Fatigue

Suggestions for Managing Care at Home
Taking Care of the Caregiver
Anxiety
Body Image Changes
Change and Uncertainty
Fatigue
Memory and Concentration
Nausea and Vomiting
Pain Managment

Being tired is a very common experience for patients. There are a number of possible causes for fatigue: the intensive treatments, medications, a lower than normal number of circulating red blood cells, disruption of normal resting and sleep habits, or feeling depressed. It usually takes time to work out ways to live with and manage fatigue.

Your Goals:

• Establish regular rest and sleep periods.
• Conserve energy.
• Get professional help when needed, and keep your nurse and doctor informed about symptoms of fatigue.

Emergency Signs and Symptoms

• Make sure your caregiver knows to call 911 IMMEDIATELY if you are unable to wake up.

Call the Clinic (206) 288-1000 or the University Operator (206) 598-3300 IMMEDIATELY if:

• You feel dizzy.
• You are too tired to get out of bed, or walk to the bathroom.

Important Signs and Symptoms(report any of these symptoms to your doctor or nurse during clinic hours each day):

• Fatigue is getting worse.
• Staying in bed all day.
• Other symptoms occur with increased fatigue.
• Increased weakness or exhaustion.
• Drowsiness or confusion.
• Loss of balance.
• Catching your breath.

What You Can Do At Home:

Establish regular rest and sleep periods.

• Set up a regular daily schedule for nap and sleep times.
  
  
• Keep active during the day to sleep better at night.
  
  
• Play soft music, put on the TV as a background sound, engage in meditation or prayer, or ask a nurse or family member for a back rub to help you sleep or rest.

Conserve Energy:

• Rest between bathing, treatments, and exercise.
  
  
• Be active or do things only for a short time.
  
  
• Plan activities, such as exercise, visiting, or trips when feeling the most rested and energetic.
  
  
• Decide on the most important activities for the day. Be realistic.
  
  
• Regular exercise helps reduce fatigue.
  
  
• Eat snacks between meals to keep your energy up.
  
  
• Source Document: Taking the U Out of Fatigue, ONS, 2001