Why am I so exhausted while on TB meds?

[Dw3832]

I have pulmonary TB and am in my 10th month of treatment. I have significant scarring and a total collapse of my upper right lung due to scarring from the disease. The primary issue I have these days is just exhaustion. I am so tired ALL the time. I work come home and collapse. My husband does most everything now. I assume this is due to the medication? Has anyone else felt this way?

[hottchoc]

Hi DW, how long are you on your meds for? It’s a long time, is it because you are resistant? Personally I do believe you are right, I was working and taking the meds and had a partial (and still do) collapse lower lung and felt the same, but just incase anything else is going on you should get reassurance from your tv nurse. I’m sure he / she is on the end of the phone whenever you need her. This will help to keep you sane! I know it did me. I hope you feel better soon 🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺

[Dw3832 in reply to hottchoc]

Thank you for your reply. I’m in my 10th month and should be told I’m through taking them in a few more weeks. I’ve not had any side effects to speak of from the meds but wonder if my constant exhaustion is the meds or the lung? And if it’s the meds then logically I should start getting my strength back when I’m finished with them. If it’s the lung, well I’ll have to adapt

[Mel73]

Hi. I too experienced immense fatigue whilst on treatment for 10 months. Prior to contracting pulmonary TB I was fit & healthy & worked full time. I was unable to function whilst on treatment suffering most of the well known side effects & did not return to work until I was off medication. The fatigue continued beyond the treatment period & I struggled to return to full time working.

I was diagnosed with post illness depression and started on antidepressants.

I never regained the weight I lost with TB properly, & my lungs & breathing have never been the same. I have had to resign from my job & relocate for an easier slower pace of life.

Sadly the fatigue is still an issue 5 years on but I have learnt to accept it.

This is my experience of course & everyone is different.

In answer to your question I think both the effect of TB itself on the lungs, the damage & consequent healing the body undergoes & the medication side effects contribute to the fatigue.

[Dw3832 in reply to Mel73]

Thank you so much for your response. It makes me realize what is happening to me is to be expected as a possible aftereffect. Managing expectations is so important I believe. We will live and be blessed to be able to live, but how we live post TB should not be expected to return to how it was pre TB. I have wondered as well about the working. I work a very stressful role and find myself worrying that I may require a change due to sheer exhaustion

[Ehinoma in reply to Mel73]

I have something similar too my is lungs Tb and I have been taking my medication since May and my doctor said I have to take them till February, I was pregnant August and I lost the pregnancy due to the drugs I was taking and I am always feeling pains in my lungs when I breathe and my back is always painful

[meenaravi]

My wife was diagnosed with TB and its been the sixth month on medication..but still she feels exhausted and weak , i do sometimes felt irritated due to the same..Im so sorry as now after reading and going through what u all have been feeling make me feel guilty..I love her and continue looking after her..a big thanks to u all for all the support..

Regards

Ravi Sankar

[phone]