fatigue

[bob9884]

9th week on Pegasys. What will help with fatigue?

[jankar]

I am 24 of 48. Fatigue has been my most persistent and everyday symptom.  I do what I can, have reduced my workload to two days a week and read a lot, watch tv, go to the movies, little walks, keep it very simple, keep social activities to family so I can lie down or fade out whenever I need to and don't have to be social at all.  For me, trying to do too much and trying to keep up with my previous lifestyle was a physical and psychological burden.  I now just do exactly what I feel like - which is often reading. Going to work two days a week is good - keeps me in the loop without the physical and mental stress treatment adds to everything (for me). I make sure I get lots of sleep and I drink 3 litres of water a day. I don't clean, my partner does the cooking - I manage it about once or twice a week.  Lots of couch time.

[Marc1955]

If you are in a position to do it, exercise will help with the fatigue. I certainly endorse what everyone else said. Actually in my case, resting didn't help very much. I'd sleep all day and still be tired.

But exercise is recommended for people undergoing treatment and it will help. I know it seems impossible. But if you can slowly, slowly get on some sort of regimen – say a 10 minute walk every day – you will find you feel better. Many have found that the easiest time to do this is the morning, right after you take your morning dose of Ribasphere.

When I feel like total c***p warmed over, I drag myself to the gym. I do 15 minutes on an elliptical. That works for me because it is low impact. The benefits aren't immediate, but if I can do that every day for a week, I feel stronger and more in control of the treatment. I also do weight work to counter the muscle wasting that can come with treatment. It seems that weight work is a little more tolerable than intense cardio-vascular exercise. Good luck.

[annieCinMD]

I prioritize sleep, especially on the weekend, post shot. I usually go 10.5 hours on Friday, after the shot.  Naps, too!  I come home from work and take my bath and curl up with the laptop (where I'm at now). I have always been pretty good with the hydration, at least at work. Started carrying the bottle on the weekend too. I take Benadryl to make sure I DO sleep when I go to bed. Probably helps with this horrendous itching, too.  Good luck to you.

[lalapple]

um, if you are anemic, then maybe procrit like some suggested, but they haven't been helping me out that much, and i've had 4 shots already.  i'd say, tons of water, and TONS of sleep.

like portann said : "I'm happy for days in which my only side effect is fatigue."  
AMEN, i hear ya!  just 3 weeks behind you, 39th week i think, my memory is kinda sad now, have to look at my notebook to make sure.

[Kathy73]

Just take it easy on yourself. I try to limit my physical activity on the weekend so I can go to work during the week. You just have to stop doing some things and try to relax as much as possible. I pushed myself to do all of the things I did before and wore myself out early in the day. Then I would "crash and burn". Now I ration my energy and seem to do much better. I hired someone to clean every other week. My husband takes care of the stairs to the basement for laundry purposes, something that really wore me out. Simplier meals or take out. Whatever works. I'm 19/48.

[justme53]

Week 11 here and hemoglobin is in the 10's down from 14's. Staying hydrated helps with the fatigue, as well as just about everything else...one of the easiest things we can do to stay in the game. Other than that, for me, I'm learning to go with the flow. Some days are a struggle...I get through the work day and then collapse into bed. Other days are really good and I make the most of them. Now with spring around the corner, getting outside for walks is really helping...both the fatigue and mood swings.

Hoping things look up for you soon.......Pam

[portann]

Good golly, NOTHING!

Now at week 42 of 48, I'm happy for days in which my only side effect is fatigue.

It sounds impossible to believe but you actually get used to being tired. Give yourself at least to week twelve and then you'll likely see what I mean.

Either our bodies adapt or our minds forget the meaning of energetic.

At some point if your hemoglobin goes below 10, you should start a rescue drug called Procrit, rather than dose reduce. Only some people need this but your doctor should monitor you closely, especially in the first twelve weeks. I never needed it but always feel tired and I believe people who take it, feel tired anyway. I don't know for sure, though.

Welcome aboard the tired train. It'll be all right.