Fatigue only when running.

[Snowgoddess]

My husband is in early 70's and has been in wait and watch stage for 8 years. This past year he is noting a new fatigue: getting out of breath after running about 2 blocks, so that he has to slow to a walk for 6 blocks, then run 2 more blocks. He is not anemic and has no known co-morbidities. He had a negative stress-echo test. within past 6 months. Admittedly we live at altitude in the mountains, so running has never been "easy" but he is concerned about the change. Any thoughts as to the cause, and potential treatments, as this seems different from other definitions of CLL fatigue?

[johnliston]

This happened to me twice both time it was because of low hemoglobins. The first time was right before treatment and the second time was when I got auto immune anemia.

john

[LeoPa]

If his red blood cells and hemoglobin are within the norm then could have something affected his lungs?

[Big_Dee]

Hello Snowgoddess

Before I started my first CLL treatment I was getting out of breath just walking a slight incline. As I started walking 3-5 miles a day, my breathing improved. I put it down to dropping red blood cells and hemoglobin. The drop in red blood cells and hemoglobin was reason I started my first CLL treatment. Blessings.

[Katie-LMHC-Artist]

I am on Acalabrutinib and had a lot of fatigue. Although my numbers were with normal range, on the lower end of the scale, my oncologist suggested an iron supplement. It made a huge difference. I understand your husband is in wait and watch. It probably would not hurt to try an iron supplement. The one my oncologist suggested is: Vitron-C , 65 mg elemental iron. I bought it through Amazon in the US. I take it an hour before I eat in the morning with a cup of orange juice. Take care!

[CycleWonder]

It would be helpful if you posted some of his blood counts, such as lymphocyte absolute count, platelets, and hemoglobin. If his hemoglobin is approaching 10, that may explain his fatigue while running. It may indicate that it is time to start treatment.

This type of fatigue will be of interest to your husband’s CLL specialist. Make sure it is noted during his next visit.

[SofiaDeo in reply to CycleWonder]

Agreed, and if a pulmonologist is available, consider getting lung function assessed. Even if you just choose to purchase a simple inexpensive incentive spirometer, and start tracking lung capacity that way, you'll see any drastic changes in breathing ability.

Could it also just be new reactions to cold and/or low humidity? Have pollen counts changed much compared to previous years? I know here some unseasonably warm weather has the cottonwoods pushing out stuff & people are reacting.