Dealing with tiredness

[RosemaryHarper]

I have PV and have been monitoring the exercise I take by wearing a fitness band (which also records sleep patterns which is very useful!) The idea of using this information was to try and increase the number of steps I take on a daily basis, but I have found that if I go over about 4,000 steps a day I am exhausted and have to lie down to recover for the rest of the day. Recently I walked 7,000 steps one day and ended up in bed for 2 days! Although the band is not providing the original intention to get more exercise - I am now able to monitor how many steps I can take a day before crashing, and adjust how much I do accordingly. I feel I am being much kinder to myself as a result...

Take care all x

[socrates_8]

Hey Rosemary..

I also like to exercise as much as my fatigue lets me.

Like you, I initially learned that if I do too much, that I will pay for it later. However, after some persistence on my part, I eventually learned that I could slowly build up my strength and endurance to cater to ever greater levels...

...but it does take time, and it cannot be rushed w/out consequences...

So take your time & go slowly and you will see improvements I am certain.

Best wishes

Steve

(Sydney)

[AndW65 in reply to socrates_8]

Hi Rosemary, I found that after cycling rides on the weekend or gym sessions I would have to have a lie down and take a bit of a nap for a couple of hours. However it was the occasional severe headaches that worried me. I initially put it down to dehydration but couldn’t understand why as I was drinking litres of fluids during and after the sessions. Since having venesections I am struggling to match the distance and complete some of the hills which were previously not a problem. I must admit it knocked my confidence a bit. As Steve says it will take a bit of time to slowly build up your fitness level. The main thing (I’ve heard) is to keep active.

Andy

[Islander47]

As a long term MF patient fatique is a ongoing burden. I have found over the years that you only have x amount of energy a day. Think of it like an hour glass, with each of us having a different amount of sand . My routine is to do activities in the morning & then rest from 1-3 every day. Then I'll finish activities, or take it easy until bedtime. Thinking again of hour glass, if I overdo, that amount is deducted from the energy that I have the next day. Several days of too much energy use, equals 1 down day. Exercise is energy use. When you do so, cut down on other things you do. I also wear a FitBit & do a minimum of 5000 steps a day, while trying to increase over the next few months. One day at a time!