No energy!

By breathlessinlaketahoe

1 min read

Today is one of those days I have no energy to do anything! Some days I’m good and can be very productive, but the next day I don’t want to do anything! I feel worn out and don’t even want to leave the house. I do try to do at least two things even if it’s just changing the sheets on my bed, or doing laundry and washing the dishes! But it doesn’t really get rid of the down feeling inside me!!

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Leon Lebowitz, RRT Member
Hi breathlessinlaketahoe - thanks for this post. We hear you! For many who live with COPD, the feeling of fatigue seems to accompany the condition. Do you feel this way every day? From what you've shared, i'm thinking it happens to you from time to time., rather than every day. It's good to hear you've set goals for yourself (even on these type days) and, if you can stick to them, all the better. Sometimes you may find it's best to listen to what your body is telling you and act accordingly. You may find it's better to take it easy and be kinder to yourself when you get this feeling. On day's when you aren't as fatigued, you'll probably be able to do more, as you would like. Wishing you well, Leon (site moderator)
linhe Member
If in a days time you change the sheets on your bed, do laundry and wash dishes.............to me THAT IS a days work. It takes all I can muster to get a shower and get dressed, brush my teeth, wash my face and comb my hair in the morning. So I feel accomplished if I'm able to tackle anything else. For me to get rid of feeling depressed or down..............I call one of my friends or make a lunch date. Spend time with someone you care about who can make you smile and feel good about yourself.. ~Linda~
dessy Member
Hi there, have also found I get very tired. It does not take much and I want to sit down and rest, thank you to the website, I had not realised the bloating was due to food intake, I am great on empty tummy, then get so hungry have bigger food intake than I should, then tired and girky tummy. Thank you all for such great insight to this problem. I am 4th stage copd, on 24hr oxygen
1. Lyn Harper, MPA, BSRT, RRT, AE-C Moderator
 Hi dessy - I'm so gld to hear that you're finding the information here helpful. I've heard many people comment about the bloating and not realizing what it was from. Seems like such a small thing until you have to deal with it! Best - Lyn (site moderator)
2. Leon Lebowitz, RRT Member
 Hi dessy and thanks for your post. In view of your stated concern with feeling tired, I thought you might find it helpful to look over this material on that very topic: <a href='https://copd.net/living/tired-vs-copd-tired' target='_blank'>https://copd.net/living/tired-vs-copd-tired/</a>. We appreciate your input and also your kind words regarding this site. We're glad to have you here! Leon (site moderator)
sardonicus Member
HI breathlessinlaketahoe: For me fatigue is one of the worst things about this illness. I sleep way too much and I never get enough it seems. I used to have a lot of energy. Once I had terrible insomnia, in fact one night I was awake all night. I had an appointment the next day with my therapist. She was shocked that I did not cancel. After the appointment I went shopping! I was quite tired as the night wore on but did not go to sleep until 10. All my life I was an night owl, so when I started getting fatigued during the day it was a real downer. You have my sympathy and my support...........sardonicus.
mandik1957 Member
The no energy aspect was very difficult to deal with. It certainly didn't help with the mental side of this disease. A few months ago, my pulmonologist suggested I try the Trilogy ventilator at night. The bipap machine wasn't working for me and he was hoping the Trilogy would. Wow, what a difference!! After the initial adjustment period, I feel so much better. No more morning headaches, less pain and a lot more energy! I was amazed how much better I felt. Brain fog lifted also. I am on oxygen 24/7, so there are still challenges I face. Being exhausted during the day isn't one of them now. Not sure if it will work for you, but wanted to share my experience with you! Take care.
1. mandik1957 Member
 Thanks Leon, I am so impressed with how much better I feel. I want others to know Trilogy may be helpful for them as well. I do sleep so much sounder. Not tossing and turning all night. I didn't realize it was due to inadequate oxygen intake. Better sleep means more energy during the day. I am far more active because of it. Thank you for the great tips,information and support you and the rest of the team provide! 
2. Leon Lebowitz, RRT Member
 Hi again, Mandik - it's my pleasure. Thanks so much for your response (below) explaining further about how the Trilogy machine works so well for you! I think you have a good understanding of your condition and also what works for you. The more one knows about COPD, the better able they will be to manage it. You are a good example of that! Keep up the good work! We appreciate your comments here. Warmly, Leon (site moderator)
susie123 Member
It sounds like you need to talk with someone. Be it a close friend or a therapist, talk with someone as you sound depressed.
beverlydemarco Member
Today I got up this morning and first thing to do was my NEIBULIZER treatment , that makes me feel so much better, than took my STILOTO INHALER, THEN I TOOK A SHOWER WITH THE WINDOW OPEN AND BATHROOM FAN ON, IT TOOK A WHILE BUT I FORCED MYSELF TO DO IT I LEFT THE OXYGEN CANOLA OUTSIDE THE SHOWER DOOR IN CASE I NEEDED IT IN A HURRY. I FINALLY GOT DRESSED. I FIXED SOME POACH EGGS AND TOAST AND BY THEN I WAS EXHAUSTED. BUT AT LEASE I ACCOMPLISHED SOMETHING . STILL DONT HAVE ENOUGH ENERGY TO TAKE A LITTLE WALK SO I WALKED IN MY HOUSE UP AND DOWN THE HALLWAY A FEW MINUTES . I AM A BIG BASEBALL FAN OF NEW YORK YANKEES SO WHEN THE GAME CAME ON I WOULD WALK AT EVERY COMMERCIAL.A LITTLE IS BETTER THAN NONE. I WILL START PULMONARY REHAB IN TWO MORE DAYS AND HOPING I CAN KEEP UP WITH THAT
1. Lyn Harper, MPA, BSRT, RRT, AE-C Moderator
 Hi Beverly - Sounds like you had quite a day! I love that you make due with what you have when it comes to getting exercise. That's great. What little walking you can do, even in your house, is better than none at all. I can't wait to hear what you think of pulmonary rehab! I know you're going to benefit so much! Best, Lyn (site moderator)
beverlydemarco Member
Hi Mandik, Could you tell me what a Trilogy Ventilator is? I am willing to try anything to give me Energy. Thanks Beverly
1. mandik1957 Member
 Hi Beverly, the Trilogy is a ventilator similar to a Cpap that I wear at night. It improves my breathing and oxygen intake when I'm sleeping. I also have a problem with high C02 levels which has improved since using the Trilogy. I'm the article Leon made available for can explain much better than I. All I know, is how much better I feel now, than before. Not sure why I'm having such better results than I did with the Bipap machine. At any rate, I hope this is helpful and you find what works best for you
2. Leon Lebowitz, RRT Member
 Hi Mandik, and thanks for chiming in with your own answer for Beverly. We really appreciate you sharing your own personal experiences with the Trilogy machine and how successful you are using it. Personal anecdotes means so much to the community! Keep up the good work! Leon (site moderator)
msplantladi Member
I think you just described my life as well as everyone else who has copd. Seems I have now completely reversed from energizer bunny to "darn that couch looks really good". I am gotta get done type of gal-need that feeling of being productive-now there are more days then I care to admit that if the the house is presentable and the pets are fed I am ok with that, well not really but I lead a very active sometimes not so smart life and this is now the price I must pay so I try to go with the flow and take each day as it comes. Try not to be to hard on yourself, listen to happy music or just go for a short walk even if its just around inside your house-breath easy 😀
1. Leon Lebowitz, RRT Member
 Hi msplantladi, and thank your for chiming in here with your own personal experiences as well as your support. We appreciate your input. Leon (site moderator)
linnie Member
That describes me exactly! No one understands how that can happen but it does.
1. Leon Lebowitz, RRT Member
 Hi Linnie, and thanks for joining in this conversation. Our community actually does understand how this happens. You are in the right place, here at <a href='https://copd.net' target='_blank'>COPD.net</a>. All the best, Leon (site moderator)