'Spot Leukaemia' - Coping with Fatigue ... - Leukaemia Support

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'Spot Leukaemia' - Coping with Fatigue - Please tick what helps you and share your experiences

HAIRBEAR_UK profile imageHAIRBEAR_UK22 Voters
15
Planning & prioritising activities to conserve energy
15
Eating a well balanced diet
13
Keeping moving - Some form of exercise
11
Scheduling rest time
10
Good sleeping habits - Adopting a wind down strategy ahead of sleep
5
Mindfulness based body strategies
4
Counselling and therapy
1
Other than above? Please share in a comment below
5 Replies
2003UK profile image
2003UK

Hi, I do not deal with what personally stresses well now so I try to de-stress in ways I can. When I overdo it emotionally and physically I now know my fatigue sets in either immediately or up to 48 hrs later so I try and have rest days booked so I can have me time. I do appreciate a little nap sometimes, but I also know I often feel better for a walk in the fresh air and exercise in a class. I try and eat a fairly healthy diet but I also feel the odd treat is important for me. I do believe counselling can be very beneficial in a way family and friends cannot be there for me.

Str1960 profile image
Str1960

Making sure to remind those around me at home to step in and help me when I get weary.

Penkman profile image
Penkman

I find explaining to family and friends how quickly fatigue kicks in embarrassing whilst to all outward appearances you look fine.

As an accomplished diy/handyman person, when helping out others with diy jobs, I get to a point where my brain seems to stop functioning and I have to go and rest. It makes me question my own abilities sometimes and wonder why when I resume the same job a day later it seems so straightforward instead of being like a massive hurdle the day before.

It is very frustrating not being able to physically do what you used to be able to do and knock confidence in starting anything new and unfamiliar.

Many people comment on me looking well when at times I am completely knackered.

fieldmeadow profile image
fieldmeadow

Having lived with leukaemia for so long and enjoying a good remission) my immediate family understand that fatigue is still a real issue for me despite looking well and healthy. Others, however, can't comprehend that I can feel exhausted yet look well at the same time.. Exercise does help energise but so does an occasional afternoon nap. A sensible (but not rigid) diet and fresh air are positives too.

HAIRBEAR_UK profile image
HAIRBEAR_UK

Thank you for sharing your experiences in the poll and in your comments, very interesting to see how your fatigue is or is not perceived by others. Here at Leukaemia Care we are focusing on the challenges of key leukaemia related symptoms. This month we are focusing on fatigue and how to cope and live well. Your feedback is very helpful, please continue to share to aid us with providing supportive information.

Leukaemia Care coping with fatigue information is available on our website, this mirrors much of what you shared leukaemiacare.org.uk/suppor... or leukaemiacare.org.uk/suppor... youtu.be/Ej5ByrzhzHE

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