FATIGUE: Tiredness, lack of energy, and fatigue are common problems with HIV+ women.

Does it take all of your energy just to get out of bed in the morning? Then somehow you manage to get the kids ready for school, only to find that 10 minutes after they’re out the door that you don’t have enough energy to eat your own breakfast?

Well, you’re not alone. Research has shown that the majority of people living with HIV/AIDS suffer from fatigue. Not surprisingly, they also found that fatigue was more common in women than men.

The cause of fatigue: Fatigue is not caused by one specific activity, but is the result of several different things.

Many times fatigue can be caused by something as simple as too little sleep or having your sleep interrupted sometime during the night. (Do the words “Mommy I’m thirsty” sound familiar?)

Depression and anxiety, two things that are quite common for people living with HIV/AIDS, can also cause loss of energy. Research shows that depression and anxiety are more commonly found in women than men.

Fatigue can also be a side effect of many of the anti-HIV-drugs; some of these drugs can also cause anemia, which can lower your energy level.

So, if there are a number of different causes, are there any answers?

Reducing Fatigue:

There are a number of things that help.

• Let’s talk about the hard stuff first—putting yourself and your health first. It is very common for women to care for their partner and family before they think of their own health needs. To combat fatigue, you may have to ask someone else for a little help to increase the amount of uninterrupted sleep you get each night. This may mean finding someone to share some of your parenting responsibilities, finding a way to cool down those hot flashes, or letting the cat sleep in another room.
  
  
• See a nutritionist who is experienced with creating diets for people living with HIV and have her do a complete evaluation of your eating habits. If you’re having trouble eating because of nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea let her know—she may have some suggestions. Nutrition and exercise (yes, exercise!) are crucial for maintaining energy and stamina and fighting off fatigue.
  
  
• If you are feeling depressed or “overwhelmed,” see a mental health professional—he also might have some suggestions that can lift your spirits. Again, it is important to ask for help from others, including friends, family, and healthcare professionals.
  
  
• Talk to your doctor about your fatigue and ask her to check your red blood count to determine if you are anemic. If you are anemic, there are a couple of different options you can discuss with your doctor. Some people have blood transfusions; others are given an injection of erythropoetin (Procrit) a couple of times a week.
  
  
• Low levels of testosterone (even in women) can also cause fatigue, so you ask your doctor to check your levels. If you are having horrible side effects from your drug cocktails, let your doctor know. Together you can discuss other possible drug choices or other medications to reduce the side effects.
  
  
• Another option is to see a Doctor of Naturopathy to explore alternative therapies. Many people with HIV have reported having success fighting fatigue by taking the following supplements: yoshimbine, ginseng, DHEA, and carinatine.

So next time you collapse in a heap the second the kids are out the door, remember to take some time for yourself. Pick up the phone and make an appointment with your doctor to discuss your options, and know that it is often necessary to ask others for help. Remember, you will be able to care for your family and friends better if you have more energy, and you can only get that by taking care of yourself.

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