Coping with fatigue

Fatigue is regarded as one of the most pervasive and distressing symptom patients with myeloma have to deal with, which can be hugely detrimental to their quality of life. Therefore, it is crucial for nurses to work with patients to reduce the impact it has and to maintain the best possible quality of life. Nurses should:

• Ensure patients understand the importance of reporting signs of fatigue as early as possible
• Help patients make adjustments that will aid activities of daily living such as bathing, eating, dressing and moving around easier. Where appropriate, coordinate referrals to occupational therapy or physiotherapy
• Help patients establish a good sleep routine and encourage then to go to bed and to get up at the same time every day so that the body has a routine sleep pattern
• Encourage patients to take appropriate periods of rest but discourage prolonged periods of sleep during the day
• Ensure patients are getting enough energy from the food they eat. Where appropriate, coordinate referral to the dietician for nutritional guidance
• Discuss with patients the potential benefits of complementary therapies such as relaxation techniques, aromatherapy, reflexology
• Advise patients to plan activities for when they have the most energy and to use their limited energy wisely
• Encourage patients to do gentle exercise (e.g. swimming, walking) regularly to reduce fatigue. If patients have limited mobility, they can still exercise while sitting by lifting arms and legs, rotating their ankles etc

Nurses also play an important role in assessing whether patients require additional referral to other colleagues e.g. occupational therapy, physiotherapy, counselling. Read more about how to help patients manage their fatigue in our Myeloma Nurse Guide.