Multiple myeloma-related fatigue

If you’re living with multiple myeloma, you may feel very tired or not have the energy to do day-to-day activities. Fatigue is the name for tiredness that doesn’t go away after rest or sleep. Almost everyone with myeloma experiences fatigue at some point.¹

Below we’ve shared some of the reasons you may be experiencing fatigue and suggested some tips to help you cope with it.

What causes multiple myeloma-related fatigue?

One of the main causes of myeloma-related fatigue is anaemia. This means having a lower-than-normal number of red blood cells in the blood. In turn, this means less oxygen is carried around your body, which can make you feel tired or weak.^1,2

Many treatments for myeloma cause side effects. Some of these cause fatigue.³  It’s important to balance the benefits of taking a treatment with the potential side effects, to decide the best treatment for you.

Ways to help you cope with fatigue

Fatigue is a type of tiredness that doesn’t go away with rest. But some people are able to manage their fatigue with lifestyle choices.¹ We’ve shared some of these below:

Food and diet

• Getting good nutrition from food is an important part of keeping the body healthy. This means including a good balance of protein, carbohydrates, fats, fibre, vitamins, and minerals. For some people, vitamins or other supplements may be prescribed to help reduce fatigue.^1,4
• Drinking plenty of water is important, as being dehydrated can sometimes make fatigue worse. Most people in the UK are recommended to drink 2 to 2 and a half litres of fluid each day.¹
• Remember, it’s important to speak to your doctor or healthcare team before making any dietary changes. They will be able to let you know what is appropriate.

Exercise and activities

• It may sound strange, but physical activity and exercise may help with feelings of fatigue. This is because a lack of physical activity may make some people feel more tired and less able to sleep. A lack may also lead to low or frustrated feelings, especially if they used to be very active.^1,4
• Yoga may be a nice, gentle exercise to help to improve energy levels.
• Since having multiple myeloma can cause pain and bone damage, it is important to talk to a doctor before beginning any new exercises or activities so that they can discuss any possible risks. They may also provide a referral to a physiotherapist who can put together a personalised exercise plan for you.¹

How to talk to doctors about fatigue

Fatigue can be difficult for doctors to recognise, as there isn’t a test to measure it. Instead, doctors rely on how someone describes their fatigue to them. The questions below might help you to describe your fatigue to a doctor:⁵

• When did the fatigue start?
• When did you first notice that this fatigue was worse than fatigue or tiredness you’ve had before?
• How long has it lasted?
• Does anything make it better? Worse?
• Are there times of the day when you notice it more?
• How has the fatigue affected the things you do every day or the activities that give meaning and enjoyment to your life?