Fatigue seems to be something that all SAH survivors experience on Behind the Gray, to a lesser or greater degree. The definition of Fatigue - Fatigue (also called exhaustion, lethargy, languidness, languor, lassitude, and listlessness) is a weariness caused by exertion. It can describe a range of afflictions, varying from a general state of lethargy to a specific work-induced burning sensation within one's muscles. It can be both physical and mental. Physical fatigue is the inability to continue functioning at the level of one's normal abilities. Mental fatigue, on the other hand, rather manifests in somnolence. Somnolence (or "drowsiness") is a state of near-sleep, a strong desire for sleep, or sleeping for unusually long periods (c.f. hypersomnia). It has two distinct meanings, referring both to the usual state preceding falling asleep, and the chronic condition referring to being in that state independent of a circadian rhythm.” (Quoted from Wikipedia) Many SAH survivors on this website, would agree that the fatigue factor, does slowly improve with time, but many survivors still seem to experience fatigue many months and years after their SAH and still consider it to be problematic in their day to day life. Many would also say, that they haven’t returned to normal levels of activity since their SAH and that when they have increased periods of activity, they then have to make allowances, either by making sure that they have a period of rest before the activity, or that they can allow themselves a period of rest after the activity. The level of fatigue can also depend on other factors, such as whether we are experiencing depression, anxiety etc. The reason for the continuing fatigue that many of us suffer following a SAH is still not entirely clear. The bleed is often around the area of the Pituitary gland and Hypothalamus, hence, posing the question of a possible endocrine dysfunction. Hopefully, more research will be carried out in this area, as it's clear that many SAH survivors would benefit and enjoy a better quality of life post SAH, if the fatigue issue could be helped, even if it couldn't be entirely resolved. (I would also advise any SAH survivor, to visit their GP to rule out other possible causes, if they feel that their fatigue is excessive or worsening.) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hypothalamus http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pituitary_gland Individual accounts of fatigue from Behind the Gray members can be found below : - (If you are reading this article from the homepage, then please click on the words below "read more"...to access individual accounts of fatigue)
|
“During my own recovery, I have found the support of others who have been affected by a SAH/Stroke to have been a great comfort. To be able to communicate with fellow sufferers and share experiences is of paramount importance and a great aid to recovery.”
