Many people, with all types of cardiomyopathy, say that they feel fatigued, this can be due to the condition itself as well as being caused by some medications. It doesn’t necessarily correlate with your heart function.
"I've lived with fatigue ever since I was put on medication"
"Yesterday I told my husband that it felt like my batteries were flat"
"I can be ok for a few days then spend a whole afternoon resting and sleeping as I feel burnt out"
Conserving energy will improve your ability to carry out your usual daily routine. It is important to avoid over exertion as this will then lead to you having to take unplanned rest, such as sleeping later in the day.
The three Ps of energy conservation
- This is a good way to stay in control!
- Routine is really helpful
- Think about the best time of day to carry out certain activities
- Break tasks down into smaller parts
- See if you can get help with anything
- Think about what is most important to achieve that day
- Think about what is realistic and achievable
- Spread out a task and take things slowly
- Stick to routine where possible
- Stop before you are too tired
The Spoons Theory
Think of your energy being measured out by spoons. You need to work out how many spoons-worth you need to carry out that day’s activity.
We would recommend talking to your cardiologist to try and decipher whether your fatigue is due to your cardiomyopathy or medications and whether a medication adjustment might help.
You might wish to consider attending an online or in person support group, further information can be found here Find a Cardiomyopathy Support Group | Cardiomyopathy or speak to someone via our Heart to Heart peer support service. Information can be found here Heart to Heart | Cardiomyopathy UK
You can also contact our cardiomyopathy specialist nurse via our help-line on 0800 018 1024 Monday to Friday 830am-430pm/ webchat/ email. Information can be found here Speak to a nurse | Cardiomyopathy UK