WHAT YOU CAN DO TO MANAGE FATIGUE

Tell your doctor or nurse: Fatigue can be a symptom of a medical problem. Your doctor and nurses can help you to make a plan for dealing with your fatigue.

Stay as active as you can: Plan some light activity into every day. Many people find that exercise makes them feel more energetic. Exercise keeps your muscles strong and speeds your return to normalcy following your treatment. You don't have to run a marathon, start where you can and stick with it! You may be surprised how much better your feel. Walking is an excellent exercise that most people can do, if you need help finding an exercise that's right for you, ask your nurse, doctor or physical therapist.

If you are not eating well: Your nurse or nutritionist can give you specific information to help. Also to provide an addition to your convenience, there is a dietician available within our facility.

Try eating more frequent, smaller meals: Low fat foods are best and be sure to get plenty of fluids.

If you are not sleeping well: Tell your doctor or nurse. Be sure to mention what you think is keeping you up at night. If your pain or anti-nausea medicine isn't working we want and need to know. Some people find listening to relaxing music or a tape of the ocean or rain helps them to relax and fall asleep.

If you are sleeping too much during the daytime: Plan time for both activity and rest in your daily schedule. Try taking short naps instead of long ones. Most people find that a 15-20 minute nap is the most refreshing. Set your alarm clock if you need to, get up and try to do something after 20 minutes. If this tires you out and you need to rest, that's okay, but keep trying! Remember, the more time you are inactive, the weaker and more fatigued you can feel. If you need help in working out a routine, let us know!

Keep a diary of how you feel each day: Keeping track of your periods of activity and rest can help you to learn the pattern of when you feel your worse and best. Then you can plan activities when you know you will have the least fatigue. You may want to keep a diary.

Ask for help: Remember, you don't have to do everything. Accept offers. Ask for specific favors such as shopping or cooking. Be sure to save time and energy to do something that you enjoy or that is most important to you.

If you are forgetful: Write things down. Bringing lists of questions with you when you see the doctor. Keep a list of things you need to get done and that friends can do to help.

If you are feeling stressed: Join a support group. Meditation and relaxation techniques may be helpful.

If you are feeling depressed: discuss with your doctor or nurse.

If you need compassion: Ask for it. Friends and family may not know you would like visitors.

Ask your doctor if there could be a medical cause of your fatigue: Anemia is a common problem. Low blood sugar; low blood pressure and infection are others.

Ask our doctor about treatment: If fatigue is reducing your quality of life, ask if there is an appropriate treatment available to help you.

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