Fatigue ... Sandy... Others about 2 1/2 years post tx

I am approaching 3 years post treatment and can honestly say "no" I am neither fatigued or tired without reason. I may have been unwell for so long before being diagnosed that I really am healthier than I have been for a long time, who knows ???? I do take iron daily as a supplement and notice a difference if I go without for a few days. I was extemely anemiac before and during treatment so just continue with the supplement. Other than that, I try to eat a mostly healthy diet of lean protien and lots of fruit and vegetables as my digestive system will allow, yet my mind needs an occasional slice of cheesecake or dish of ice-cream too!! I sleep well, get plenty of exercise and about 6 months after treatment I began some light yoga/meditation.

I know others have mentioned feeling fatigued but it seems that at 2 plus years that should not be the case. Everyone is different though, and our bodies have been to war and back, and the side effects of this trauma are sometimes life long.

Have you discussed this with your doctor? Anemia is often at the root of feeling exhausted and many people do not get enough iron in their diet or if do our bodies have a hard time absorbing it.

I do hope you can resolve this issue soon as you continue to move forward in health.

katheryn

I am 5 1/2 years out from treatment and have a day now and then when I am literally wiped out.  However, I have serious sleep issues.  I've never been a good sleeper and once I went into menopause (thank you, radiation), I have had even more difficulty.  I do not know your history, but if there is any chance you are experiencing sleep apnea, that can be a contributor to fatigue.  It's one of those conditions a person can be totally unaware that they have, and they unknowingly wake many, many times during the night.  I'm just throwing that out as one possible cause--like I said, I do not know your history.

During all these years that I've been communicating with others who are post-treatment, some have found help with fatigue by getting B12 shots.  Of course, this first requires bloodwork to identify this as a problem. 

I am sure diet can play a significant role as well.  I eat a diet that is sometimes heavy on protein because I weight train.  However, during those periods, I notice that I am more fatigued than other times and am obviously not getting enough carbs.  Good carbs are key, but I'm sure you already know that.

I hate to say it, but going into menopause, along with the aging process, is probably at play here.  Just kidding now, but you can always do as I do--drink coffee!  Seriously, I hope you can find the reason for your fatigue and that there is an easy fix!  Take care! 

Lorikat said:

Thanks  Martha, i have been

Thanks  Martha, i have been tested for sleep apnea and am ok there.  Yes have talked to docs and should not be fatigued....I'm getting more exercise and being more social....  I'm good the first two thirds of the day, around three I want to crash!  Oh well, forward march!  No more complaining from me!

 

 

Complaining is allowed!  I allow myself short bursts of it, then I move on!

sandysp said:

We are alike

My eyes perked up when I saw that someone here suggested vitamin B12 shots. Where do they get them?

When I take a decaf five hour energy, it helps me tremendously and this is because it is mostly B vitamins. Including a massive dose of B12. I also take I Chill at night for help with sleep which besides the regular ingredients of Melatonin and Valerium root as an ingredient in health food store remedies for sleep, it also contains again massive amounts of B vitamins, including again, B12, Thiamine and Niacin which can give a nice flush that sends me off to sleep. Try it Martha.

I have my days when I am just bone tired. Today was one of them. But I also suffer from early spring allergies and today was a "medium high" day for allergy sufferers. I forget sometimes that spring can make me sick. I look forward to fall and spring and when they come, I can hardly get up to go outside! It is recommended anyway to stay indoors before 10 and during dusk.

I just bought some new air purifiers at Costco for 99 bucks each and am waking up a little easier in the a.m.

This, I guess is what was referred to as "spring fever" in the old days.

Fondly,

Sandy

I was the one who mentioned the B-12 shots, although I was not speaking from personal experience, only from what others have said.  I'm not sure I would take the I Chill, due to the fact that I am already on a prescription Niacin, taken in combination with Lipitor for my high cholesterol.  I rarely have flushing from the Niacin, but probably would if I upped the dosage.  I can't say that I like the flushing feeling, which I got quite often when I first tried OTC Niacin before going on the prescription kind.  I have also tried Melatonin with little success.  I'm glad you have found these ingredients helpful to you though.  I'm trying to keep to a minimum all of the supplements, etc. that I put in my body.  I think I'm taking enough stuff right now. 

As for B-12 shots, they would need to be administered by doctor's order. 

Hugs to you!

Martha

I spoke with another cancer survivor who had breast cancer and she said she had fatigue for 5 yrs and then it just went away. She said it almost stopped her from continueing on as a nurse because it was so debilitating. Here I an a anal cancer survivor 9 months post and never had any fatigue. I needed all my energy because I experienced so many other symptoms,

sandysp said:

Adrenaline

Maybe you are just running on Adrenaline. Try to rest when you can. Rest is truly amazing.

Sandy

This has nothing to do with fatigue from cancer, but I am getting the best sleep I've had in years recently.  My husband snores terribly and a C-pap machine was recommended for him after a sleep study.  He does not want to get the machine and has not been able to lose weight, which would help tremendously.  So, he now sleeps in the guest room.  I now wake up feeling like I have actually had a good night's sleep--alert, rested and refreshed.  It's amazing what a good night's sleep will do for a person.  It had been so long since I had slept well that I had forgotten what it was like to wake up in the morning feeling that good.  You are right, Sandy--rest is truly amazing!