When does the fatigue go away?

[Nancy Drew]

I had GK on Oct. 21st (see signature below).  I have done pretty well overall, but the fatigue really gets me down sometimes.  Often I wonder if it is more mental fatigue than physical.  Whichever the case may be, when do you typically get your mo-jo back?  I try to get a walk in every day, but I wonder if I should push myself more physically.  My walks are kind of short, and it feels like I have lead in my shoes.  Interested to hear what others have to say about getting out of the fatigue mode.

Nancy

[sher]

I had CK the end of October and I still have bouts of fatique. I have been fearful of walking outside as I have fallen many times pre-ck just by stepping on a rock or just stepping wrong. I am starting to walk on the treadmill, but have that lead in my shoe feeling often. I am hoping it gets better, as I was a very active person. I just push through it the best I can.
Hang in,
Sher

[Nancy Drew]

Hi Sher,

Thanks for sharing.  What a journey this is and not knowing what to expect is the hardest part IMO.  I had a good day today, and I decided to take it for what it is and savor it.  Hopefully each day will get better.  While I was out walking earlier, I had a thought about the lingering fatigue.  My son is being deployed in Dec., and I think it is possible that I am getting AN symptoms mixed in with this emotional situation which is pulling me down.  I have read here on the board that many folks have had their treatment in the middle of a divorce, while caring for a sick spouse or child, etc.  With all of these stressors going on along with AN issues, I am sure it can drain the body and perhaps get in the way of the healing process...both mentally and physically.  I guess there is no "ideal" time to have an AN, so to say!

I think the insight today may have been what I've needed to help me push through and not blame every little thing on this AN.  I guess the best thing to do is to take time to relax, lots of deep breaths and go with the flow.  Wishing the best for you.

Nancy

[Jim Scott]

Nancy:

I concur with your conclusions.  The AN healing process following radiation or surgery does drain the body and leaves little energy for much else, which can be frustrating when you're trying to regain normalcy. I know from experience that stress is a huge contributor to fatigue.  I've had jobs that were highly stressful.  I would come home literally drained of energy after a day at (non-physical) work.  I eventually learned to avoid those kinds of situations (even if it meant foregoing a promotion) and also employing techniques to hold down my stress level on my own by not allowing situations to cause me intense anxiety.  Not easy. 

However, some situations are both stressful and unavoidable, such as your son being deployed next month, and these can easily lead to a state of fatigue for someone trying to recuperate from AN-related radiation (or surgery).   I like your decision to 'go with the flow' and carpe diem, both valid attitudes when we are determined to surmount our deficits, whatever they may be. 

I think you'll be O.K., Nancy. 

Jim

[Sue]

Nancy I am sorry you are having problems and really sorry your son is being deployed soon.  That certainly can't help matters.  Our brains and system all process what has happened to us at different rates and in different ways, as you already know.  It just is a slower process for some people.  No matter which treatment you would have chosen, this is true, I think.  You will be better in a week and in a month and the month after that, but it might be in really small increments or one big gigantic leap.  It all depends on how your system responds to getting zapped. All you can do is just do the best you can each day and don't worry about it.  It'll get there eventually. 

Hang in there, it'll get better.

Sue in Vancouver, WA

[lori67]

I expect my fatigue will go away when the youngest of my 4 kids leaves for college.  She's only 2 years old, but I'm hoping she'll be a Doogie Howser and finish college around age 13.  Maybe after that, she'll find a cure for AN's.  Hey, I can dream, can't i?

Lori

[Nancy Drew]

Thanks for the words of wisdom.  I am finally "getting" this whole day to day thing!!!  I had a good day yesterday and today.  Maybe I am on my way!

Lori, What is a nerve jump?  Hopefully your daughter will find the cure for ANs at 13, but if not, 16 will be OK.  But, then again, medical research and getting a driver's license at the same time!  Sixteen was the age that almost did me under!!!

Sue,  Have you had any problems with your pin sites?  The ones on my forehead are tender when I touch them.  The back ones don't hurt, but I can feel an indentation where they were.

Jim,  You always have such great insight. Carpe Diem!!!

Nancy D.   

[Joey]

Hi Nancy - Since I was a week or two ahead of you GK wise, thought I'd drop by and say I'm really doing better now.  Fatigue at times, yes; the only really good thing is, don't need sleeping pills any more!!  I had my hair done, the colorist noticed I (still) had scabs in the back, but that didn't stop me.  I still notice a very strange numbness throughout the top of my head, but the pin sites themselves have healed nicely.  They look like freckles on my forehead, oh wait, they are probably just thought by others to be those danged age spots.  Whatever.  My hearing is about the same as always, but I notice a persistent fullness/muffled sensation that probably always will be with me and that's ok.  I am now down to just OTC ibuprofen, which does seem to help, taking a strong dose nightly and start the day feeling good.  By nighttime, the tinnitus and the fullness seem markedly worse, or else I'm just tired and more negative about it.  I'm trying to stay on an even keel and not obsess. Hoping all is well with you and you are staying happy!   ~~Joey

[Tumbleweed]

Nancy, I had CK, not GK, but they are very similar. I was profoundly fatigued for 1 full month after treatment -- so much so that anything but the shortest walk (a few minutes and no more) was too much for me to do. At the one-month mark, I began to suddenly get my energy back. At around the 2-month mark, my energy had recovered at least 95%. Now at 4 months post-CK, I essentially feel as energetic as I did before treatment.

Best wishes,
Tumbleweed

[Pascale]

hello
I did CK too (sept 8th) and it's taking me about one month/ one month and a half to start getting better. I would get really tired after a walk at the mall or just errands. But I feel that it's getting better.

Don't worry, it's normal to feel tired. Even though each ones of us are different, just take it easy and listen to your body. Don't push it. If it needs rest, then rest. It's the best thing to get a good recovery. I felt that taking vitamins and drinking powerfull juices made with my super duper awesome juicer helps a lot

take care
Pascale

[Nancy Drew]

Wow,

I think I can finally agree about the time frame of about a month or so.  I am feeling better every day.  I have had a couple of days where I have felt like I did before GK.  I took a longer walk yesterday, and I did pretty good.   Crowds are terrible.  Last night I had nine ladies over for a book club.  With all of the "jabbering", I could hardly understand what was going on at times.  I only knew one of the attendees (she recruited the club members) so no one knew about the AN.  I didn't go into detail about the AN, but I told them I have a difficult time hearing.  Since the club will be meeting at my house every month, I now have a designated sitting spot of the couch so I can hear better with my good ear.  I don't really have any problems with volume, its the word discrimination that throws me off.  But, I had the same situation before GK.  Seems like sound and discrimination are more magnified in crowds.  Perhaps it is something I will have to get adjusted to.

Thanks for the heads up about the time frame with the fatigue.  I am glad you are feeling better Joey.  I was getting worried about you.  I am getting my hair colored tomorrow, and I am interested to see if my hair stylist can find those indentations on the back of my head.  I guess I was lucky because I didn't get any scars on my forehead.  Maybe they are hiding in the wrinkles

Nancy