Preventing Fatigue Due to Lupus

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Preventing Fatigue Due to Lupus

from

Lupus : A Patient Care Guide

Fatigue

is a very common complaint of all people with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), even when no other symptoms of active

disease are present. The fatigue of lupus isn’t just being tired. You may

feel an extreme fatigue that interferes with many aspects of your daily life.

You may find that you are unable to participate in your normal pattern of daily

activities, such as working, caring for your family and home, or participating

in social activities. The exact cause of this fatigue is not known.

Your

doctor and nurse will probably ask you about your lifestyle and patterns of

daily living and activity. They will also evaluate your overall fitness,

health, nutrition, and ability to handle stress. Your doctor or nurse will then

be able to advise you about how your fatigue can be reduced. It is important to

remember that getting enough rest, maintaining physical fitness, and keeping

stress under control are absolutely necessary for anyone with lupus.

Changes

in your lifestyle and patterns of daily living and activity may not be easy to

accept. In addition, the changes necessary for you to cope with your disease

today may be different from the changes you may have to make later as your

disease changes. A positive attitude and a well-thought-out, but flexible, plan

of action will increase the chances that you can make these changes

successfully.

Caring For Yourself

§

Get enough sleep. You may be

able to get by on 8 hours a night, or you may need more.

§

Plan for additional rest periods

throughout the day, as needed. Do not exhaust yourself.

§

Getting enough rest does not

mean no activity at all. A well-designed exercise

program is important to maintaining strength, endurance, and overall fitness.

§

Every week, make a simple plan

of your work and activities. The plan can help you organize the events of

your life and ensure that you have a good balance of rest and activity.

§

Each day, review your plan and

decide if you are physically up to the activities for that day. Be flexible;

if you don’t have the strength to do an activity today, do it another

time.

§

Don’t try to complete a

large task or project all at one time; divide it into several steps.

§

Eat a well-balanced diet.

§

Dealing with stressful issues

and problems takes a lot of energy. If you feel stressed out, talk with your

doctor or nurse. They may be able to provide you with help for your problem

or direct you to someone else who can.

Hugs,

Deanna