Ok, some of you who know me are probably saying, here he goes again, talking about fatigue. And yes, I have written previously on this subject, but since I have been getting a little off topic lately, and I recently came in contact with an old business associate, who claimed he was suffering from fatigue, I thought it appropriate to rehash my feelings again.
The business associate I referred to, had recently suffered an attack of shingles. I was surprised because that is a condition very common among lymphoma and leukemia patients, and those with compromised immune systems. It is especially common among those who have undergone some sort of chemotherapy, and he didn't have any of that.
He had always been a very strong and competitive cyclist, an since he was in the later stages of recovery, I asked him if he had been riding his bike lately. He indicated that he was unable, due to fatigue.
We ended up talking about fatigue a little, even reminiscing over chronic fatigue syndrome experienced by some elite women cyclists in the late 80's, which was attributed to the Epstein Barr Virus. I chose not to convey my beliefs about fatigue then, instead preferring to write about it today.
My belief is, in the absense of a low hemoglobin count, fatigue is not real, but rather it is a manifestation of depression.
And just what are my qualifications to be able to express an opinion on this subject?
First off, I have been diagnosed with a Mantle Cell Lymphoma (MCL), a terminal cancer. So I think I can certainly speak to problems with depression. And secondly, one of the listed symptoms of MCL is fatigue. So I should be an authority on that subject also. Not only that, but I actually have a low hemoglobin count, which has been fluctuating right around 13 for the past several months. (Reference range of 14 - 18). So I would even have a medical basis for claiming fatigue, if I so desired.
The last two days are perfect examples. Both mornings, I had to literally drag myself out of bed. I will admit that nature had something to do with that, but I could have easily gone back to bed, and stayed there all morning, had I the desire. After all, why would I want to get up? The temperature was 65.5F, and "June Gloom" was in its glory. "June Gloom" is a major cause of depression for many, so I would have had a great excuse.
But I chose to stay up, mainly because I knew if I didn't, I would regret it later. Plus I was committed to meeting the old gang on Saturday for our newly resurrected classic ride.
So I dragged myself downstairs, and turned on my computer. (NOTE: It's amazing how much my life revolves around the computer, but it is a great outlet and diversion from real life. A few people had written to the various listservs (newsgroups) I belong to, but for the most part, activity quiets down quite a bit during the weekend. It's good to know that most people actually have a life beyond the internet.)
Anywaze to get back to the point at hand. While I was up, I still didn't feel that great. Remember "June Gloom"? I moped around the house a bit, then Edie made bacon and eggs. That always perks me up a bit, for what ever reason. I guess maybe after eating the eggs and the bacon, I know it's even more vital to go for a bike ride to work off those extra calories.
Sunday was basically the same, except instead of meeting friends for a ride, I was spurred on by the fact that the scale said I weighed 164 pounds, which was the direct result of having stuffed myself with lots of food and wine at a friends house Saturday night. Thanks Pat! :)
But just getting on the bike changes everything. Even though I am depressed to start, seeing old friends, and pushing myself beyond what I think I am capable of, seems to make me forget all the reasons I was depressed in the first place. I only wish I was as strong as I was when I was 40.
So the next time you think you're fatigued, think again. Unless your hemoglobin is low, you don't have a good excuse. The fatigue is more likely a result of depression, and my best advice is to drag your butt out of bed and out of the house. You won't regret it.
You'll only regret it if you don't!
Oh, and BTW, the sun has been coming out around noon the last couple of days, giving us back our typical SoCal June. It's cool and overcast in the morning, sunny and warmer in the afternoon. Absolutely perfect days.
The business associate I referred to, had recently suffered an attack of shingles. I was surprised because that is a condition very common among lymphoma and leukemia patients, and those with compromised immune systems. It is especially common among those who have undergone some sort of chemotherapy, and he didn't have any of that.
He had always been a very strong and competitive cyclist, an since he was in the later stages of recovery, I asked him if he had been riding his bike lately. He indicated that he was unable, due to fatigue.
We ended up talking about fatigue a little, even reminiscing over chronic fatigue syndrome experienced by some elite women cyclists in the late 80's, which was attributed to the Epstein Barr Virus. I chose not to convey my beliefs about fatigue then, instead preferring to write about it today.
My belief is, in the absense of a low hemoglobin count, fatigue is not real, but rather it is a manifestation of depression.
And just what are my qualifications to be able to express an opinion on this subject?
First off, I have been diagnosed with a Mantle Cell Lymphoma (MCL), a terminal cancer. So I think I can certainly speak to problems with depression. And secondly, one of the listed symptoms of MCL is fatigue. So I should be an authority on that subject also. Not only that, but I actually have a low hemoglobin count, which has been fluctuating right around 13 for the past several months. (Reference range of 14 - 18). So I would even have a medical basis for claiming fatigue, if I so desired.
The last two days are perfect examples. Both mornings, I had to literally drag myself out of bed. I will admit that nature had something to do with that, but I could have easily gone back to bed, and stayed there all morning, had I the desire. After all, why would I want to get up? The temperature was 65.5F, and "June Gloom" was in its glory. "June Gloom" is a major cause of depression for many, so I would have had a great excuse.
But I chose to stay up, mainly because I knew if I didn't, I would regret it later. Plus I was committed to meeting the old gang on Saturday for our newly resurrected classic ride.
So I dragged myself downstairs, and turned on my computer. (NOTE: It's amazing how much my life revolves around the computer, but it is a great outlet and diversion from real life. A few people had written to the various listservs (newsgroups) I belong to, but for the most part, activity quiets down quite a bit during the weekend. It's good to know that most people actually have a life beyond the internet.)
Anywaze to get back to the point at hand. While I was up, I still didn't feel that great. Remember "June Gloom"? I moped around the house a bit, then Edie made bacon and eggs. That always perks me up a bit, for what ever reason. I guess maybe after eating the eggs and the bacon, I know it's even more vital to go for a bike ride to work off those extra calories.
Sunday was basically the same, except instead of meeting friends for a ride, I was spurred on by the fact that the scale said I weighed 164 pounds, which was the direct result of having stuffed myself with lots of food and wine at a friends house Saturday night. Thanks Pat! :)
But just getting on the bike changes everything. Even though I am depressed to start, seeing old friends, and pushing myself beyond what I think I am capable of, seems to make me forget all the reasons I was depressed in the first place. I only wish I was as strong as I was when I was 40.
So the next time you think you're fatigued, think again. Unless your hemoglobin is low, you don't have a good excuse. The fatigue is more likely a result of depression, and my best advice is to drag your butt out of bed and out of the house. You won't regret it.
You'll only regret it if you don't!
Oh, and BTW, the sun has been coming out around noon the last couple of days, giving us back our typical SoCal June. It's cool and overcast in the morning, sunny and warmer in the afternoon. Absolutely perfect days.
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