Several factors can contribute to fatigue with advanced illness: the ongoing progress of the disease itself, treatments for the disease, anxiety, and the fact that you may be moving around a lot less than you once did.
At this point it might make a lot of sense to review just what it is you are expending energy on. Are you doing things for yourself that others could help you with? Are you continuing with treatments, exercises or visits to the doctor that now sap your strength without positive benefit? Think about reorganizing how your time is spent and saving your energy for the things that are most important to you. That includes letting family and friends know whether it’s a good or bad time for them to visit with you.
Talk with your healthcare team about any medications you are taking that may be contributing to fatigue. They might be able to come up with substitutes that do not have that effect. Although you may have an idea about a medication that’s making you tired, it is important to consult your team and not just stop taking a medication on your own.
Ask your healthcare team about other ways to conserve your energy. They might teach you how to move between your bed and a chair with the least exertion, or recommend special equipment like a hospital bed that can be used at home. The team can also call on the expert help of a physical therapist who might have other suggestions for your individual case.
Think about how well you are sleeping and talk to your team about possible causes and solutions for any problems you’re having. Two things that can get in the way of a good night’s sleep are the use of caffeine and unrelieved pain. If you’re not getting adequate pain relief make sure your team knows about it. And remember that it’s you and not anyone else who determines whether or not you’re in pain.
You can also talk with your healthcare team about trying a stimulant medication during the day. This can be helpful in certain cases if fatigue is becoming a big barrier to getting what you can out of this phase of your life.
