What causes extreme fatigue that makes it hard to read or watch TV with myeloma?
Extreme fatigue with myeloma is incredibly challenging and you're not alone in feeling this way. A MyMyelomaTeam member shared, "Some days, just getting up to use the bathroom seemed too much."
This level of fatigue usually comes from Show Full Answer
What causes extreme fatigue that makes it hard to read or watch TV with myeloma?
Extreme fatigue with myeloma is incredibly challenging and you're not alone in feeling this way. A MyMyelomaTeam member shared, "Some days, just getting up to use the bathroom seemed too much."
This level of fatigue usually comes from multiple factors working together:
Physical causes:
- Anemia (low red blood cells) affects 60-70% of people at diagnosis, reducing oxygen to your body
- High cytokine levels causing inflammation
- Pain from bone damage or nerve issues
- The myeloma itself disrupting your bone marrow
Treatment-related causes:
- Chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and other myeloma treatments commonly cause fatigue
- Pain medications like opioids can increase tiredness
Emotional factors:
- Anxiety and depression from diagnosis
- Stress about health, finances, and relationships
Lifestyle impacts:
- Poor nutrition or difficulty absorbing nutrients
- Dehydration
- Reduced physical activity
The good news is that as your myeloma treatment progresses and becomes more effective, fatigue often improves. Focus on what can be addressed: managing pain, improving nutrition, and getting support for anxiety.
Practice self-compassion during this time. As one member advised, "Take it easy and don't overdo it. Your body is telling you to relax!"
Talk with your healthcare team about which specific factors might be causing your extreme fatigue so they can help address them.
March 7
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