Extreme Tiredness During Day

[Guy59]

Hello

I have COPD and on Oxygen for activity In 2016 September 12th I had a left lung lobectomy bottom half removed , because of two cancers on lung, operation was successful, recovered from that, i also have fibrosis and emphysema , my activity levels are very low now , not exactly young no more either 62 years young, anyway I get so damm tired now mid afternoon just exhausted to be honest , is it because of my lungs in such bad health are causing this extreme tiredness.?

Thanks

[JanetteR57]

Sorry to hear of your exhaustion. I'm almost 61 and had upper left lobectomy in Dec 2010. If you also have COPD and on oxygen, your heart is having to pump hard and your lungs work hard too given your fibrosis and emphysema. Sometimes it's a vicious circle - we're tired so we don't move about, we also may eat more carbs than usual which can add to the tiredness as we're not working off those excess calories so may gain weight. Are you able to walk in a garden or fresh air, sometimes just moving about in the open can lift our mood and by adding a few steps each day, our lungs open a little more and we can go onto develop our lung function. Paradoxically, the more energy we exert, the more energetic/lively we can feel as the body releases endorphins and other chemicals into the blood stream that stop us feeling so tired. If there's been a change in your energy levels recently, I'd suggest you speak to your doctor and get your blood tested in case you also have anaemia which is common and can lead to excess tiredness. Have a look at your diet/drinking habits and keep a note so when you see the doctor, you can discuss what you're taking in/expending. Are you sleeping ok at night or are the afternoon naps to make up for not sleeping at night? All of these will build up a picture that your doctor can use to look at what might be the cause. I have had a few months since being hospitalised with a respiratory virus in January in not feeling myself at all and sent for investigations on my heart and lung function to see if there is some underlying cause. Given your history, I'd recommend getting a professional medical opinion. Do you have somebody who reviews your medications/care? I believe my weakened/irregular heart has been caused by a change in inhaler in January as since stopping it, my swimming capacity and general energy levels are recovering even if not where they were 6 months ago yet. However it does sound as if you have a lot going on healthwise so you may want to ask for some pulmonary rehabilitation to help you improve. good luck. thinking of you.

[Guy59 in reply to JanetteR57]

Hi, Thank you for your reply ,much appreciated, my fibrosis has worsened this year can be seen on Scans and also Breathing tests had 2 this year and show both decreased from previous, but my activity has dramatically dropped through above reasons. Max around 10-15 metres with Oxygen walking and have to stop to regain my breathing properly, I have put on weight with all the above , I do not wash my hair now as I loose my breath, diet is not that good , from next wed I have assigned to me a matron nurse once a month , so I will discuss with her these problems , Thank you again

[RoyCastleHelpline Partner Ask the Nurse Roy Castle]

Dear Guy

Sorry to hear you are not feeling great with your tiredness, which can be very demanding on everything.

JanetteR57 has provided a great response of which there is not much to add to, except do have a medical assessment performed.

It may be worth asking the GP if you can have social services assess your home environment, you may need extra support in the day to day things or additional aids. You may have a lot of these in place already, or you can ask the nurse that has been allocated to you about a referral for this.

You may have lots of information already on managing your COPD, but this link may provide some useful advice for you, it is from the British Lung Foundation:

blf.org.uk/support-for-you/...

Our Freephone nurse led helpline number is 0800 358 7200, if you wish to discuss anything, but we also appreciate that talking on the phone can be quite tiresome for you. Our email is [e-mail]

All the very best

The Roy Castle Support Team