can provide helpful tips for living with fatigue. To learn more about why to join a support group, how to find one that works for you, and tips about support groups, click here.
• Optimize nutrition. Follow simple tips for when you are too tired to cook such as making meals ahead of time and storing them in ready-to-eat single portions.
• Consider:
  • Taking health supplements to help boost energy levels  [after first clearing your choice(s) with your doctor]
  • Asking for medication to manage fatigue from side effects such as anemia or infection.
• Consider complementary therapies.
• Beware of illegal stimulants. Substances such as cocaine or crystal meth may provide temporary relief to fatigue, but are not recommended because: 
  • They are illegal. Do you really want to spend precious time in jail?
  • They are usually followed by a devastating crash.
  • They are likely to interfere with compliance with your drug and/or treatment protocols, which can impact your health condition negatively.

NOTE: 

• Be sure to report symptoms of fatigue and/or depression to your doctor or other health care provider.
• Initial studies  indicate that light therapy may help fight fatigue.

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