Many years ago, I was diagnosed with a rare autoimmune disease that essentially affects how my body regulates itself. I have learned to deal with most of the limitations that my illness imposes, but the one thing that I can’t seem to accept is the chronic fatigue. I had always had a sunny disposition and seemingly boundless energy, but I had to learn that, for the most part, I only had enough juice to accomplish one or two activities a day. The rest of my time is spent resting so I can recharge my battery. I once read that many people would rather give up a limb in exchange for getting their energy back. I am one of those people, but I have recently learned it doesn’t have to be a binary choice.

When I decided to get involved in raising money to increase breast cancer awareness, I discovered that breast cancer patients and survivors deal with fatigue that is similar to mine. So I set out to understand what breast cancer-related fatigue is, and what can be done to minimize it.  Breast cancer researchers have started to pay more an more attention to Cancer Related Fatigue (CRF) because it adversely affects so many of their patients. It differs from the simple tiredness that you get from doing too much or feeling run down because you’re sick. The easiest way to diagnose yourself is to pay attention to whether or not your fatigue improves after napping. If it does, it is likely that you are just plain tired. In that case, sleeping better should do the trick. If napping doesn’t make a significant difference, you probably have Cancer Related Fatigue (CRF.) CRF is defined as a persistent, whole-body exhaustion that you can’t ignore. For me, there are times it is so bad that even when I am really thirsty, I am still too tired sit up so I can get to the glass of water on my night table. Other telltale signs may be difficulty concentrating and/or finding it is hard to concentrate or accomplish even what used to be part of your daily routine. CRF is not like depression. With fatigue that comes from depression you don’t want to get out of bed because you are overwhelmed with difficult emotions and feelings of hopelessness. With CRF you want to get out of bed, but you physically can’t. However, CRF can lead to depression because of the limitations it causes in your life.

While CRF is a symptom in and of itself, there are other factors that make it worse including pain, nausea and diarrhea, dehydration, infections, lowered blood counts, and the affects of sudden menopausal symptoms. Another big factor is the sedating effects of the some of the medications you are required to take. The first advice I want to give you is DON”T LET YOUR DOCTOR BLOW YOU OFF WHEN YOU COMPLAIN OF FATIGUE! Go to your oncologist or internist specifically for this problem and ask for a CRF assessment. More than likely, there are things that can be done and adjustments that can be made. If your medical professional tells you to try to get more exercise, use you purse as a weapon to whack them over the head! Then, firmly explain that you are there so you can have enough energy to be able to exercise more. Then, you might want to consider another doctor who is willing to do a comprehensive review all of your symptoms and order any necessary tests so you can get the treatment you need. Since many doctors are still in the dark regarding CRF, try going online to https://www.cancer.gov/ and search for Cancer Related Fatigue. There is quite a bit of useful information there.

Finally, I have found a miracle cure that I resisted for far too long but really works for me. My daughter has an autoimmune disease that is similar to mine, and she has suffered from the same debilitating fatigue that I experience. About a year ago, she was also diagnosed with adult ADHD. Her doctor put her on Adderall for the ADHD. Much to her surprise and delight, the Adderall helped her with her fatigue as well. For months she begged me to try it, but I am very sensitive to stimulants including coffee, tea, coke and chocolate. Also, I am already on what I consider to be way too much medication and wasn’t looking to add any more. Finally, she convinced me to try it, and it has been life changing.

Never try new medication without telling your doctor first. I immediately called my internist who is an outstanding and compassionate physician. I told him what I did and he told me he hadn’t heard about taking Adderall for that purpose. He offered to consult a psychiatrist with whom he is friendly. Later that day, my doctor called me back and said that taking Adderall was a common treatment for chronic fatigue. So, if you are too tired to get out of bed, and even more tired of being tired all the time, consider being proactive about it. I bet you’ll be taking a walk around the block with the wind at your back before you know it!