Extreme fatigue due to PSP ?

Hello,

My father is extremely tired (worn out) whenever he has to walk more that 15 minutes, or more generally whenever he has to do any physical effort. Is this a typical symptom of PSP ? Or is it a consequence of depression ?

Any similar experiences ?

Thanks

[Kathy]

Hi Phillippe,

Fatigue seems to be quite a common symptom of PSP. Mum is not able to walk at all now but still gets worn out very quickly. "Outings" have to be limited to maybe 2 or 3 per week and can't last more than a couple of hours or so. Last week she went out for a "posh" lunch, they were out for approx 5 hours. She'd been home 10 mins and was sound asleep in the chair. She slept all night and most of the next day and following night, too!!

Any activity requires such intense effort and concentration that it's not really surprising they get so tired. We've also found that with people Mum doesn't see very often she seems to make much more of an effort to have a "normal" conversation and is, consequently, exhausted even by talking some days.

Not sure if that helps or not?!? The answer , I beleive,is to pace his activites so that he doesn't have to do too much in one session, plan rest breaks into his day. Maybe consider a wheelchair for long distances. If you don't already have an OT (Occupational therapist) now might be a good time to ask your GP for a referral.

Love to you and your Dad

Kathy x

[Hidden in reply to Kathy]

Thanks ever so much Kathy.

That is really helpfull. I will have to talk to our GP.

Love to you and your Mum.

Philippe

[Jeff]

Jeff is the same way! Two years ago, when he was still able to get around on his own, he would fall asleep in the middle of the day for a couple of hours. If he was out all day, it was nearly impossible to get him back in the vehicle to get him home, he would be so exhausted that I could bearly move him!

Now, he spends most of his day in his chair, sleeping. On average, he sleeps 15 - 18 hours a day. If we spend the weekend together and do a few things, he is exhausted for 2 or 3 days after. He gives it a good shot but he pays for it after. I sometime believe that a bit of depression may have crept into the equation as well.

Sheri

[Hidden in reply to Jeff]

Thanks Sheri,

my father is depressive as well and actually, this is what i wished to know: if this fatigue comes from depression or from PSP.

Thanks anyway as it gives us indication on how our father will probably evolve in the next months/years.

Philippe

[dllera]

Hi Philippe - fatigue is common in PSP - -when dad could no longer walk around the house (with assistance) I got him a motorized pedelar. It was awesome -he could sit in his chair and you can set the pedelar to whatever speed you wanted -Dad started out being able to pedal on his own and then over time the pedelar started helping him with the motions but we did it several times per day - -helped get the heart rate up and circulation pumping and kept those bowels going! My dad was ALWAYS active (played raquetball 5x per week since I can remember) so it was really good for him - -we based the pedalling goals on "time" (like 15 minutes) several times a day. Check'em out on the internet.

[stitchandknit]

Hi Phillippe, My mother in law has psp. A couple of months ago my daughter, made me a member of the psp association. This has been the most valuable thing, during this whole time.

My mother in law has been diagnosed with psp for the past 4 years, but she refused to visit the hospital, subsequently we have had no help, with any medical needs. Since being a member of this association, I have found out so much, and it offered some great information. I have subsequently found the energy to contact her doctor, and she has finally got back into the medical system.

I hope you get the help and information you need.