Too Tired To Focus

[Rosebud41]

I would like to know if it's normal to just sit around and do nothing while on treatment?
I'll start a little project like washing the dishes and the next thing I know I'm in a chair somewhere.
It's extremely difficult for me to do anything at my house. I have managed work pretty well, but when I get home it's all over. Even  on days when I'm off work I can't seem to focus on my house . Thus I'm always trying to put the place back in order and not really ever getting there.

It's like a bad cycle I can't stand the clutter and I can't do a lot about it.

My other problem is I always seem  to feel over medicated. I think that probably goes with tx, also I sometimes itch at night. I think I'm probably at about week 20 of 48. It's just lots of little stuff and I don't iknow if it's tx or just me aging.

This weekend all my friends took off for the holiday, even my parents went to their summer place. I feel stuck.
I know some of you guys have got to be out there in cyber-space.

  

Thanks,
Rosebud 41

[Marcia2202]

It IS normal for some.

I was in bed all the way through treatment. Sometimes I wasn't even able to turn in my  bed. I had a few 'good days', but was mostly debilitated all the way through. My home looked a mess, I couldn't do the laundry or even cook food most of the time, let alone vacuum clean or any of that. Fortunately I had loads of help. My life was practically on hold for almost a year.

Just look over the mess and get to it once you feel better. Your health is more important than the dust. Enjoy the couch and try pamper yourself, if you have the energy to. Be kind to yourself and patient!

[mpace6983]

Unfortunatly, fatigue is the big gorilla that comes with interferon/antiviral TX. Maybe you could find a way to stop work or cut back on your hrs. If you have a little extra cash,you could hire someone to get the house back in shape and then maybe it will be a little easier to stay on top of. It's sort of overwhelming if the whole house is messed up. Were you fatigued before you started TX? If you had a biopsy,was thereany liver damage?

[Lynno711]

Fatigue was a biggie for me too!  Lasted all 48 weeks.  Congrats. on working, I could barely lift a finger.

Hired a Cleaner once a month, really helped with the big stuff, floors etc.

I also got meals on wheels, frozen dinners delivered weekly, cut down on shopping and the horrible decisions about what to eat.

I'm finished now, some of the sx. still linger, more energy now some days and some days not so much.....It all takes time, try to stay in good spirits & drink lots of water.

[punkiling]

As with everyone else, fatigue is a huge issue.  Have you white and red blood cell counts checked.  I found out the hard way that mine were so badly effected, I made it just in time to emergency for a transfusion.

All my doctors, including my blood doctor, told me the interferon acts differently with everyone.  Unfortunately, if there is a side effect out there, it has my name on it.  On vacation, we drove from 2000 foot altitude to 7-8000 altitude to the Grand Canyon.  That was my big hit.  Since then, being back to my normal 2000 ft level, I've only had to have 2 transfusion in 2 months.  

I thought the fatigue was due to that, and partly yes, but mostly my fatigue is my constant low cell counts.  I have now been put on Procrit, once a week, and it has helped a lot.  But my fatigue caused from the interferon keeps my down most days.

I also work full time and have a handicapped son at home.  I've resorted to keeping my freezer filled with tv dinners because I'm too tired after work to cook.  Just want to lay down.  I may go part time but finances may prevent that, but I won't give up.  And neither should you.

No one said it would be easy, not everyone is affected the same way, but just stay strong and remember what your goal is.  Focus on that, join groups, and stay in touch through this site.

Best of luck to you, God bless

[Lindaz]

What  Marcia said, it can be for some....is absolutely true.  
I think treatment is different for everyone and I found that I had more energy at the start of treatment than I do now heading towards the end.  I suppose just listen to your body and rest when you need to.  I found  that everyday was different.  One day I had more energy than the day before.....it really was never the same for me.
take care....x

[justme53]

I had those days...and LOTS of them...... whenever my hemoglobin dipped into the 9's...bordering on catatonic....I would tell myself, 5 more minutes and I will get up and at least move. An hour later I was still in the same place. I knew something was up when I found myself staring at my pc screen and racing the shooting stars. A week after going on Procrit, I started to come alive again. My levels are still only in the low 10's, but what a difference!!

[tulsatime]

I just hated looking at the mess my house had become during TX, just do what you can.  Take care of yourself  first... the rest will fall into place.

[Rosebud41]

Everyone

Sorry it took so long to respond, but I  did not  feel good and sometimes have trouble remembering my password. I've written on the wall so that won't happen again soon.

Glad to hear I'm not the only messy house around.
My hemoglobin has been perfectly fine
.
Unfortunately, I've trouble finding a cleaning person that I trust.
The person who had been coming is ill and she will not be back.

For  the most part my sx have been little things like itching at night, little break outs of stuff the dermatologist has been able to deal with.


I would call a service, but I don't if there's jewelry or money in them there piles of clothes.

I am still working but I do have a pretty easy job that for the most part I can control.
I have not worked long hours during the tretment. It's ust when I get I can't do anything but lie around.

[Rosebud41]

Everyone

Sorry it took so long to respond, but I  did not  feel good and sometimes have trouble remembering my password. I've written on the wall so that won't happen again soon.

Glad to hear I'm not the only messy house around.
My hemoglobin has been perfectly fine
.
Unfortunately, I've trouble finding a cleaning person that I trust.
The person who had been coming is ill and she will not be back.

For  the most part my sx have been little things like itching at night, little break outs of stuff the dermatologist has been able to deal with.


I would call a service, but I don't if there's jewelry or money in them there piles of clothes.

I am still working but I do have a pretty easy job that for the most part I can control.
I have not worked long hours during the tretment. It's ust when I get I can't do anything but lie around.

[Rosebud41]

I was just trying address each of your comments.
I absolutley did not press enter twice it's just a nasty sx
.
I read a considered each suggestion.
If in the salutation you're not mentioned blame that on sx too.
Cause if I keep at it I could send 10 messages tonight.

I think I'm going to go with messy for now!!!


Thanks, to Each and Everyone for the thoughtful suggestions.

Rosebud41