Fatigue

[Laborie]

I've had emphysema for about 7 years , I stopped smoking for 13 years. My main problem now is fatigue. The slightest physical effort makes my heart rate race and after a couple of minutes I need to rest for a couple of minutes. I feel exhausted all the time. Could sleep for ten hours then want to sleep ten more. Breathing very shallow, lung capacity 60%. Blood oxygen level when completely at rest is about 93%, heart rate 70.

I'm now seventy five, am on inhalers and also tablets for rapid heart rate. Have had lots of tests over the last year or so for the fatigue but they say they can find no medical reason for being so tired all the time.

[chubby2x22]

As you say, the tiredness is bad. My story is very similar to yours even our age, medication and the stopping smoking part, after months of tests nothing until I fainted in town. At A &E my blood test showed my haemoglobin was very low. Still don't know why after the camera down but the iron tablets have helped. Hope this helps, can't keep dropping off lol. Jane

[Laborie in reply to chubby2x22]

Hi, thanks for your reply. I've had so many blood tests in the last year it's a wonde if got any left. They tell me my results are good all the time.

I'll try iron tablets , that's one thing I've not tried before.

[Bkin]

Hi Laborie, I would take this back to your doctor for blood tests based on your symptoms, maybe ask for Sleep apnoea referral and perhaps another pulmonary rehabilitation.

From experience I know when you are tired you don't feel like doing much, but the problem with that is the less you do the more quickly you decondition and this results in not being able to do things and breathing deteriorates , so its extremely important to keep the fitness level going, even just short walks out each day, weather permitting twice a day, when you cant get out walk inside.

You say you have had numerous tests carried out and found no medical reason, but you need to know what you have been tested for. Something to discuss with your doctors.

Once you know what has been ruled out then you can begin your own research.

For instance - Have you been checked for :-

Sleep Apnoea, underactive thyroid, coeliac disease, iron deficiency to name but a few. When you read up on these things you can have a pretty good idea if you are presenting similar symptoms.

You have been living with emphysema for 7 years now, if you've been getting copies of your spirometry tests you will have a pretty good idea if your lungs have been deteriorating steadily or remaining pretty stable. If you are still smoking or passive smoking this will age your lungs further for instance and impact breathing more. More difficulty breathing, more tired etc.

If you've not had the sleep apnoea test and have not been for pulmonary rehabilitation for some time I personally would start with those two. Check with you doctor when was the last time you have a full blood count, if nearing 12 months I would ask for another, also vitamin D level check. Be sure (ask your doctor) if the meds for the tachycardia are working ok, do you feel they are?

Good luck hope you find with turning things around you will be able to enjoy the spring summer and autumn that is ahead of us with more get up and go

Best wishes

[Laborie in reply to Bkin]

I was beginning to wonder if my doctor didn't really believe me about how exhausted I felt all the time. Is nice to know I'm not on my own with this.

I've had the sleep tests and everything was ok. Lung capacity has got worse over the years but the last time it marginally improved. Last scan in July last year showed two things they weren't sure of so am having another scan soon to check again.

Only thing I've not tried is the Pulmonary Rehab.

Looks like that's the way to go.

[JANET127]

I too have emphysema..stopped smoking 22 years ago! I have been tired also! Then I went to Pulmonary Rehab and noticed how my energy was coming back! So I have to keep up on the treadmill and another machine! Keep going!!

[Laborie in reply to JANET127]

Thanks for replying, they tell me to walk as much as possible and exercise but I've got spinal stenosis as well. That affects my legs and walking after a few minutes. I had another spine operation two years ago and it took ages to get over it. Two long stays in hospital and long rests afterwards seemed to put my breathing further back. It's not really been right since then.

I think you are right about the Pulmonary Rehab so will talk to me doctor about it.

I live in France and the health care is amazing here. Virtually no waiting lists, can't fault the staff. Only downside is the language. It so difficult to explain things properly.

[Lucette2]

Hi, has the doctor checked your vitamin B12 and vitamin D level? My husband has been tired for months and when I asked his doctor to check his vitamin levels, these two were extremely low and he is on both supplements so hopefully he will improve soon.

[Ergendl]

Do try the pulmonary rehab. The physios will start from where you are and help to improve your fitness, which should make you feel less tired. All the best.

[Finnmaccool]

I agree with Ergendi. Worked well for me. Finn