What is Fatigue?
Fatigue is a feeling of extreme tiredness that doesn’t go away, even after you rest. Unlike normal tiredness, which might affect you after working hard or not getting enough sleep, fatigue persists despite rest. It is very common among men with prostate cancer, with around 75% experiencing fatigue at some point. Fortunately, there are strategies and support available to help manage fatigue and increase energy levels.
How Might Fatigue Affect Me?
Fatigue can manifest in various ways, making daily activities challenging. It might make you feel:
- Tired, exhausted, weak
- Lethargic, drained, knackered
- Shattered, whacked, beat
- Spent, weary, drowsy
- Weighed down, done in
What Daily Activities Can Be Affected by Fatigue?
Fatigue can impact:
- Everyday tasks like getting dressed, showering, or preparing food
- Social activities, such as seeing friends and family
- Sleep (insomnia)
- Concentration and memory
- Understanding new information and making decisions
Sudden bouts of tiredness can be particularly dangerous when driving or operating machinery. Fatigue can also affect your mood, leading to feelings of sadness, depression, or anxiety, and may cause you to feel guilty about not being able to perform usual activities.
How Can Fatigue Affect Relationships and Social Life?
Fatigue might make you more dependent on others and less able to work or socialise, potentially leading to feelings of loneliness or isolation. It can also impact your sex life, reducing your energy for intimate activities. The impact of fatigue varies, and your feelings about it may change over time.
What Causes Fatigue in Prostate Cancer Patients?
Several factors can contribute to fatigue in men with prostate cancer:
- Prostate cancer itself: The disease can disrupt normal cellular functions and energy use.
- Treatments for prostate cancer: Fatigue is a common side effect of all prostate cancer treatments, particularly hormone therapy, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy.
- Stress, anxiety, or depression: Emotional stress can exacerbate fatigue.
- Travelling to appointments: Frequent trips to the hospital or GP can add to fatigue.
- Symptoms of advanced prostate cancer: Issues such as pain or anaemia can cause fatigue.
- Pain: Discomfort from cancer or its treatment can worsen fatigue.
- Medicines: Some medications, especially pain relievers, can cause fatigue.
- Other health problems: Conditions like kidney disease or arthritis can contribute to fatigue.
- Not sleeping well: Poor sleep can be both a cause and an effect of fatigue.
- Lack of physical activity: Inactivity can exacerbate fatigue.
- Other energy-draining activities, such as work, caregiving, and social obligations, can also contribute.
How Long Will My Fatigue Last?
The duration of fatigue varies widely. It may improve or worsen over time, depending on the cause and treatment:
- Surgery (radical prostatectomy): Fatigue typically lasts a few weeks but can persist longer.
- Radiotherapy: Fatigue often worsens over time and may start after treatment ends, potentially lasting up to a year.
- Hormone therapy: Fatigue may fluctuate; some men may benefit from intermittent hormone therapy.
- Chemotherapy: Fatigue usually peaks the week after each session and improves over time post-treatment.
- High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) and cryotherapy: These newer treatments can cause fatigue, but the duration is less well known.
How Can I beat my Fatigue?
There is no single cure for fatigue, but various strategies can help manage and reduce its impact:
Talk to Your Doctor or Nurse
Discuss your fatigue with your healthcare team. They can help identify contributing factors and suggest management strategies, including checking for other health problems that might exacerbate your fatigue.
Keep Active
Physical activity can significantly improve fatigue. Regular exercise helps boost energy levels and enhance the quality of sleep.
Plan and Take Things Slowly
- Plan: List all your tasks. Set achievable goals.
- Prioritise: Focus on what's most important each day.
- Pace: Allow extra time for tasks and rest before you get too tired.
- Permission: Allow yourself to do things differently and take breaks.
- Position: Make tasks easier, such as sitting instead of standing.
Get Help with Emotional Problems
Fatigue can be linked to depression or anxiety. Addressing these emotional issues can help improve your energy levels.
Ask for Help
Don't hesitate to ask family and friends for support with daily tasks.
Make Time to Relax
Prioritise relaxation activities such as meditation, breathing exercises, painting, or listening to music.
Eat and Drink Well
A healthy diet and staying hydrated can boost your energy. Avoid irritants like caffeine and alcohol, and eat regular, balanced meals.
Improve Your Sleep
Good sleep hygiene can help manage fatigue:
- Stick to a routine for sleeping and waking.
- Avoid naps if possible; rest or do a relaxing activity instead.
- Avoid caffeine, sugar, and heavy meals before bed.
- Ensure a comfortable, quiet, and dark sleep environment.
- If worries keep you awake, write them down and address them during the day.
Consider Complementary Therapies
Yoga, acupuncture, meditation, and massage have been shown to help some people manage fatigue. Ensure any therapist you see is qualified and aware of your medical condition.
