How to talk about fatigue

Some people find that it can help to talk to other people who have had fatigue. You may be able to speak to someone at a local support group. Our cancer information service| can give you details of local support groups. Talking to other patients at the hospital can be helpful.

If you find it very difficult to cope with your fatigue you may find counselling helpful. You can talk through your feelings and help find ways of dealing with them. You could contact the Cancer Counselling Trust|.

Talking to your doctor or nurse

Prepare for your next appointment with your doctor or nurse by writing down questions that you want to ask.

Never be embarrassed to ask them to repeat and explain anything that you don’t understand.

Your care and wellbeing is the doctors’ and nurses’ priority, so describe all of your symptoms to them. It can be difficult for anyone to understand how much fatigue can affect your life, and how distressing it can be, unless they have experienced it themselves. For this reason you may need to emphasise to your doctors and nurses the difficulties that it causes for you.

Discuss everyday actions that you find difficult, such as climbing stairs, cooking or bathing. If you have kept a fatigue diary you can bring it in to share with the health professionals looking after you.

It can often be difficult to discuss emotions, especially when you are ill, for fear of upsetting yourself and others. Try not to let embarrassment stop you discussing your emotions with your doctors and nurses. It may help if you take someone to the appointment with you. When you have fatigue it can be difficult to remember what the doctor or nurse has said and your relative or friend can help to fill in the gaps.

Specific questions you may like to ask:

• What could be causing my fatigue?
• What treatments may help me?
• How can I cope with my fatigue?
• What help is available?
• How can I best support my relative who has fatigue?
• What can I do to help reduce my fatigue?