Will tiredness (fatigue) affect my ability to carry out everyday activities?
You may find that at times, particularly during periods of treatment, you feel more tired than usual. Some people also experience periods of breathlessness when carrying out more strenuous activities. You may need to adapt your everyday activities to help overcome this. When necessary your doctor will also provide medication or treatment to reduce this problem.
What sort of activities may I find more tiring?
Usually you will find that more physically demanding activities, for example, climbing stairs, gardening, shopping or perhaps bathing/showering, are more tiring. There is equipment that can help you remain independent and reduce the energy required to carry out activities, for example:
• Use a stool to sit on when gardening.
• Check your bed and chairs are high enough for you to get on/off easily.
• A high toilet seat can be ordered if your toilet is too low.
• A grab-rail beside the bath, shower or toilet will help you steady yourself.
Ask your occupational therapist for advice on the above.
What kind of changes may I need to make?
When activities are carried out in the easiest, most efficient way, less strength is used and tiredness or pain is prevented. This means that you will have more time and energy to cope with other activities during the day. There are some simple guidelines that can help you cope with any difficulties you may experience. Try to remember the following three "Ps":
Prioritise - In order to have more energy to do the things you want to do, try to prioritise by deciding what is most important to you. This may vary from day to day. Try to cut out unnecessary jobs or perhaps leave some of the heavier tasks for friends or family.
Plan ahead - Forward planning can help you achieve what you want to do without over-tiring yourself. Think ahead when planning outings, for example give yourself extra time when going to an appointment or choose a restaurant that has convenient parking.
This will help you to feel more relaxed and able to enjoy your outing.
Pace yourself during the day by balancing periods of activity with periods of rest. Sit down for as many activities as possible. Try to take a break before you need it and remember that many short rest periods are better than a few long ones. Try to use slow, relaxed movements and avoid rushing and getting flustered.
Will I still be able to get out and about?
Yes, but remember to think ahead when planning an evening or day out. If you are going somewhere unfamiliar, try to get information in advance, for example, make sure that lifts and parking/transport facilities are nearby. If you find yourself getting fairly tired on longer walks, having access to a wheelchair for occasional use may be helpful. Many shopping centres and supermarkets have wheelchairs available and short-term loans may be available through your local Red Cross or hospital service. You may also be entitled to a disabled badge for parking the car - check with your local Social Work Department.
If you are travelling long distances by rail or air, advise the operator when booking your seats as additional help is often available to you. You will need travel insurance when travelling abroad. This can often be expensive and it is advisable to shop around for the best deal (it is usually cheaper six months after completion of last treatment). Ask your GP for advice if you are travelling with drugs, particularly morphine. A free Health Advice for Travellers booklet is available over the counter at post offices or by calling the Health Literature Line on Freephone: 0800 555 777. The Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation produce a free leaflet on travel insurance. To receive a copy please contact the Roy Castle Lung Cancer Helpline on: 0800 358 7200.
Will my sexual feelings be affected?
It is not uncommon for some people to find that possibly as a result of being tired, or a feeling of being less sexually attractive, sexual interest may temporarily decrease. Furthermore, your partner may sometimes be concerned, very often wrongly, about the possibility of hurting or stressing you. If you have concerns about this, it may help to discuss them with your partner or hospital staff. It may be helpful to temporarily replace sexual activity with non-sexual contact such as holding hands, hugging or kissing for a while, if sexual interest is low.
Will tiredness (fatigue) affect my ability to carry out everyday activities?
You may find that at times, particularly during periods of treatment, you feel more tired than usual. Some people also experience periods of breathlessness when carrying out more strenuous activities. You may need to adapt your everyday activities to help overcome this. When necessary your doctor will also provide medication or treatment to reduce this problem.
What sort of activities may I find more tiring?
Usually you will find that more physically demanding activities, for example, climbing stairs, gardening, shopping or perhaps bathing/showering, are more tiring. There is equipment that can help you remain independent and reduce the energy required to carry out activities, for example:
• Use a stool to sit on when gardening.
• Check your bed and chairs are high enough for you to get on/off easily.
• A high toilet seat can be ordered if your toilet is too low.
• A grab-rail beside the bath, shower or toilet will help you steady yourself.
Ask your occupational therapist for advice on the above.
What kind of changes may I need to make?
When activities are carried out in the easiest, most efficient way, less strength is used and tiredness or pain is prevented. This means that you will have more time and energy to cope with other activities during the day. There are some simple guidelines that can help you cope with any difficulties you may experience. Try to remember the following three "Ps":
Prioritise - In order to have more energy to do the things you want to do, try to prioritise by deciding what is most important to you. This may vary from day to day. Try to cut out unnecessary jobs or perhaps leave some of the heavier tasks for friends or family.
Plan ahead - Forward planning can help you achieve what you want to do without over-tiring yourself. Think ahead when planning outings, for example give yourself extra time when going to an appointment or choose a restaurant that has convenient parking.
This will help you to feel more relaxed and able to enjoy your outing.
Pace yourself during the day by balancing periods of activity with periods of rest. Sit down for as many activities as possible. Try to take a break before you need it and remember that many short rest periods are better than a few long ones. Try to use slow, relaxed movements and avoid rushing and getting flustered.
Will I still be able to get out and about?
Yes, but remember to think ahead when planning an evening or day out. If you are going somewhere unfamiliar, try to get information in advance, for example, make sure that lifts and parking/transport facilities are nearby. If you find yourself getting fairly tired on longer walks, having access to a wheelchair for occasional use may be helpful. Many shopping centres and supermarkets have wheelchairs available and short-term loans may be available through your local Red Cross or hospital service. You may also be entitled to a disabled badge for parking the car - check with your local Social Work Department.
If you are travelling long distances by rail or air, advise the operator when booking your seats as additional help is often available to you. You will need travel insurance when travelling abroad. This can often be expensive and it is advisable to shop around for the best deal (it is usually cheaper six months after completion of last treatment). Ask your GP for advice if you are travelling with drugs, particularly morphine. A free Health Advice for Travellers booklet is available over the counter at post offices or by calling the Health Literature Line on Freephone: 0800 555 777. The Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation produce a free leaflet on travel insurance. To receive a copy please contact the Roy Castle Lung Cancer Helpline on: 0800 358 7200.