Feeling extremely tired and fatigued

If you have other medications, like statins or pain relief medication, or have changed other medications recently, then you may be looking at the cumulative response.

I will use myself as an example. I was bowling along nicely on hormone therapy and then I damaged my back.  Two MRI scans confirmed spinal stenosis, which reflected my age. I was put on a drug called pregabalin which added to the fatigue.

It is only as I have begun to use the exercises prescribed by my physio that I have been able to control the sense of permanent lethargy. Now I am gradually getting it all back together.

The weirdest thing about fatigue appears to be that you have to grit your teeth and do things which make you tired to overcome it.

It is really annoying, but it works.

Hello Warrior68 . There is a good information sheet from PCUK on fatigue which might give you a couple of tips. No two men react to the hormone therapy in the same way but fatigue is very common and the level you are experiencing is not uncommon.

https://prostatecanceruk.org/prostate-information-and-support/living-with-prostate-cancer/fatigue

As you are on Abiraterone I presume you are also on steroids - you could possibly ask the experts about adjusting dosage to see if this helps.

There has been some discussion on the forum recently about effects that a B12 deficiency can have on energy levels so maybe something to ask about when you have your blood tests.

How do you feel about complementary therapies like acupuncture, mindfulness, physiotherapy or massage. My husband has regular sessions with an osteopath which he finds helpful. Your doctor should be able to help organise this.

Exercise is really the best thing for you even if it is just walking round the block.

Some men find that it helps if they have a purpose for getting out of the home such as going to a 'MensShed' or a prostate cancer group. This can also lift the mood.

I'm on Abiraterone and Prostap for 18 months so far, the fatigue is significant and I have several energy crashes a day, though usually I recover in about 15-20 minutes.

I do find gym work really helps. Even with zero energy, I would encourage you to go to the gym a few times a week, and if you have the option, have a weekly session with a personal trainer. It helps with motivation and in ensuring you're doing the right exercises and doing them correctly. It may take a few weeks to make a difference but it does work, I've added gym sessions a few months after starting my treatment and it made a massive difference.

hope this helps

G

Hi.
6 yers ago i went through the same prosess as you. Hormon therapy and radiation. During the treatment i had no energy, pain and fatigue covering my entire body. After treatment it gradually vanished and today I am in the shape to walk for hours. I still feel a kind of fatigue in the pelvic floor, but it has a minor impact upon my quality of life. It was a long journey with many ups and downs, but life isn't bad after all.
K