Tips for managing fatigue. How would you describe your fatigue? How has it impacted your life?
I have lived with fatigue for decades. I had a great career and now I'm retired. There were times in my life when it was hard to explain fatigue to my boss or peers. Trying to explain to people the type of fatigue I was having that day was draining. I could be having social, emotional, physical, mental, or chronic pain today. No one understood.
How has fatigue impacted your life and how would you describe it to someone else so that they understood what you were going through?
Terrible
I will be 68 in a few months. I understand what you are saying. I have several chronic illnesses, and most people don't understand what I go through daily. What I have learned over the years is that most people believe that a chronic illness has a look. They think they should see it, so we are judged on outer appearance. Over the years, I have often had people tell me I don't looked sick. But, one thing I have learned is that having the support of our family is a pipe dream. Make sure you get on several kidney lists. Your daughter says that now, but if the time ever comes, and I hope it doesn't, her outlook might be different.
You keep your head up and stay strong!!
Diane (Member)thank you so much for your comment. I no longer feel alone. You’re right sometimes family don’t cut it. Tired is the word by surprise I slept eight hours Saturday night found myself napping off and on the next day Grace of God we have the patience
Debilitating
Hello
, You are on point with that. It's no fun waking up and can't drag yourself out of bed. Do you find yourself making excuses to people why you can't do something? Thanks for sharing.
Chronic
Hello
, I agree with you. This is an illness that can take every inch of your energy out of you. Do you find yourself making up excuses to people because of embarrassment? Thanks for sharing.
I agree it’s terribly and even more so because it comes at a time when you aren’t even aware it just hits you out of nowhere, so it’s not like you can plan a day off work for it! I get told to this day ‘Lazy’ I hate that word!!!! I can’t even imagine how others must feel, I just have to laugh it off when I get told that and sometimes I have such bad days I don’t want to get out bed but due to the lack of support I have I can’t call up and get someone to make me dinner today which is why I tend to make food that last longer than one nights dinner but fatigue is one of the most frustrating and stressful part of kidney failure that I stop telling people how I feel because I still hear that word ‘Lazy’.
Thanks for listening to me, Sabad (team member)thank you! 
You are so welcome! Have a great Labor Day. Cindy (TM)
