As only 22% lung capacity i suffer badly with fatigue and night panic attacks which are not pleasant, anyone else have daily fatigue, please

[bobbyfloyd]

as above please

[katieoxo60]

Hi, I would think most people with low lung function would get tired in the day as we are more active during daytime hours. I often feel tired during the day and fall asleep sometimes, also need to restrict the amount of activity and spread it over more days or the body rebels. Of course I am sure in my casre age plays a part too, so all facts should be considered.

[Ergendl]

There was a helpful metaphorical story I learned from an ME sufferer equating energy to spoons. Every morning we start with a similar number of spoons, some of us who are fit 100, some of us coping with an illness 20, and so on. Each time we do something we use up some of these spoons - a heavy physical activity may take 9 or 10, sitting doing a jigsaw may take 1, and eating a meal may take 5. Once the spoons are used up there are no more until next day or after you've had recovery time. So the knack is to work out which activities you must do (eating, using the bathroom, etc) and keep enough spoons for those. Any left over can be used for other activities - the art is to find those activities which don't use so many spoons.

All the best, M.

[Bobbi6 in reply to Ergendl]

That is such a truthful reply. Thanks for sharing that.

[gingermusic]

I have 19% lung function and occasionally nod off while watching TV in the early evening but only for a few minutes. Maybe I am lucky in that I am able to only do what I feel like doing during the day as partner is a real help to me. Largely my days are spent on my hobby rather than anything else which is relaxing. I wish you well. Ruth

[Izb1]

Hi bobbyfloyd, I seem to suffer from fatigue alot nowadays, perhaps due to age , bronchiectasis and rheumatoid arthritis. I do far too much most days but do try to have days where I take it easy and rest up. I think the key is to not overdo things x

[Hacienda]

Hi Hun, I have 26%, and although I am quite active,(on 02 ,16 hours) by the end of the day, I can Nod off easily. of Course Age and Meds have a lot to do with it. It is hard to admit getting older, none of us want too. All the Best. Love n hugs xxxx

[CDPO16]

Hi, I have 25% lung function and am permanently tired. I sleep an average of 4-5 hours per night and have never been able to sleep/nap during the day. I also have panic attacks from time to time and night time is the worst time for coping with them. I find distraction helps a lot such as getting as comfortable as possible on the sofa and watching TV.

[hallentine47]

I have 23% capacity and tire very easily. I am 72 next birthday and this must also be a factor. I can relax and drop off easily any time but at night I sleep one hour and wake ready to start the day which is very annoying. So with the help of very limited dose of lorazepam and psychotherapy my panic attacks have dwindled and I sleep a little longer at night. After 19 days in ICU 3 years ago following respiratory failure and pneumonia it has take a long time to re build any strength at all. I love ErgedI's spoons and that sums it up really. I am also on a long list of meds and steroids and antibiotics all with side effects.

[Bobbi6]

Yes I go through this too. Every little thing wears me out but the exercise I do help me a lot. I don’t get as tired as I use too. Don’t let fatigue get you down. And don’t feel ashamed to take a name. Best wishes to you.

[timCHP]

I’m at 17% (and ages 46) and I was struggling with sleep. Would wake up at 3am and then stay awake until morning. Or I would wake up 10 times to cough, or with a dry mouth from sleeping with my mouth open.

Then I was put on oxygen overnight at 2lpm which helped a lot. And I was also prescribed Lorazepam to help with breathlessness. I find half a tablet an hour before bed helps me sleep almost through the night. But not a full tablet as that gave me weird dreams.

Also, if i drink lots of water in the afternoon, mucous is easier to clear so if I wake up coughing, it doesn’t take so long and I can get back to sleep.

I still have a nap at some point in the day.

Good luck.