Alleviating exhaustion
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Exhaustion is often the symptom that plagues the terminally ill most.
Exhaustion can be expressed in many different ways: You tire more easily, and you can't manage the same things you used to. Perhaps you feel that you have no energy at all. It can also be tough to concentrate for longer periods of time.
Unfortunately, this "normal" exhaustion can sometimes become a chronic form, where you constantly feel a physical and emotional, mental exhaustion. Professionals call this type fatigue.
It's the type of exhaustion that you cannot sleep away, and your daily life will be characterised by a constant lack of energy. For those around you, it may be difficult to understand that you can't simply "pull yourself together", and therefore it's really important that you talk about this problem with your family and that your loved ones accept that only you can determine how tired you really are.
Speak to your doctor or palliative team about whether you have any other condition that may make you tired, for example an infection or depression, perhaps you have metabolism issues, or you may have a low blood count. You can also speak to your doctor if any of the medicines you are taking can make you tired. Maybe you have some drug that can be given in a smaller dose. Some people also take some "wake-up" agents that can work well. But you should also be aware that insufficient pain relief may absorb your energy and cause fatigue.
When you feel tired it's important that you consider the energy you have, and ensure you get some rest during the day, and make sure that you eat and sleep well, and drink plenty.
Ensure you get peace and quiet during the day. Don't put too much pressure on yourself. If you experience pain that isn't adequately treated it can aggravate your fatigue.
Ensure your food is healthy. Perhaps speak to your dietitian about the best possible diet.
A good idea is to segment your days into small "bits", and then switch between being active and being still. There is something to suggest that physical exercise and activity can counteract the feeling of tiredness, so go out into the fresh air and try to work out. It may give a better exhaustion than the one you have.
You might even benefit from a training program made just for you. It's a good idea to speak to a physiotherapist.
And again: Get a good nights' sleep. Prioritise your tasks and organise your days so the work best for you.
Choose activities that make you happy, give you energy and increase your quality of life, and accept all the help you can get, even if it's hard to accept that you no longer can do everything you once could do.
Ask your loved ones to help you with those tasks you can't manage right now.
Opdateret onsdag den 8. okt. 2025